Cranberry Cream Salad
A refreshing cranberry cream salad combining tart cranberries, crunchy celery, and walnuts in a creamy, sweet gelatin base, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve sugar and gelatin in boiling water.
- Chill until thickened, but not firm.
- Add all remaining ingredients, mixing well until sour cream disappears.
- Top with walnuts, if desired.
- Chill until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a different flavor, try using raspberry or orange Jell-O instead of cherry or strawberry. Chopping the celery and walnuts finely ensures they blend well with the creamy mixture. To enhance the dish, add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Cream Salad is an excellent side dish for holiday meals or picnics, pairing well with turkey or ham. It also complements other festive dishes like California Pasta Salad for a delightful spread. Serve it in individual cups for a charming presentation or alongside Cocktail Cheese Crackers for a savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can be kept for up to 3 days. If you notice any separation, simply stir before serving. This dish is best enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat; serve it straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Cream Salad contains roughly 827 calories, with 12g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure it is well-covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The salad will firm up nicely overnight, making it a perfect addition to your meal prep.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch. Alternatively, chopped pecans or almonds work well if you want to keep it nut-based. Just be aware of allergies when serving to guests.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cranberry Cream Salad is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or meat by-products. However, always double-check the gelatin in the Jell-O, as some may prefer vegetarian gelatin alternatives made from agar-agar or pectin.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).