Cranberry Delight Salad
Cranberry Delight Salad offers a festive blend of tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and creamy sour cream, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine pineapple juice and water to make 2 cups.
- Heat the mixture to boiling.
- Add the strawberry Jell-O and stir until dissolved.
- Stir in the whole cranberry sauce, lemon juice, lemon peel, and nutmeg.
- Chill until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add sour cream and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Fold in the crushed pineapple and chopped pecans.
- Pour the mixture into an 8-cup mold.
- Chill until the salad is firm.
- Unmold onto a serving plate.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon twists, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider substituting orange Jell-O for strawberry. If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid a watery salad. To enhance the texture, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding them. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be made a day in advance for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Delight Salad is a delightful addition to holiday meals and pairs beautifully with Supper Layer Casserole. Serve it as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert. Garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon twists for a pop of color. For a festive touch, consider serving it on a bed of mixed greens.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. If it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Delight Salad contains roughly 168 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 8g 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?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it is well-covered and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill thoroughly to enhance the flavors before serving. This makes it a great option for busy holiday preparations.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can omit the pecans entirely or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Slivered almonds or walnuts also work well if you want to maintain the nutty flavor profile.
How do I ensure the Jell-O dissolves completely?
Make sure to stir the boiling water and pineapple juice mixture thoroughly before adding the Jell-O. It helps to sprinkle the Jell-O powder evenly over the liquid and let it sit for a minute before stirring to ensure it dissolves fully without clumping.
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).