Cranberry Fruit Salad
A vibrant and refreshing cranberry fruit salad combining tart cranberries, sweet mandarin oranges, pineapple, and a hint of lemon, all set in a delicate raspberry gelatin. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a light dessert, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple and reserve the juice.
- Dissolve the raspberry jello in hot water.
- Add cold water, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and a dash of salt to the gelatin.
- Chill until the gelatin is partially set.
- Put the cranberries and orange through a food chopper.
- Add sugar, the drained pineapple, and mandarin oranges to the chopped fruit.
- Stir the fruit mixture into the partially set gelatin.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and chill until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, you can substitute black raspberry jello with strawberry or cherry flavors. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, use frozen ones but do not thaw them before adding to the mixture. Make sure to chop the orange finely to avoid large pieces in the salad. For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or mini marshmallows for a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Fruit Salad is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be served as a refreshing side dish. It pairs beautifully with Gloria'S Wedding Punch(Slush Punch) for a festive touch. Consider serving it alongside a main dish like Honey Glazed Ham or as part of a buffet spread with other American recipes to create a colorful and inviting table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The gelatin may lose some firmness over time, but the flavors will continue to meld. To refresh the texture, you can serve it chilled on a bed of fresh greens or with whipped cream as a dessert.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Fruit Salad contains roughly 97 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 899mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
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 prepared a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator, covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors. The flavors will develop and enhance overnight, making it even more delicious when served.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Unfortunately, this recipe is not vegan due to the use of gelatin, which is derived from animal products. However, you can substitute with a vegan gelatin alternative or agar-agar. This will give you a similar texture while keeping the dish plant-based.
What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?
If mandarin oranges are not available, you can use canned peach slices or fresh orange segments as a substitute. Additionally, you can add some diced kiwi for a tropical twist. Just ensure any canned fruits are drained well before adding them to the salad.
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).