Cranberry Mousse(Jello Salad)
A cool, fruity cranberry mousse with a hint of lemon and spice, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, combining tart cranberry, sweet pineapple, and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry flavored gelatin in boiling water.
- Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the juice, and add the juice to the gelatin mixture.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple, cranberry sauce, lemon juice, lemon peel, and ground nutmeg.
- Chill the mixture until it thickens.
- Fold in the sour cream, reserved pineapple, and chopped pecans.
- Pour into a glass serving bowl or an oiled 9-cup mold.
- Chill until set, at least 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you prefer a different fruit flavor, try using raspberry or orange flavored gelatin. Ensure you whisk the mixture well after adding the sour cream to avoid lumps. For added crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts or mini marshmallows, similar to a Very Good Marshmallow Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry mousse is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a light dessert after a rich meal. Serve it alongside savory dishes like Down Home Potato Salad or on its own with a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh cranberries or mint leaves for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the mousse's texture, avoid freezing it as it may separate upon thawing. If you need to reheat any portion, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, being careful not to cook it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Mousse(Jello Salad) contains roughly 498 calories, with 8g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 15g 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 use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
While fresh cranberries can be used, you'll need to cook them down with sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency. Canned whole-berry cranberry sauce is easier and more flavorful for this dish, as it provides the right sweetness and texture without additional steps.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this cranberry mousse vegan, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or silken tofu blended until smooth. Additionally, ensure the gelatin is replaced with a vegan alternative like agar-agar, as traditional gelatin is derived from animal products.
What can I do if my mousse doesn't set properly?
If your mousse doesn't set, it may be due to insufficient chilling time or not enough gelatin. If you notice this happening, refrigerate it longer or consider adding a bit more gelatin dissolved in warm water. Mixing it again gently before chilling can also help distribute the ingredients evenly.
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).