Cranberry Orange Jello Salad
A refreshing and tangy cranberry orange jello salad featuring citrus, cranberry sauce, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Section oranges; then finely dice and drain.
- Dissolve gelatin and salt in boiling water.
- Stir cranberry sauce until smooth and blend into gelatin.
- Chill until slightly thickened.
- Fold in diced oranges and nuts.
- Pour into 5 cup mold.
- Chill until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of canned mandarin oranges. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or pecans can be great substitutes for chopped nuts. To enhance the sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup. Also, be sure to stir the cranberry sauce thoroughly to avoid any lumps before combining it with the gelatin mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cranberry Orange Jello Salad as a refreshing side dish during holiday gatherings or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham and can be a delightful addition to a brunch spread. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Fresh Fruit On A Spit for a colorful dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat it, allow it to come to room temperature first before serving, as this dish is best enjoyed chilled. It can also be frozen for longer storage, but the texture may change once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Orange Jello Salad contains roughly 214 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 905mg 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
How can I make this dish more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider incorporating additional fruits like diced pineapple or pomegranate seeds for color and flavor. You can also garnish the salad with fresh mint leaves or serve it in individual cups for a more elegant presentation at holiday parties.
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).