Cranberry Pecan Salad
A refreshing cranberry-pecan salad with tangy relish and creamy sour cream, perfect for holiday gatherings or light, flavorful side dishes for any celebration.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cherry gelatin with boiling water until dissolved.
- Add the cranberry-orange relish, diced celery, and chopped pecans to the gelatin mixture.
- Pour half of the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch dish and chill until firm.
- Spread sour cream over the chilled gelatin layer.
- Top with the remaining gelatin mixture and chill until fully firm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the gelatin mixture. If you're out of cherry gelatin, raspberry or strawberry gelatin can work as a substitute. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Be sure to chill the layers properly to achieve the desired firmness.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Pecan Salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Easy Buttery Rolls or can be served alongside roasted meats. Garnish with additional pecans or fresh cranberries for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If needed, you can reassemble the layers by gently microwaving for a few seconds to soften, but avoid heating too much as it may compromise the texture of the gelatin.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Pecan Salad contains roughly 567 calories, with 8g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g 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! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it's well-covered and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy holidays.
What can I use instead of cranberry-orange relish?
If you don't have cranberry-orange relish, you can create your own by mixing canned cranberry sauce with a bit of orange zest and juice. This will give you a similar flavor profile that works well in this salad.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cranberry Pecan Salad is entirely vegetarian. It contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients, making it a great option for those following vegetarian recipes. Just ensure your gelatin is plant-based if needed.
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).