Cranberry Salad(Super Easy And Excellent For Holiday Meals.)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry salad with pineapple and pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations, offering a refreshing and crunchy side dish.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (3 oz.) packages raspberry gelatin
  • 1/2 package unflavored gelatin
  • 16 oz. can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 20 oz. can crushed pineapple (undrained)
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 to 1 cup broken pecan pieces
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix the raspberry gelatin and unflavored gelatin together in a bowl.
  2. Add boiling water to the gelatin mixture and stir until dissolved.
  3. Add the cranberry sauce and stir until fully blended.
  4. Stir in the crushed pineapple with its juice, broken pecan pieces, and chopped celery if using.
  5. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until set.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more vibrant flavor, consider using fresh cranberries instead of canned. If you're looking to reduce sugar, opt for a sugar-free raspberry gelatin. This salad can also be made a day in advance to save time on holiday meal prep. If you're allergic to nuts, feel free to omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry salad is a festive addition to any holiday meal and pairs beautifully with Turkey or Ham. For a delightful dessert option, serve with a scoop of Megan's Famous Sherbet Punch. It also complements sides like Broccoli Vinaigrette or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile dish for your holiday table.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cranberry salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The salad can also be frozen, but the texture may change upon thawing. To serve, simply thaw in the fridge overnight; there's no need to reheat as it's best enjoyed chilled.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cranberry Salad(Super Easy And Excellent For Holiday Meals.) contains roughly 345 calories, with 4g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

345 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.4g 9% DV
Total Fat 27.4g 35% DV
Carbs 25.9g 9% DV
Fiber 5g 18% DV
Sugar 15.3g 31% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 159.6mg 7% DV
Potassium 313.5mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 4.4mg 5% DV
Calcium 49.3mg 4% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Tree nuts

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 a different flavor of gelatin?

Absolutely! While raspberry is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors like strawberry or cherry. Just remember that the flavor of the gelatin will influence the overall taste of the salad, so choose one you enjoy!

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Yes, to make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the unflavored gelatin with agar-agar or a similar plant-based gelling agent. Ensure that the cranberry sauce and gelatin are also free from animal products for a fully vegan-friendly dish.

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Definitely! This salad is quite versatile; you can add diced apples, oranges, or even shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content of the fruits you choose, as it may affect the setting of the gelatin.

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).

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