Cranberry Sauce Salad
A festive cranberry salad combining sweet tart cranberry sauce, pineapple, crunchy pecans, and creamy topping, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cranberry sauce in a pan with water and salt.
- Beat over heat until smooth.
- Let come to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
- Pour over Jell-O; stir until dissolved.
- Add crushed pineapple and chopped pecans.
- Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate until firm.
- Before serving, beat softened cream cheese with some reserved pineapple juice until the consistency of whipped cream.
- Spread the whipped cream mixture over the salad.
- Garnish with additional pecans and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cranberry sauce is fully dissolved before adding the Jell-O. If you prefer a less sweet salad, consider reducing the amount of crushed pineapple. You can substitute walnuts for pecans for a different flavor profile. This recipe is a great option for American recipes during the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry sauce salad makes a delightful side dish for holiday meals, pairing well with roasted turkey or ham. Consider serving it alongside Lime Delight Pie for dessert for a refreshing finish. Garnish with additional pecans for a nice presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. If it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Sauce Salad contains roughly 238 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 874mg per serving (38% 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?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it is well covered and refrigerated to keep it fresh. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste when served.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and ensure the Jell-O is made with plant-based ingredients. This way, you can enjoy a vegan version of this fruity salad without losing flavor.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?
Using fresh cranberries is possible, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and water to achieve a similar consistency as canned cranberry sauce. This will add a tart flavor that differs from the sweetened version, so adjust accordingly.
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).