Cranberry-Strawberry Salad Mold
A colorful, refreshing salad mold combining strawberries, cranberries, bananas, and pineapple, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions with a sweet-tart flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain juice from frozen strawberries and add enough water to make 1 1/2 cups.
- Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil and dissolve the strawberry jello in it.
- Add the mashed bananas, whole cranberry sauce, and crushed pineapple (undrained) to the jello mixture and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until set.
- Place the mold on a bed of lettuce and top with Cool Whip before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, use fresh strawberries if available, but frozen works well too. You can substitute the mashed bananas with applesauce for a different taste or to reduce calories. If you're not a fan of gelatin, consider using agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative. Ensure the mixture is fully cooled before pouring into the mold for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing salad mold as a light dessert or a side dish during gatherings. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. Consider serving it alongside other fruity options like Fruit With Lemon Pudding for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the mold begins to lose its shape, you can gently reshape it with your hands before serving. Avoid freezing, as this may alter the texture of the fruit and jello mixture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Strawberry Salad Mold contains roughly 930 calories, with 20g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 11g 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 different fruit in this salad mold?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as peaches or blueberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly, as some fruits may require additional sugar or a different type of jello to balance the flavors.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this salad mold vegan by choosing a plant-based gelatin or agar-agar instead of traditional gelatin. Ensure that the jello you use is vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain animal-derived ingredients.
How long does it take for the salad mold to set?
Typically, the salad mold requires about 4 to 6 hours to fully set in the refrigerator. For best results, prepare it the night before your event to ensure it has ample time to firm up and develop its flavors.
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).