Crunchy Cranberry Salad
Crunchy Cranberry Salad offers a vibrant medley of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures, making it a festive and refreshing side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or casual family meals. The combination of berries, pineapple, celery, and pecans creates a delightful flavor balance that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the strawberry and raspberry jello in boiling water and let cool.
- Add the partially thawed sliced strawberries, undrained crushed pineapple, cranberry sauce, chopped celery, and chopped pecans to the cooled jello mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly sprayed 12 x 8 x 2-inch pan or your favorite mold.
- Cover and chill until the salad is firm.
- Unmold the salad onto a lettuce-lined plate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute the strawberry jello with cherry or orange jello for a different flavor profile. If you want a lighter version, consider using sugar-free jello and low-calorie cranberry sauce. Ensure the strawberries are just partially thawed to prevent excess water from diluting the mixture. You can also use walnuts instead of pecans for a different crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Crunchy Cranberry Salad pairs beautifully with Tangy Baked Chicken or can be served as a light dessert after a hearty meal. It's a fantastic addition to holiday dinners or potlucks. For added flair, garnish each serving with a sprig of mint or a few additional pecans on top. Serve it alongside other American recipes for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve again, simply unmold onto a plate, though it may not hold its shape as well. If it becomes too soft, consider serving it in individual bowls as a refreshing dessert or side dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Cranberry Salad contains roughly 167 calories, with 2g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
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
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can make this salad vegan by ensuring that the jello you use is plant-based. Some brands offer vegan jello options. Additionally, check the cranberry sauce to confirm it doesn't contain any animal products.
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).