Dottie'S Cranberry Souffle Salad
A light, fruity cranberry souffle salad with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lemon, and crunchy nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix gelatin with sugar and salt in a bowl.
- Add very hot water and stir until dissolved.
- Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, and lemon rind; blend with rotary beater.
- Pour into a refrigerator tray and quick chill in freezer until firm, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Beat until fluffy.
- Fold in cranberry sauce, diced fruit (orange, apple, or pineapple), and chopped nuts.
- Pour into molds and chill until firm.
- Unmold onto lettuce leaves.
- Top with mayonnaise before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a fluffier texture, ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved in hot water before adding the mayonnaise and other ingredients. For a lighter version, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. If you're short on time, you can use fresh cranberries cooked with sugar instead of canned cranberry sauce. This salad can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dottie's Cranberry Souffle Salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a refreshing side for holiday meals. For added crunch, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts on top or alongside, making it a delightful contrast to other dishes like Teresa'S Beer Batter For Halibut.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad becomes too soft, you can re-chill it briefly in the freezer before serving. Avoid freezing the salad as the texture may change after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dottie'S Cranberry Souffle Salad contains roughly 604 calories, with 5g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1193mg per serving (52% 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 use a different fruit in the salad?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests orange or apple, you can experiment with other fruits such as diced pears or even grapes to add a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the fruit is fresh and complements the tartness of the cranberry sauce.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, replace the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise or silken tofu blended until smooth. Make sure to use vegan gelatin or an agar-agar alternative as well. This will maintain the texture while aligning with vegan recipes.
How long does this salad take to prepare?
The preparation time for this salad is roughly 20 minutes, with an additional 10-15 minutes for quick chilling in the freezer. However, for best results, plan to chill it in the refrigerator for several hours before serving to ensure it's fully set.
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).