Easy Holiday Salad
A vibrant and refreshing holiday salad featuring the tartness of cranberries and raspberries, combined with the smooth cream cheese layer. Perfect for festive gatherings, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, making it an attractive and tasty addition to any holiday table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the raspberry Jello by dissolving the package in 2 cups boiling water, then stir until completely dissolved.
- Add frozen raspberries to the Jello mixture and stir until well mixed.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce until evenly combined.
- Pour half of the mixture into a dish and chill until firm.
- Mix softened cream cheese with a small amount of sour cream until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled Jello layer.
- Pour the remaining Jello mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill until completely set, then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, consider using fresh raspberries instead of frozen ones. If you want a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey. For added texture, try folding in chopped nuts or mini marshmallows into the Jello mixture. This salad pairs beautifully with dishes like Granny'S Lazy Daisy Cake for a delightful holiday meal.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a vibrant addition to any holiday table and can be served as a side dish or dessert. It pairs well with savory dishes like Missy Potatoes or roasted meats. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a cheese platter to balance flavors. Garnishing with fresh mint leaves adds a lovely touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing as the Jello may become watery upon thawing. If you need to reheat, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, as it is best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Holiday Salad contains roughly 130 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% 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 flavor of Jello?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of Jello to create unique variations. Cherry or strawberry Jello would work well with the fruit components, offering a different taste profile while still maintaining the festive look of the dish.
How can I make this salad vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it does not contain meat. Ensure that the Jello used is free from gelatin derived from animal sources, or look for plant-based alternatives available in stores to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it a perfect option for holiday gatherings. Just ensure that it is well covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods.
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).