Elva Dexter'S Cranberry Salad
A vibrant cranberry salad with citrus and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, offering a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain syrup from fruit into a 1-cup measure; add water to make one cup.
- Heat the mixture to boiling in a small saucepan.
- Stir in cherry flavored jello and stir until the gelatin dissolves.
- Beat in jellied cranberry sauce and add lemon juice.
- Chill until thick as unbeaten egg white.
- Stir in mandarin oranges or pineapple tidbits, cottage cheese, celery, and nuts.
- Spoon into a 6-cup mold and chill several hours or overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of orange zest to the mixture. If you want a lighter texture, substitute the cream-style cottage cheese with Greek yogurt. You can also use sugar-free jello if you're looking to cut down on sugar. If you prefer a crunch, try adding chopped apples or using walnuts instead of nut meats.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry salad is a delightful addition to holiday meals or brunches. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Squash And Potato Scallop or can be served as a light dessert. For added flair, serve it in individual cups topped with a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cranberry salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing, as it may alter the consistency. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir to rehydrate any ingredients that may have settled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elva Dexter'S Cranberry Salad contains roughly 113 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 2g 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
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance, which enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just ensure it is stored properly in the refrigerator, covered, to keep it fresh until serving.
What can I use instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
If you prefer a more natural option, you can use homemade cranberry sauce. Simply blend cooked cranberries with a bit of sugar to your taste until smooth. This will give your salad a fresh and tangy flavor.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. You can also check the jello packaging to ensure it's vegetarian, as some brands may use gelatin derived from animal sources.
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).