Grandma Kay'S Cran-Raspberry Gelatin Salad
A vibrant and refreshing cranberry-raspberry gelatin salad combining tart cranberry sauce, sweet pineapple, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or family desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry Jello in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into an 8 x 8-inch, 9 x 9-inch, or 10 x 8-inch dish or pan.
- Stir in the unmolded cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts.
- Refrigerate until set, about 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the Jello is completely dissolved before adding other ingredients. If you prefer a sweeter salad, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup. You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version. If you have fresh cranberries, you can cook them down with sugar instead of using canned cranberry sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Baked Ham Sauce or alongside roasted meats. For an added treat, consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing, as it can alter the consistency of the gelatin. When ready to serve again, simply scoop out the desired portion and enjoy it chilled without reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Kay'S Cran-Raspberry Gelatin Salad contains roughly 1055 calories, with 21g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% 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 make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can use vegan-friendly gelatin alternatives or agar-agar instead of traditional gelatin. Just ensure that the other ingredients, like the canned cranberry sauce and pineapple, do not contain any animal products.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding diced oranges or sliced strawberries to the mixture. This not only adds color but also a burst of flavor that complements the cran-raspberry base.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
You can experiment with various fruits such as diced apples, mandarin oranges, or even shredded coconut. The Fruit And Macaroni Salad is another great option that complements this dish well.
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).