Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry fruit salad featuring bananas, pineapple, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and festive occasions, offering a refreshing, colorful dessert option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the strawberry-banana Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water.
- Add the cranberry relish or cranberry sauce to the dissolved Jell-O.
- Mix in the chopped bananas, drained crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, and chopped apples.
- Refrigerate until the salad is set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, consider adding some mandarin oranges or pomegranate seeds to the salad. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute the Jell-O with agar-agar or a sugar-free gelatin option. Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad pairs beautifully with festive dishes like Catalina Fish Fillets or Peggy'S Pasta Salad. It's perfect as a side dish during holiday gatherings or as a refreshing treat after a rich meal. Serve it in a clear bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients and add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad contains roughly 422 calories, with 4g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium.
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 fresh cranberries instead of cranberry relish or sauce?
Using fresh cranberries is possible, but they are quite tart. To balance the flavor, consider adding sugar or honey to the mixture to sweeten it. Cooking the cranberries with sugar and a bit of water until they pop can create a delicious homemade cranberry sauce.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it according to the recipe, let it set in the refrigerator overnight, and it will be ready to serve the next day. This makes it a great option for busy holiday preparations.
What nuts work best in this salad?
You can use a variety of nuts based on your preferences. Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor that complement the fruit well. If you're looking for a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seeds or omit them altogether for a different texture.
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).