Jeannie'S Cranberry Salad
A vibrant cranberry salad combining tangy cranberry sauce, sweet mandarin oranges, pineapple, and crunchy nuts, perfect for festive gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil; add Jell-O and stir until dissolved.
- Add cranberry sauce and mix until well incorporated.
- Stir in mandarin orange slices and crushed pineapple until evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into a Tupperware container with a 7 1/2 to 8-cup capacity.
- Chill in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free raspberry Jell-O. You can also substitute the chopped nuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. To enhance flavor, a splash of orange juice can be added to the mixture. Ensure the boiling water is truly boiling for better Jell-O dissolution. If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the amount of cranberry sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a delightful accompaniment to holiday meals, especially with roasted turkey or ham. It pairs beautifully with Lemon-Fried Chicken and can be served alongside Cottage Fries for a festive spread. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving to enhance presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The salad will maintain its texture and flavor when chilled. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits and Jell-O may be compromised. To refresh after storage, serve it cold and consider adding a sprinkle of fresh nuts on top.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jeannie'S Cranberry Salad contains roughly 615 calories, with 8g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure it's covered well to prevent any absorption of odors from the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?
If you don’t have mandarin oranges, you can use diced fresh oranges or even canned peaches for a different fruit flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness if using fresh fruit.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels on pre-packaged items like Jell-O and canned fruits to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients have been added.
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).