Jellied Cranberry-Orange Salad
A vibrant, fruity jellied salad combining cranberries, oranges, pineapple, and nuts, perfect for festive occasions or as a refreshing side dish with a sweet-tart flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind the cranberries and oranges (including rind) in a food mill or processor.
- Add the sugar, chopped nuts, and drained pineapple; stir well.
- Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water; add cold water and stir well.
- Add the gelatin mixture to the cranberry mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Turn the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart mold and chill until set.
- Serve on lettuce leaves with a small garnish of mayonnaise.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter salad, consider adding a bit more sugar or using honey as a substitute. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cranberries and oranges instead of grinding them. You can also replace walnuts or pecans with your favorite nuts or omit them for a nut-free version. This recipe can easily be adapted to fit vegan diets by using plant-based gelatin alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Jellied Cranberry-Orange Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for a vibrant presentation. It pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or ham, making it a perfect side dish for holiday meals. For a delightful touch, you can garnish it with a dab of mayonnaise or serve it alongside a light salad like Cecilia'S Cranberry Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid freezing the salad, as the gelatin may not set properly after thawing. Simply serve chilled directly from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jellied Cranberry-Orange Salad contains roughly 342 calories, with 5g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 6g 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 use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to wash and sort them before use. If you find fresh cranberries too tart, you can increase the sugar to balance the flavors.
Is there a vegan alternative to gelatin?
Absolutely! You can substitute plain gelatin with agar-agar or another plant-based gelatin alternative. Just follow the package instructions for ratios and preparation to achieve a similar texture.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
This salad can be made up to 2 days in advance. Prepare it as instructed, allow it to set, and then store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to serve it chilled for the best flavor and presentation.
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).