Lemon Jello Cranberry Salad
A refreshing citrus cranberry salad with crunchy pecans, perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or light gatherings, combining tangy fruit flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the lemon Jell-O in water following the directions on the box and allow it to set slightly.
- Grind the peeled oranges and cranberries in a food grinder.
- Add the ground oranges, cranberries, sugar, chopped pecans, crushed pineapple, and grated orange rind to the Jell-O mixture.
- Mix well and refrigerate until fully set.
- Serve chilled. Very good with any meat dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter taste, consider using fresh orange juice instead of water to dissolve the Jell-O. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute with a sugar alternative suitable for Jell-O. Ensure the pecans are toasted for added flavor, and feel free to add diced apples or grapes for extra texture. This salad is a delightful addition to any holiday spread, reminiscent of recipes like Prize Christmas Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Jello Cranberry Salad is best served chilled as a refreshing side dish. It pairs beautifully with main dishes like Farrell'S Favorite Barbecue Ribs or roasted meats, adding a sweet-tart balance to savory flavors. Garnish with additional pecans or orange slices for an appealing presentation at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become compromised upon thawing. If the salad loses some firmness, simply chill it for a bit before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Jello Cranberry Salad contains roughly 1082 calories, with 13g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 18g 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?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure it's well-covered to prevent any absorption of odors from other foods.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, you can create a vegan version by using plant-based gelatin or agar-agar instead of traditional gelatin. Ensure all other ingredients, like sugar and Jell-O, are vegan-friendly. This adjustment keeps the salad refreshing and suitable for vegan diets.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch. Sunflower seeds or shredded coconut can also add a nice texture without nuts, making it suitable for nut-free diets.
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).