Lo-Cal Cranberry Jewel Salad
A refreshing, low-calorie cranberry salad with bright citrus flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or light desserts, appealing to both health-conscious and festive crowds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
- 1/2 cup unsweetened orange juice
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup honey ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/4 oz.) can mandarin oranges in water, undrained ⓘ
- Vegetable cooking spray
- Curly leaf lettuce leaves
- Mandarin orange segments (optional) ⓘ
- Orange rind curl (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Place cranberry juice cocktail and orange juice in a nonaluminum saucepan.
- Sprinkle gelatin over the juice mixture.
- Let stand for 1 minute.
- Add honey and cook over low heat, stirring until gelatin and honey dissolve.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in cranberries, celery, and mandarin oranges.
- Spoon the gelatin mixture into a 4-cup mold coated with cooking spray.
- Cover and chill until firm.
- Unmold the salad onto a lettuce-lined serving platter.
- Garnish with mandarin orange segments and orange rind curl if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter salad, consider adding more honey or using a fruit juice blend. If you prefer a firmer texture, increase the amount of gelatin slightly. If you're short on time, instant gelatin can be substituted. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. This salad is a great complement to dishes like Cherry Coke Salad, balancing flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing salad is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a light side dish. Serve it alongside roasted meats or a light pasta dish for a balanced meal. Garnish with extra mandarin orange segments and an orange rind curl for added flair. It pairs well with beverages like Honey Limeade for an extra zesty touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If the salad becomes too soft, it can be re-chilled in the mold for about an hour before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Cranberry Jewel Salad contains roughly 99 calories, with 1g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g 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 can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them finely to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients. Additionally, if they are tart, you may want to adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you're looking for a vegan alternative, agave nectar or maple syrup can be used instead of honey. Both will provide a similar sweetness and flavor profile, allowing the salad to maintain its delicious taste.
How do I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just follow all the steps and allow it to chill in the refrigerator overnight. This will give the flavors time to meld together, making it even more delicious when served.
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).