Mama'S Cranberry Salad
A vibrant cranberry salad with fresh fruits and nuts, layered with raspberry jello, perfect for holiday gatherings and festive occasions, offering a sweet-tart flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind the cranberries and orange together.
- Mix this with 2 1/4 cups of sugar and let stand for one hour.
- Add 1 cup chopped nuts, 1 cup diced apple, and 1 cup chopped celery to the mixture.
- Dissolve 2 packages of raspberry jello in 1 cup of water and bring to a boil to dissolve.
- Add 1 1/4 cups of cold water to the hot jello mixture.
- Combine the jello mixture with the fruit and nut mixture and congeal until set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar to 1 3/4 cups. For a nut-free version, substitute chopped sunflower seeds. You can also use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Just thaw and drain them before grinding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama's Cranberry Salad as a refreshing side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like roasted turkey or ham. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Martha Pafford'S Fried Sweet Potatoes. Garnish with additional nuts or a sprig of mint for an attractive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The salad will continue to set as it chills. To serve, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier scooping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Cranberry Salad contains roughly 444 calories, with 4g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. 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 a different type of jello?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of jello, such as strawberry or cherry, to create a unique twist on the traditional salad. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly, so choose a flavor that complements the cranberries well.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe can be made vegan by ensuring that the jello used is plant-based. Many brands offer vegan jello options, so check the ingredients before purchasing. Otherwise, all other ingredients in this recipe are naturally vegan-friendly.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
To add more color to your cranberry salad, consider mixing in diced kiwi, pomegranate seeds, or chopped bell peppers. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute additional flavors and textures that complement the salad beautifully.
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).