Minute Cranberry Salad

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A vibrant, tangy cranberry salad with orange and rum flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, offering a refreshing and sweet side dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. orange-pineapple jello
  • 1 c. boiling water
  • 1 can whole cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 c. slivered almonds
  • 1/2 c. orange marmalade
  • 2 Tbsp. rum

Instructions

  1. Make jello with the boiling water and cool to syrup consistency.
  2. Add cranberry sauce, marmalade, almonds, and rum to the jello.
  3. Beat well until combined.
  4. Pour into molds and cool until firm.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, make sure the jello cools to a syrup consistency before mixing in the other ingredients. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the rum with additional orange juice. For a crunchier texture, try adding chopped walnuts instead of slivered almonds. Additionally, this salad can be made a day ahead for flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Minute Cranberry Salad as a refreshing side dish at holiday gatherings or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like the Saucy Pork Chop Dinner or grilled meats. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh orange slices or mint leaves before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, if desired, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. The salad is best enjoyed chilled, so avoid heating it directly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Minute Cranberry Salad contains roughly 238 calories, with 1g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

238 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.2g
Carbs 52.8g 19% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 45.6g 91% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 40.6mg 2% DV
Potassium 36.2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.4mcg
Vitamin C 3.2mg 4% DV
Calcium 24.4mg 2% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Tree nuts

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 vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by substituting the gelatin with a plant-based alternative, such as agar-agar, and using a vegan-friendly orange marmalade.

What can I use instead of slivered almonds?

You can replace slivered almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor. If you want a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well too.

How long does this salad need to set?

The salad should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or until firm. Overnight is ideal to ensure the best texture and flavor.

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).

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