Molded Cranberry Party Salad
A vibrant molded cranberry salad with a sweet-tart flavor, complemented by cream cheese and nuts, perfect for festive gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup cold water, sugar, and cranberries. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and cover. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water.
- Add remaining cold water, cranberry mixture, and lemon juice to the gelatin. Chill until syrupy.
- Fold in cream cheese, chopped nuts, and finely chopped celery into the gelatin mixture.
- Pour into a 1-quart mold and chill until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter salad, consider using a sugar substitute like Stevia or honey. You can also replace the chopped nuts with seeds for a nut-free version. If you're short on time, use canned cranberries instead of fresh, but be sure to drain them well. Chill the salad longer for a firmer texture, and feel free to experiment with different flavors of gelatin.
Serving Suggestions
This Molded Cranberry Party Salad is a festive addition to any holiday table or potluck. Serve it alongside roast turkey or ham for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Green Bean Casserole With Onions and a side of rolls. For a more substantial meal, serve it as a refreshing side dish with Cecil'S Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may slightly change as it sits, so it's best to enjoy it fresh. If you need to reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, but this dish is typically served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molded Cranberry Party Salad contains roughly 384 calories, with 5g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 8g 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 other types of fruit in this salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute cranberries with raspberries or chopped apples for variation. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may change slightly, but it'll still be delicious. Experimenting with seasonal fruits can lead to delightful new combinations.
How do I ensure the salad holds its shape when unmolding?
To help the salad maintain its shape, ensure that it chills completely and is set firm before unmolding. You can also lightly coat the mold with non-stick spray or water to assist in releasing the salad. Run warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds if it resists coming out.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this Molded Cranberry Party Salad is suitable for vegetarian diets, as it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin. However, if you're aiming for a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and ensure your gelatin is plant-based.
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).