Molded Holiday Cranberry Salad
A festive layered cranberry salad featuring a cream cheese center, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberry flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings and adding visual appeal to the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the cherry Jell-O in boiling water.
- Add the whole cranberry sauce to the dissolved Jell-O and stir until berries are separated.
- Drain the crushed pineapple and add it to the mixture.
- Pour half of this mixture into a large mold and refrigerate until congealed.
- Meanwhile, soften the cream cheese with mayonnaise until smooth and spreadable.
- Mix chopped pecans into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cream cheese and pecan mixture over the congealed layer in the mold.
- Pour the remaining cranberry Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate until fully congealed.
- Unmold the salad for a beautiful layered presentation, ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother cream cheese layer, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing with mayonnaise. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also add chopped fruits like apples or grapes for extra texture. If cherry Jell-O isn't available, raspberry Jell-O works as a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This Molded Holiday Cranberry Salad makes a delightful side dish for holiday meals. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats and is a festive addition to potluck gatherings. Serve alongside classic dishes like Shortbread-Butter Cookies for a sweet contrast. Garnish with additional pecans or fresh cranberries for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change. To serve, simply slice and enjoy cold; there's no need to reheat this dish. If it seems too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molded Holiday Cranberry Salad contains roughly 834 calories, with 9g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 4g 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?
Yes, this salad can be made 1-2 days in advance. Prepare it completely and let it chill in the refrigerator until it's time to serve. Just ensure it's well-covered to maintain its freshness.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for cream cheese?
Absolutely! You can use a plant-based cream cheese alternative or even silken tofu blended until smooth. Both options will provide a similar texture and flavor while keeping the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
How can I enhance the flavor of the salad?
Consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the Jell-O mixture for a citrusy twist. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile that complements the cranberries 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).