Mother'S Christmas Cranberry Salad
A festive and tangy cranberry salad combining sweet and tart flavors, accented with crunchy pecans and celery, perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the Jell-O according to the directions on the boxes, using only 4 cups of water.
- Jell slightly until it begins to set.
- Clean the cranberries and chop them in a food processor.
- Sprinkle sugar over the cranberries and let set until the Jell-O is slightly jelled.
- Add the chopped cranberries, celery, and chopped pecans to the partially set Jell-O.
- Let the mixture jell until firm.
- When firm, mix 1/4 cup of sugar into 8 ounces of sour cream and spread over the top of the salad.
- Garnish with a few orange slices, cherries, or canned whole cranberries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, pulse the cranberries in the food processor and adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute. You can also experiment with flavored Jell-O for a twist. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add the celery just before serving. This salad pairs beautifully with our Raspberry Angel Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cranberry salad as a refreshing side dish during holiday meals or festive gatherings. It pairs well with roasted turkey or ham and can be a delightful addition to a buffet spread. For a delicious contrast, serve alongside our Apple Coleslaw. Garnish with fresh orange slices or cherries for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be served cold straight from the fridge; just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the texture. Avoid freezing, as it may change the consistency of the Jell-O and sour cream topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Christmas Cranberry Salad contains roughly 427 calories, with 1g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value). 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Prepare it according to the instructions and let it set in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to add the sour cream topping right before serving to keep it fresh and appealing.
What can I substitute for the pecans?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch. Alternatively, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes if you still want to include nuts in the recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, to make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based sour cream alternative and ensure the Jell-O is vegan-friendly, as many traditional options contain gelatin. You can find vegan Jell-O at specialty health food stores or online.
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).