Neva'S Cranberry Salad
A vibrant cranberry salad with fresh fruit, toasted pecans, and sweet marshmallows, perfect as a festive side or holiday treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and drain the cranberries; run them through a food chopper.
- Mix the chopped cranberries with sugar, orange pieces, and apple pieces.
- Dissolve the strawberry jello in boiling water, then fold it into the fruit mixture along with the marshmallows and pecans.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator and let set overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker consistency, consider adding more miniature marshmallows or reducing the amount of water used to dissolve the jello. If you're looking for a lighter option, try using a sugar substitute instead of granulated sugar. You can also replace the pecans with walnuts or omit them entirely for nut-free diets. This recipe can easily be adapted for vegan recipes by using plant-based jello alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
Neva's Cranberry Salad is perfect as a festive side dish, especially during holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Honey Mustard Ham or other main courses. You can also serve it on a bed of lettuce for a fresh presentation. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional pecans on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, enhancing the taste. Avoid freezing the salad as the texture of the fruits and marshmallows may change after thawing. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Neva'S Cranberry Salad contains roughly 881 calories, with 11g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 16g 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 fresh cranberries instead of a package?
Yes, fresh cranberries can be used, but make sure to wash and chop them finely. If using fresh, you may want to increase the sugar slightly to balance the tartness of the cranberries, as they can be more bitter than their packaged counterparts.
Is it possible to make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it's best to prepare Neva's Cranberry Salad the day before serving. Allowing it to set overnight in the refrigerator helps the flavors to develop and meld beautifully, creating a more delicious dish.
What can I substitute for strawberry jello?
You can substitute strawberry jello with raspberry or cherry jello for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, for a healthier option, look for natural fruit gelatin that doesn't contain artificial flavors or colors, which can keep the dish aligned with a more wholesome approach.
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).