Orange-Cranberry Congealed Salad
A vibrant and refreshing congealed salad blending sweet cranberries, juicy pineapple, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, its colorful presentation and harmonious flavors make it a delightful addition to any festive table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and reserve the juice.
- Mix one package of raspberry jello with 2 cups of hot water until completely dissolved.
- Add the pineapple juice and enough cold water to make 2 cups of liquid; stir.
- Chill the jello until it is slightly jelled.
- Add the diced apples, diced celery, chopped pecans, crushed pineapple, and cranberry-orange relish; mix well.
- Refrigerate until the salad is firm before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting the raspberry jello with orange jello for a citrusy flavor. If you're looking for a healthier option, use unsweetened cranberry sauce instead of cranberry-orange relish. Make sure to chop the apples and celery into small, even pieces for better texture. To speed up the chilling process, place the jello mixture in a shallow dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing side dish at holiday gatherings or alongside roasted meats. It pairs beautifully with Easy Spiced Peaches for a sweet contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some firmness over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange-Cranberry Congealed Salad contains roughly 409 calories, with 3g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. 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, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it covered and refrigerated to maintain its freshness. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Orange-Cranberry Congealed Salad is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients. If you need a vegan version, just ensure that the jello you use is plant-based.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds for a crunch. Alternatively, you could omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
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).