Orange Cranberry Salad
A vibrant, fruity salad combining sweet orange and tart cranberry flavors, perfect for festive gatherings or refreshing summer side dishes with a jello-based texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add boiling water to the orange jello and cranberry sauce and stir until dissolved.
- Stir in orange juice and lemon juice until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more textured salad, consider adding chopped nuts or diced apples for crunch. If you prefer a less sweet version, substitute half of the cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries. This salad can also be made with sugar-free jello for a lighter option. When stirring the mixture, ensure the jello is fully dissolved to avoid any graininess in the final product.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Cranberry Salad is a delightful side dish for holiday meals or potlucks. Serve it chilled alongside roasted meats, like Low Cholesterol Rock Cornish Hens, or pair it with a refreshing cocktail. For a festive touch, garnish with mint leaves or a sprinkle of grated orange zest before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad starts to lose its firmness, consider re-chilling it for a few hours before serving again. It's best enjoyed cold, so avoid reheating in the microwave as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Cranberry Salad contains roughly 115 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).
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 canned sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar to create a sauce-like consistency. This will add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the jello. Adjust the sugar to taste, as fresh cranberries are much more sour than canned sauce.
How long does it take for the salad to set?
Typically, the salad needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until firm. For best results, prepare it the night before you plan to serve it. This allows ample time for the flavors to meld and the salad to achieve the perfect consistency.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan by using plant-based jello alternatives, which are available in many health food stores. Ensure that the cranberry sauce you use is also vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain gelatin.
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).