Pecan Cranberry Salad
A festive and colorful salad featuring tangy cranberry and pineapple flavors, crunchy pecans, and fruity gelatin layers, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve orange and cherry gelatin in hot water; add remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Prepare a 6-cup ring mold or any container with vegetable spray.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared mold or container.
- Chill until set, about 2-4 hours.
- For ring mold presentation, add 1 envelope Knox gelatine before pouring in mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, consider blending the cranberry sauce and pineapple before mixing. You can substitute the cherry jello with raspberry for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a vegan version, use agar-agar instead of gelatin, or skip it entirely for a fruit salad style dish. Adding chopped apples can provide extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish during holiday meals or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Slow Cook Chili, creating a balanced meal. Garnish with additional pecans or a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch. Consider serving it alongside roasted meats for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the texture becomes too soft after a day, consider serving it as a fruit salad rather than a molded salad. Avoid freezing, as it may change the consistency of the gelatin.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Cranberry Salad contains roughly 297 calories, with 3g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g 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 fruits instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh fruits like diced oranges or apples, but keep in mind that fresh fruits may affect the setting of the gelatin. Make sure to adjust the liquid content accordingly to maintain the salad's consistency.
Is there a way to make this dish sugar-free?
You can use sugar-free jello and replace the cranberry sauce with a no-sugar-added version. Just be cautious with other ingredients as their sweetness may vary, so adjust accordingly to taste.
How can I make this salad more festive for the holidays?
To enhance its festive appeal, consider adding pomegranate seeds for color and texture. You could also mix in some shredded coconut or mini marshmallows to create a sweeter, more dessert-like version, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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).