Quick And Easy Cranberry Salad

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry salad featuring raspberry Jell-O, pineapple, and cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, offering a refreshing and colorful side.

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Ingredients

  • 2 packages raspberry Jell-O
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 small can crushed pineapple
  • 1 can cranberry sauce
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
  • 1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix 2 packages of raspberry Jell-O with 1 cup boiling water.
  2. Stir well until the Jell-O is dissolved.
  3. Add the small can of crushed pineapple (undrained) and the can of cranberry sauce.
  4. If desired, fold in 1 cup chopped nuts.
  5. Pour into a mold or dish and refrigerate until set.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh cranberries or adding a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist. If you want a lighter option, swap the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. You can also use any flavor of Jell-O if raspberry isn't available. For a crunchier texture, try adding sunflower seeds instead of chopped nuts.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry salad is a great addition to holiday gatherings or potlucks and pairs beautifully with Pappy'S Southern Rolls. Serve it as a refreshing side dish alongside roasted meats or as a light dessert after a hearty meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cranberry salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled, but if you want to enjoy it warm, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick And Easy Cranberry Salad contains roughly 704 calories, with 12g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A.

704 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.7g 23% DV
Total Fat 25.2g 32% DV
Carbs 115.2g 42% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 42.2g 84% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 261.4mg 11% DV
Potassium 1344.6mg 29% DV
Cholesterol 31.5mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 151.9mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 27.8mg 31% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 245.4mg 19% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Contains Milk

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 a different flavor of Jell-O?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different flavors of Jell-O! While raspberry is traditional, flavors like cherry or strawberry would also work well and add a unique twist to the salad.

How long does it take for the salad to set?

The salad typically takes about 4 hours to set in the refrigerator, so it's a good idea to prepare it the night before or at least a few hours ahead of your serving time to ensure it achieves the right consistency.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cranberry salad can be made a day or two in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container after it has set, and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

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).

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