Ruby Red Cranberry Salad
A vibrant cranberry salad featuring raspberry Jell-O, whole cranberry sauce, pineapple, and nuts, perfect as a festive side or refreshing accompaniment for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry Jell-O in boiling water.
- Add all ingredients except the nuts.
- When the Jell-O begins to congeal, fold in the chopped pecans.
- Chill the salad overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the Jell-O is fully dissolved before adding the other ingredients. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Port wine with additional cranberry juice. This salad is versatile; you can also incorporate diced apples or walnuts for added flavor and crunch. If you're short on time, using instant Jell-O can speed up the process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant Ruby Red Cranberry Salad as a refreshing side dish at holiday gatherings or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, particularly turkey or ham. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad like Fat Free Pasta Salad or as part of a festive buffet. Garnish with extra pecans for added visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will continue to set and may become firmer, which is perfectly fine. It's best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruby Red Cranberry Salad contains roughly 350 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g 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 canned cranberry sauce?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they need to be cooked down with sugar and water to achieve the right consistency and sweetness. This will change the flavor profile slightly, but it can add a fresher taste. If opting for fresh, consider using them in combination with the canned version for a balanced flavor.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply substitute the Port wine with a vegan-friendly cranberry juice or a non-alcoholic red wine. Ensure that the Jell-O used is gelatin-free, as traditional Jell-O contains animal products. There are several plant-based gelatin alternatives available that can work well.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to fold in the chopped pecans shortly before serving to maintain their crunch. This makes it an excellent option for busy holiday preparations or 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).