Sue'S Cranberry Salad
Sue's Cranberry Salad is a vibrant, tangy dish perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions. The combination of fresh cranberries, citrus, nuts, and Jell-O creates a refreshing and sweet-tart flavor profile. Its colorful presentation and balanced flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind cranberries with the whole orange and sugar until well combined.
- Dissolve the cherry Jell-O in boiling water as per package instructions.
- Add the dissolved Jell-O to the cranberry mixture.
- Stir in the pineapple, nuts, celery, and apples.
- Pour into a mold or dish and let chill until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter salad, consider adding more sugar to taste, or substitute with honey or agave syrup for a healthier option. If you prefer a crunchier texture, use walnuts or pecans instead of the nuts listed. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Make sure to finely chop the celery and apples for better distribution throughout the salad, similar to what you would do in a Garden Bean Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sue's Cranberry Salad as a refreshing side dish during holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey and ham, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. You can also enjoy it as a light dessert. Consider serving it alongside Easy Strawberry Mousse or a slice of Fruit Pies for a delightful end to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, but if it has set too firm, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits and Jell-O may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sue'S Cranberry Salad contains roughly 348 calories, with 4g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. 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 frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before grinding. This will prevent excess moisture from affecting the salad's texture. Fresh cranberries provide a firmer bite, but thawed ones can still work well in this recipe.
How do I make this salad vegan?
To make Sue's Cranberry Salad vegan, simply replace the sugar with a vegan alternative like coconut sugar or maple syrup. Ensure that the Jell-O used is vegan-friendly, as some gelatin products may not be suitable. The rest of the ingredients in the recipe are naturally vegan.
Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding fruits like diced pears, sliced grapes, or even mandarin oranges for a tropical twist. Just keep in mind that additional moisture from juicy fruits may alter the consistency, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
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).