Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Salad
A vibrant Thanksgiving cranberry apple salad featuring tart cranberries, crisp apples, and zesty orange rind, perfect as a refreshing side or festive dessert accompaniment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and grind the raw cranberries and combine with orange rind and sugar.
- Let stand for 30 minutes.
- Dissolve lemon jello in boiling water, then add cold water and mix well.
- Combine the cranberry mixture with diced celery and apples.
- Pour the jello mixture over the fruit and vegetables and refrigerate until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter salad, consider increasing the sugar to 1 1/4 cups. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can substitute them with frozen cranberries, just ensure they are thawed and drained. For a twist, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or include a splash of orange juice for added flavor. This dish can also be made a day ahead for flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey and stuffing. Serve it chilled for a delightful contrast to warm dishes. It can also be enjoyed as a light dessert or alongside other holiday favorites such as Luby'S Spanish Slaw for a colorful table spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may continue to thicken as it sits, so if it becomes too firm, simply stir in a tablespoon of cold water to loosen it. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Salad contains roughly 274 calories, with 5g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 9g 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 other fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add fruits like diced pears, pomegranate seeds, or even grapes for a different flavor profile. Make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly, as different fruits may vary in sugar content.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the gelatin used is vegan-friendly, as traditional gelatin is derived from animal products. There are plant-based gelatin alternatives available that work perfectly in this recipe.
How long does the salad need to set in the refrigerator?
The salad should ideally set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to fully firm up. Just make sure to cover it to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
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).