Thanksgiving Day Salad
A vibrant and refreshing holiday salad featuring sweet strawberries, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans set in a jello mold. Perfect for festive occasions, it combines fruity flavors with a nostalgic presentation, making it an appealing side dish for Thanksgiving or other celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve cranberry jello in boiling water; let it cool.
- Add thawed sliced strawberries and whole cranberry sauce to the cooled jello.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Add pecan pieces and mix gently.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart ring mold.
- Refrigerate overnight until set.
- Unmold the salad onto lettuce leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant salad, consider adding diced apples or mandarin oranges for additional flavor and texture. If you're looking for a vegan option, substitute gelatin with agar-agar and use plant-based cranberry sauce. Ensure the strawberries are fully thawed to avoid excess water in the jello. Taste the mixture before pouring it into the mold; you can adjust sweetness with honey or agave if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Unmold the salad onto a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey and other Thanksgiving staples. For an added crunch, serve alongside a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie. Don't forget to browse more American recipes to complement your holiday feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems too soft after refrigeration, you can gently re-chill it by placing it back in the mold for a few hours. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruits and jello may be compromised upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thanksgiving Day Salad contains roughly 509 calories, with 7g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g 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 strawberries instead of frozen?
Fresh strawberries can be used, but they need to be hulled and sliced thinly. Keep in mind that fresh strawberries release more water, so make sure to adjust the gelatin accordingly to maintain the salad's shape. Consider adding them just before serving for the best texture.
How long does the salad need to set?
The salad should ideally set in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the jello to fully firm up and the flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously cohesive dish that holds its shape when unmolded.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead of time, as it tastes even better after sitting for a day. Prepare the salad one or two days before your gathering, allowing it to chill and set in the fridge. Just remember to cover it to prevent any odors from the fridge affecting its flavor.
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).