Twist And Shout Cranberry Jell-O Salad
A vibrant and refreshing cranberry Jell-O salad featuring raspberry and cranberry flavors, complemented by mandarin oranges, celery, and nuts—perfect for holiday gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry and cranberry Jell-O packages in boiling water.
- Add the can of cranberry sauce to the hot mixture and stir until broken up and dissolved.
- Add drained, chopped mandarin oranges, chopped celery, and nuts.
- Pour into a large 9 x 13-inch Pyrex pan and refrigerate until congealed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, consider substituting the raspberry Jell-O with cherry or strawberry if preferred. If you want to reduce sugar, look for no-sugar-added cranberry sauce. To enhance texture, add diced apples or fresh berries. Ensure the Jell-O is fully dissolved in boiling water for a smooth finish. This dish can also be made a day ahead to save time.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a great side dish for holiday dinners. Serve it alongside a refreshing Hospitality Punch for a festive touch. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette as a complement to the flavors in this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery over time, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change once thawed. For best results, serve chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twist And Shout Cranberry Jell-O Salad contains roughly 728 calories, with 11g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), potassium (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 6g 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?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and water to achieve a similar texture and sweetness as canned cranberry sauce. This will enhance the freshness of the salad but requires extra preparation time.
How long should I refrigerate the Jell-O salad before serving?
It's best to refrigerate the Jell-O salad for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. For optimal results, consider making it the night before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a firm texture.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, to make this salad vegan, use plant-based gelatin alternatives, such as agar-agar, in place of traditional Jell-O, which contains animal products. Ensure all other ingredients, like canned cranberry sauce and mandarin oranges, are also vegan-friendly for a delicious result.
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).