Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe
This Easy Cranberry Salad Recipe combines simmered fresh cranberries, cherry jello, mandarin oranges, pineapple, and buttery sweet pecans or walnuts for a festive side dish or dessert for your Thanksgiving dinner.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 plus chilling time
- Yield: 12
- Category: side dish/dessert
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cup water
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 3 (3-ounce) boxes raspberry or cherry jello
- 2 cups ice
- 3 mandarin oranges peeled, segmented, and segments cut in half
- 1 (20-ounce) crushed pineapple, drained
- ¾ cup pecans toasted and chopped
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring the water and cranberries to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer and cook until most of the cranberries have popped.
- Add the jello and stir until it is dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the ice cubes until dissolved.
- Stir in the oranges, pineapple, and pecans, reserving about 1/4 cup of pecans for the top after the jello starts to set.
- Grease or coat a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray. Pour the jello mixture into the prepared dish. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour. Sprinkle with the reserved chopped pecans.
- Cover again and refrigerate overnight or until set.
Notes
- Both cherry and raspberry jello work well with this recipe.
- It is best to make this salad at least 1 day in advance to ensure that it is set before serving time.
- Grease the bottom of the casserole dish with a thin layer of shortening or butter. It will help assist in slicing, removing, and serving the mold.
- Drain the crushed pineapple, segment the mandarin oranges, and cut those in half.
- Use canned pineapple, as fresh pineapple contains enzymes that will prevent the jello mold from setting up.
- Both chopped pecan and chopped walnuts work great with this recipe.
- For a change of pace, add peeled diced apple or fresh orange zest.
- Serve with fresh whipped cream and nuts, or layer with a cream cheese topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- I do not recommend freezing jello as the consistency will change.
Find it online: https://www.smalltownwoman.com/cranberry-jello-salad/