This Cranberry Jello Salad is a classic holiday favorite, combining tart cranberries with sweet Jello and fresh fruits for a refreshing side dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this easy recipe adds a festive touch to any holiday meal.
Cranberry Jello Salad has been a beloved staple on our holiday tables for generations. Combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet burst of Jello and other fruits, this salad is both refreshing and delightful. It's the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
I hold a special place in my heart for holiday traditions. Whether it's the smoked turkey, roasted duck, or the array of beautiful sides that adorn our table, this Cranberry Jello Salad always steals the show. It’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and pairs wonderfully with turkey.
Making this dish brings back cherished memories of my childhood, especially the times I spent making it with my grandmother. Now, I pass down this tradition by having my children help create this festive salad each holiday season, making our gatherings even more special.
How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad
This recipe is wonderfully easy and best prepared the night before your holiday dinner, allowing the gelatin to set properly. It’s always a favorite at our holiday dinners, and I’m sure it will become one of yours too!
Not only is this dish perfect alongside Thanksgiving turkey, but it also pairs beautifully with ham, chicken, Christmas goose, or roast duck!
Cranberry Jello Salad Ingredients
Note: Find the full list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom.
Walnuts: They add a rich flavor and texture. You can omit them if you prefer a nut-free salad.
Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show! Chop them up to add a lovely tartness.
Sugar: To balance the tartness and add sweetness.
Red Jello: I prefer strawberry or raspberry Jello, but cherry works too. Two small boxes or one large box will do.
Vinegar: A splash of distilled white vinegar to cut through the sweetness.
Salt: A pinch to enhance the flavors.
Navel Oranges: Their sweet, tangy flavor complements the cranberries perfectly.
Celery: Adds a crunchy texture and helps balance the tartness.
Easy Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe
Note: for this recipe, I use a Food Grinder, but a blender or food processor will work too.
Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the fresh cranberries in a food grinder, blender, or food processor and place them in a large mixing bowl. Next, grind two oranges and the rind of half an orange into the same bowl. Add two cups of sugar and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
Prepare the Apple Mixture: Grind celery, apples, and walnuts in a separate bowl. Chill this mixture separately, covered tightly, while you prepare the Jello.
Make the Jello: In the container where you will assemble the salad, mix vinegar, salt, and Jello powder. Pour boiling water over the mixture and stir until the gelatin dissolves. Refrigerate just until it starts to set, but not completely.
Combine the Ingredients: Mix the cranberry and apple mixtures. Once the Jello has a thin layer set on top, gently fold the salad mixture into it.
Chill the Salad: Cover the container and let the Jello salad chill in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor.
Serving and Storing Cranberry Jell-o Salad
For optimal taste, serve this delightful side dish a day or two after preparation. I find it easiest to spoon out of a tall casserole dish, but a trifle dish or a jello mold can also add a beautiful touch to your holiday table. To release from a mold, briefly place it in a pot of hot water.
Top with freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence, or use store-bought options like Reddi-Whip or Cool Whip for convenience.
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, though it doesn’t freeze well. Preparing it a day or two in advance will enhance its flavor.
Other Cranberry Recipes to Try Next
- Canning Cranberry Sauce
- Easy Spiced Cranberry Jam for Canning
- Cranberry Juice for Canning – two methods!
📖 Recipe
Festive Cranberry Jello Salad
This Cranberry Jello Salad combines tart cranberries with sweet Jello and fresh fruits for a festive and refreshing side dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings, it adds a burst of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
Ingredients
- 12 Oz Fresh Cranberries
- 2 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 ½ Cups Boiling Water
- 6 Oz Red Jello (strawberry, raspberry, or cherry)
- 1 tablespoon White Distilled Vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 2 Navel Oranges, rind of ½ of one orange
- 1 Cup Celery
- ½ Cup Ground Walnuts (optional, see notes)
- 2 Apples (Jonagold or similar works best)
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries and Oranges: Chop fresh cranberries and place them in a large mixing bowl. Grind 2 navel oranges (including the rind of half an orange) and add to the bowl. Stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours.
- Prepare Apple and Celery Mixture: Grind 1 cup of celery and 2 apples (Jonagold or similar) and add to a separate bowl. If using, grind ½ cup of walnuts and mix in. Cover and refrigerate.
- Make Jello Mixture: In the container you’ll use for the salad, combine 6 oz of red Jello, 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Pour 2 ½ cups boiling water over the mixture and stir until dissolved. Refrigerate until it begins to set but is still slightly unset on top.
- Combine Mixtures: Fold the cranberry mixture and apple mixture into the partially set Jello. Gently stir to combine.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
½ CupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 164Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 47mgCarbohydrates: 37gFiber: 2gSugar: 33gProtein: 1g
Carol says
I have used this recipe most of my life. My family looks forward to my cranberry relish but mine did not have vinegar. Will try that this year.