Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Jello Salad is a delightful dish that combines sweet, sour, and creamy flavors. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners. This recipe is not only refreshing but also easy to make. It can brighten up any table and offers a unique texture thanks to the jello and the crunchy pecans.
How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 2 (3-ounce) pkgs. cherry Jell-O (or raspberry or cranberry, if you can find it)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple (do not drain the juice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce (or 2 cups homemade cranberry sauce)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (divided)
- 3/4 cup cranberry or apple juice
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
Directions
- Start by boiling 1 1/2 cups of water.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cherry Jell-O. Slowly pour in the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Add the crushed pineapple (with juice) and the cranberry sauce to the bowl. Mix well.
- Fold in about 3/4 cup of the chopped pecans into the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or a serving dish and refrigerate until it’s firm, around 4 hours or overnight.
- For the creamy topping, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a bowl until smooth.
- Mix in the sour cream until everything is blended well.
- Once the jello salad is firm, spread the cream cheese topping over the top.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the cream cheese layer.
How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad
Cranberry Jello Salad is best served chilled. Cut it into squares or scoop it out with a spoon for individual servings. It pairs well with turkey, ham, or as a light dessert.
How to Store Cranberry Jello Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the salad is covered to retain its freshness and flavor.
Tips to Make Cranberry Jello Salad
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened well to avoid lumps in the topping.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of powdered sugar in the topping.
Variation
If you want a different twist, you can add other fruits like diced apples or sliced bananas into the jello mixture for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
Yes, you can use raspberry or cranberry-flavored Jell-O instead of cherry.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Strawberry Jello Salad can be made a day or two before needed. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
3. Can I use alternatives for cream cheese or sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier option for cream cheese and sour cream.
Cranberry Jello Salad
Ingredients
For the Jello
- 2 packages 2 (3-ounce) pkgs. cherry Jell-O (or raspberry or cranberry) You can use raspberry or cranberry-flavored Jell-O.
- 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups boiling water Use for dissolving the Jell-O.
- 20 ounces 20 ounces crushed pineapple Do not drain the juice.
- 1 can 1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce Or you can use 2 cups of homemade cranberry sauce.
- 1 cup 1 cup chopped pecans Divided into two parts.
- 3/4 cup 3/4 cup cranberry or apple juice
For the creamy topping
- 8 ounces 8 ounces cream cheese Softened.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup powdered sugar Adjust sweetness as desired.
- 1 cup 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by boiling 1 1/2 cups of water.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cherry Jell-O. Slowly pour in the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Add the crushed pineapple (with juice) and the cranberry sauce to the bowl. Mix well.
- Fold in about 3/4 cup of the chopped pecans into the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or a serving dish and refrigerate until it’s firm, around 4 hours or overnight.
Making the Topping
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Mix in the sour cream until everything is blended well.
- Once the jello salad is firm, spread the cream cheese topping over the top.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the cream cheese layer.