Jeweltoned Cranberry Bliss a Jello Salad for the 21St Century
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a Blast from the Past?
Remember those wobbly cranberry jello salads at Christmas? Did your Nan used to make one? Well, I've got a version that's both retro and ready for the 21st century.
This dish balances tangy cranberries, sweet pineapple, and crunchy nuts for a truly delicious experience.
A Quick Look at This Classic
This retro jello salad has roots deep in American holiday traditions. It's super easy to make, requiring only about 20 minutes of prep time and 4- 6 hours of chilling.
One batch makes enough for 8-10 servings, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Jello Salad
Honestly, this Thanksgiving jello salad is more than just a dessert. It's also a good source of Vitamin C! Plus, it’s perfect for a potluck or holiday gathering.
What makes this cranberry gelatin salad special is the way it marries familiar flavors with a fun, jiggly texture.
Ready to get started?
The Magic Ingredients: What You'll Need
Let's gather our ingredients for this easy jello salad .
Jello Base
- Grab one 6-ounce package of cranberry -flavored gelatin .
- Two cups of boiling water.
- One cup of cold water.
- Half a cup of cranberry juice cocktail.
- A 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
- One 14-ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce.
- Half a cup of chopped walnuts.
- Optional: 1/4 cup of orange liqueur, for adults only!
Optional Topping
- Eight ounces of softened cream cheese.
- A quarter cup of sour cream.
- Two tablespoons of sugar.
- Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
With all that, you are ready to make a great pineapple cranberry jello mold .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Jiggly!
Right, so you're itching to make some cranberry jello salad , eh? Great choice! My Nan used to make the BEST.
Honestly, it's like a taste of Christmas past. But before we get all nostalgic, let's make sure we have the right bits and bobs.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Okay, let's get down to it. For the cranberry gelatin salad , you'll need:
- 1 (6 ounce/170g) pack of cranberry flavored gelatin Jell-O is the classic, innit?
- 2 cups (475ml) of boiling water kettle's on!
- 1 cup (240ml) of cold water straight from the tap is fine.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) of cranberry juice cocktail gets that extra zing in there.
- 1 (20 ounce/567g) can of crushed pineapple, undrained – don't chuck away that juice!
- 1 (14 ounce/397g) can of whole berry cranberry sauce this is what makes it proper Thanksgiving jello salad material!
- 1/2 cup (50g) of chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted toasting them is key, trust me!
Quality counts, especially with the gelatin. Make sure it's fresh; nobody wants a retro jello salad that tastes like old socks! As for the cranberry sauce, whole berry is best for texture, but jellied will do in a pinch.
Just mash it up a bit first.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Now, this jello salad recipe is pretty straightforward, but a little extra something never hurt anyone, did it?
- Cranberry and pineapple is already a great combo, but a splash of orange liqueur ( 1/4 cup/60ml , like Cointreau) takes it next level. Only for adults, obviously!
- If you're feeling fancy, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, Christmassy vibe.
- Don't be afraid to experiment! A little lemon zest can brighten things up.
If you're after substitutions, apple juice will do in a pinch if you can't find cranberry juice. If you have a lot of lemons, try lemon jello salad
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this easy jello salad .
- A big mixing bowl for all the mixing, obviously.
- A whisk gets rid of those pesky lumps.
- A 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) glass dish or mold that's where the magic happens. A bundt pan will make it extra vintage cranberry salad style.
- Measuring cups and spoons because guessing never works.
If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do. If you don't have a fancy glass dish, any container will work, so long as it's big enough.
Honestly, don't sweat it; this is all about having a go and making a tasty gelatin dessert recipes .
I remember once, I tried to make this pineapple cranberry jello mold without toasting the nuts. Big mistake! They were all soggy and sad.
Toasting them really brings out the flavour, so don't skip that step! Anyway, now you know what you need, let's get cracking!
Cooking Method: Jello Set Like a Pro
Right, let's talk about getting that cranberry jello salad to set perfectly . Honestly, there's nothing worse than a wobbly, watery mess.
I've been there. So, here’s how to nail it, every single time.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place and Mindset
First, get your mise en place sorted. This is fancy chef talk for "get everything ready". Have your cranberry gelatin salad ingredients measured and your dish ready.
It saves a load of time. Plus, a clear space equals a clear mind. Safety wise, just be careful with the boiling water.
Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised.
step-by-step: The Gelatin Set
- Dissolve the gelatin in 2 cups (475ml) boiling water , stirring until it’s totally clear. About 2 minutes should do it.
- Stir in 1 cup (240ml) cold water and ½ cup (120ml) cranberry juice .
- Fold in your crushed pineapple, cranberry sauce and nuts.
- Pour the mixture into your dish.
- Chill for at least 4 hours , or ideally overnight. It needs time to set properly, you know?
Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen
One of the biggest mistakes folks make is not dissolving the gelatin completely . You'll end up with grainy bits. Gross.
Also, don't skimp on the chilling time. A properly set retro jello salad is a thing of beauty.
For a bit of extra flavour, try adding a splash of orange liqueur after you mix in the cold water.
Trust me, it elevates the whole thing. If you want to get ahead, you can prep the gelatin base a day in advance and add the fruit and nuts just before chilling.
Saves a bit of time on the big day.
This easy jello salad is perfect for the holidays. Especially around Thanksgiving jello salad . The cranberry salad brings a pop of colour to the table and is always a crowd pleaser! The cranberry gelatin salad also fits perfectly on dessert menus all year round!
Don't be afraid to explore other gelatin dessert recipes .
Recipe Notes to Make Your Jello Salad Sing!
Right then, let's talk about making this cranberry jello salad absolutely banging . This isn't just your nan's retro recipe, you know? It's a chance to shine! Honestly, these little tips can elevate your cranberry gelatin salad from "meh" to "OMG".
I remember one year, I totally forgot to chill it long enough! Disaster! Learn from my mistakes, yeah?
Serving Suggestions: Bits and Bobs to Make it Pretty
Presentation matters, darlings! For plating and presentation, think beyond just plopping it on a plate. Use a fancy mold! Imagine a ring of pineapple cranberry jello mold at Christmas.
Complementary sides? Roast turkey is a no-brainer, but it goes just as well with gammon. A bit of crème fraîche on top is rather posh.
I'd add a little bit of mint for the extra zing.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Jiggly
Refrigeration is key! Keep your holiday jello salad covered in the fridge. It'll last up to three days . Freezing isn't really recommended.
It can get a bit…weird. Reheating? Don't even think about it! Jello is best served cold. Think of it as the perfect refreshing end to Thanksgiving! Honestly, I like it on boxing day after the holiday jello salad, as a palette cleanser.
Variations: Twists on a Classic
Want to mix it up? For dietary adaptations, use sugar-free jelly and cranberry sauce. Simple! For seasonal ingredient swaps, try peaches in the summer! Now, that's an easy jello salad .
You can even change it to raspberry jello. Don't let others tell you it's not a vintage cranberry salad after that!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl!
Okay, let's be real. It's not exactly a health food. But it does have some fruit! In terms of simplified nutrition, it's got vitamin C from the cranberries and pineapple.
The gelatin might be good for your nails. Consider it a mostly guilt free treat and be done with it. I found that the Thanksgiving jello salad and the cranberry salad recipe were really helpful for my digestion.
So, there you have it. These recipe notes should help you avoid any jello related disasters! Making this cranberry jello salad recipe is all about having a bit of fun.
Go on, give it a go and enjoy the retro jello salad goodness! It will make you nostalgic for the good old days! Plus, there are loads of gelatin dessert recipes to explore!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cranberry jello salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's best to make cranberry jello salad a day or two in advance. This gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully and ensures the gelatin is fully set. Just keep it covered tightly in the fridge, and it'll be ready to wow your guests (or just yourself!) when you are.
How do I store leftover cranberry jello salad? Will it keep?
Leftover cranberry jello salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally keep well for up to 3-5 days. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly over time, becoming a tad bit softer, but it will still be perfectly safe and delicious to eat. Nobody wants a soggy bottom!
What if I don't have cranberry gelatin? Can I substitute another flavor?
While cranberry gelatin really gives this dish its signature flavour, you can definitely experiment! Raspberry or even cherry gelatin are good substitutes that will provide a similar colour and fruity sweetness. Just remember to adjust the other ingredients (like the juice) to complement the new flavor profile.
Think of it as your own personal spin on a classic!
Can I make a sugar-free or healthier version of this cranberry jello salad?
You bet! To reduce the sugar content, use sugar-free gelatin and sugar-free cranberry sauce. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to sweeten it to your liking.
Another great tip is to use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the cranberry sauce for added fibre and natural sweetness - good on you, playing it smart!
My cranberry jello salad isn't setting properly. What went wrong?
There are a few reasons why your jello salad might not be firming up. Make sure you used the correct ratio of gelatin to liquid, and that the gelatin was fully dissolved in boiling water before adding the cold liquids.
Also, ensure that your fridge is cold enough (around 4°C or 40°F) and that you're allowing enough chilling time. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to jello!
I'm allergic to nuts. What can I use instead of walnuts in my cranberry jello salad?
No worries, nut allergies are common. You can easily substitute the walnuts or pecans with other crunchy ingredients like toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or even some crispy rice cereal for a bit of texture.
You could also omit the nuts altogether; the pineapple and cranberry sauce provide plenty of flavour and interest on their own. Sorted!
Jeweltoned Cranberry Bliss A Jello Salad For The
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 200 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
