Cranberry Orange Delight Salad
This Cranberry Orange Delight Salad is a cherished family recipe passed down from my beloved Grandma Thelma, who made Thanksgiving unforgettable with her culinary creations. Bursting with the refreshing flavors of tart cranberries and zesty oranges, this colorful salad is not just a seasonal dish but a year-round favorite. The combination of crunchy pecans and crisp celery adds texture, while the optional splash of white wine enhances its vibrant taste profile. Perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or summer picnics, this salad is a delightful addition to any table. Even those who shy away from cranberries will find themselves coming back for seconds! Prepare it ahead of time for the best flavor, and don’t forget to lift a toast to Grandma as you enjoy this flavorful recipe!
6-10
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cranberries
2 cups (Washed and ground (or roughly chopped))
Lemon Jell-O gelatin
1 (3 ounce) package (Prepared according to package directions with reduced water)
Orange
1 medium (Zested, juiced, with pulp used (no white part))
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (Granulated)
Celery
1 cup (Chopped)
Pecans (or walnuts)
1 cup (Chopped)
White wine (optional)
1/4-1/2 cup (Zinfandel or a fruity German wine)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the cranberries thoroughly. Grind them using an old-fashioned metal grinder to achieve a coarse texture. If necessary, a food processor may be used, but remember to keep the cranberries chunky.
2
Next, wash the orange and carefully zest it, ensuring you only take the orange part of the peel. Juice the orange, making sure to use as much pulp as possible while avoiding the white pith.
3
Chop the celery into small pieces, aiming for a consistent size to ensure even distribution in the salad.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground cranberries, orange zest, juice, sugar, chopped celery, and half of the optional white wine. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for optimal flavor development.
6
On the following day, chop the pecans into bite-sized pieces.
7
Prepare the lemon Jell-O according to the package instructions, but use only half the recommended water amount. Allow it to partially set before adding other ingredients.
8
Once the Jell-O has thickened slightly, fold in the cranberry mixture and chopped nuts. If desired, mix in the remaining wine for an extra kick.
9
Transfer the combined salad into a decorative serving bowl—glass or crystal works beautifully, especially for festive occasions. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or until fully set.
10
For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe by using one package of lemon Jell-O and one package of orange Jell-O. Remember to adjust the cranberry quantity to two 12 oz bags while not quite doubling the other ingredients.
11
Finally, take a moment to remember and honor Grandma Thelma as you serve this delightful salad, bringing her spirit to your dining table.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
22g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the Cranberry Orange Delight Salad?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down from Grandma Thelma, who made Thanksgiving unforgettable with her culinary creations.
What are the primary flavors of this salad?
The salad features refreshing flavors of tart cranberries and zesty oranges.
Is this recipe only for the holidays?
No, while it is perfect for holiday gatherings, it is a year-round favorite suitable for brunches and summer picnics.
How should I prepare the cranberries?
Cranberries should be washed and ground using an old-fashioned metal grinder or a food processor to achieve a coarse, chunky texture.
What part of the orange should I use?
Use the zest (avoiding the white pith) and the juice with as much pulp as possible.
Why must the cranberry mixture be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating the mixture of cranberries, orange, sugar, celery, and wine overnight allows for optimal flavor development.
What flavor of Jell-O is used in the standard recipe?
The recipe calls for one 3-ounce package of lemon Jell-O gelatin.
How much water is used to prepare the Jell-O?
Use only half the amount of water recommended by the package instructions.
When should I add the nuts and cranberry mixture to the Jell-O?
Fold them in once the Jell-O has partially set and thickened slightly.
What kind of nuts work best in this salad?
The recipe suggests using one cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
Is alcohol an ingredient in this recipe?
White wine is an optional ingredient, with a recommended amount of 1/4 to 1/2 cup.
What type of white wine is recommended?
Zinfandel or a fruity German wine is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes between 6 and 10 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the salad?
Each serving provides about 1.5 grams of protein.
How much sugar is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
How much celery should be added?
Add one cup of finely chopped celery for texture and flavor.
How do I double the recipe for a larger gathering?
Use one package of lemon Jell-O and one package of orange Jell-O, along with two 12 oz bags of cranberries, while slightly less than doubling other ingredients.
What is the recommended serving dish for this salad?
A decorative glass or crystal bowl is recommended to showcase the salad's vibrant colors.
How long does the salad need to set in the refrigerator?
It should be refrigerated for at least two hours or until fully set before serving.
What is the best way to chop the celery?
Chop the celery into small, consistent pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
Can I use a food processor for the cranberries?
Yes, a food processor can be used if an old-fashioned grinder isn't available, but be careful to keep them chunky.
What should I avoid when preparing the orange?
Avoid the white pith of the orange peel, as it can be bitter.
Is this salad popular with people who usually don't like cranberries?
Yes, even those who typically shy away from cranberries tend to enjoy this flavorful recipe.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
The recipe consists of 7 main ingredients.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include thanksgiving salad, cranberry salad, holiday dish, and family recipe.
When is the wine added to the mixture?
Half of the wine is stirred into the cranberry mixture initially, and the rest can be added when folding into the Jell-O.
Who is the recipe dedicated to?
The recipe is dedicated to the memory of Grandma Thelma.