Cranberry Pineapple Jello Salad with Pecans
This delightful Cranberry Pineapple Jello Salad is a festive and vibrant dish that effortlessly adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to your Thanksgiving feast or any holiday gathering. Bursting with flavors from the juicy crushed pineapple and tart whole berry cranberry sauce, this easy-to-make salad is set to a luscious cherry gelatin base. Chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch, though you can leave them out if preferred. With its stunning ruby red hue, this jello salad not only tantalizes the taste buds but also makes for a beautiful centerpiece on your dinner table.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cherry gelatin
1 ((6 ounce package))
Boiling water
1 1/2 cups
Crushed pineapple
1 ((20 ounce can, undrained))
Whole berry cranberry sauce
1 ((16 ounce can))
Pecans
1/4 cup ((chopped, optional))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry gelatin powder with 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
2
Add the crushed pineapple (with juice) and the whole berry cranberry sauce to the bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes, or until it begins to thicken but is not yet set.
4
Once thickened, gently fold in the chopped pecans if using. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart serving bowl.
5
Return the bowl to the refrigerator, allowing the salad to chill until fully set, which takes approximately 4 hours or overnight for best results.
6
Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish during your holiday meals.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Pineapple Jello Salad with Pecans?
It is a festive and vibrant holiday side dish made with a cherry gelatin base, crushed pineapple, whole berry cranberry sauce, and chopped pecans.
How difficult is this recipe to make?
This recipe is categorized as easy, requiring only basic mixing and chilling steps.
What flavor of gelatin is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce package of cherry gelatin.
How much boiling water do I need to dissolve the gelatin?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of boiling water to properly dissolve the gelatin powder.
Should I drain the crushed pineapple before adding it?
No, you should use the 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple undrained, including all the juice.
What type of cranberry sauce is required?
The recipe uses one 16-ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce for added texture and tartness.
Are the pecans mandatory in this recipe?
No, the 1/4 cup of chopped pecans is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a nut-free salad.
How long does the salad take to set in the refrigerator?
It takes approximately 4 hours to set fully, though leaving it overnight yields the best results.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe provides 8 servings.
Can this jello salad be made in advance?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dish and should be prepared at least 4 hours before serving.
What size serving bowl is recommended?
A 2-quart serving bowl is the ideal size for this recipe.
Why do I need to refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before adding the pecans?
Chilling it until it begins to thicken ensures the pecans are suspended throughout the salad rather than sinking to the bottom.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
It should be served chilled as a refreshing side dish.
What is the primary flavor profile of this salad?
It has a sweet and tangy flavor profile from the combination of cherry, pineapple, and cranberry.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts can be used as a substitute if you prefer their flavor or have them on hand.
Is this salad considered a dessert or a side dish?
While it is sweet, it is traditionally served as a side dish, especially during holiday meals like Thanksgiving.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be kept in the refrigerator in a covered bowl or container.
Can I freeze this jello salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the gelatin and cause it to become watery upon thawing.
What gives the salad its ruby red color?
The combination of cherry gelatin and whole berry cranberry sauce creates its deep ruby red hue.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 5 ingredients: cherry gelatin, boiling water, crushed pineapple, whole berry cranberry sauce, and pecans.
Can I use sugar-free gelatin for this recipe?
Yes, sugar-free cherry gelatin can be substituted if you are monitoring your sugar intake.
How do I ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved?
Stir the gelatin powder into the boiling water continuously until no granules are visible in the large mixing bowl.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?
The recipe is specifically designed for canned whole berry cranberry sauce; using fresh cranberries would require additional cooking and sugar.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most gelatin and canned fruits are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels of your specific brands to be sure.
What texture can I expect from the pineapple?
The crushed pineapple adds small, juicy bits of fruit throughout the smooth gelatin base.
Can I double this recipe for a large party?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger 4-quart bowl or a 9x13 inch pan.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, its sweet fruit flavors and fun jello texture make it very popular with children.
Should the cranberry sauce be broken up before adding?
You should mix it well into the gelatin until all ingredients are fully incorporated, which will naturally break up the sauce.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While a specific serving size is not listed, the total recipe is intended to be divided into 8 equal portions.
Does this salad contain any fat or cholesterol?
The recipe info indicates null values for fat and cholesterol, though the optional pecans will add a small amount of healthy fats if included.