Festive Cranberry Delight Salad
Delight your guests this holiday season with this Festive Cranberry Delight Salad. A beautiful blend of sweet and tart flavors, this salad features layers of vibrant strawberry Jell-O infused with rich cranberry sauce, juicy crushed pineapple, crunchy celery, and a touch of nuttiness from walnuts or pecans. Perfect as a refreshing side dish at Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations, this dish is sure to evoke nostalgia and warm memories with each delightful bite. Gather your loved ones, share the love, and indulge in this remarkable compilation of textures and flavors that embodies the spirit of Grandma's kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert
3 (3 1/2 ounce) boxes (Dry)
Boiling water
3 cups (Boiled)
Whole berry cranberry sauce
1 (16 ounce) can (Opened)
Crushed pineapple
1 (20 ounce) can (Drained)
Celery
1 cup (Finely chopped)
Nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry strawberry Jell-O gelatin with 3 cups of boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved.
2
Gradually add the whole berry cranberry sauce to the hot mixture, stirring continuously until completely melted and combined.
3
Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from setting too quickly.
4
Once cooled, transfer the Jell-O mixture into your desired serving dish or mold (such as a rectangular Pyrex dish or gelatin mold).
5
Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the salad is fully set and firm to touch.
7
Once set, serve chilled and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry Delight Salad?
It is a sweet and tart holiday salad featuring strawberry Jell-O, cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, celery, and nuts.
What flavor of gelatin is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for three 3.5-ounce boxes of dry strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert.
How much boiling water is required to dissolve the gelatin?
You will need 3 cups of boiling water to properly dissolve the strawberry Jell-O.
What type of cranberry sauce should I use?
The recipe specifies using one 16-ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce.
Do I need to drain the crushed pineapple?
Yes, you should use one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple that has been drained.
What kind of nuts can be added to the salad?
You can use either walnuts or pecans, and they should be finely chopped.
How much celery is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of finely chopped celery.
How long does the Festive Cranberry Delight Salad need to set?
The salad needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, or until it is fully set and firm to the touch.
Can I serve this dish at Christmas?
Yes, this salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish for both Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.
Is this recipe considered a side dish or a dessert?
It can be served as both; it is a versatile dish often referred to as a dessert salad or a festive side dish.
Can I use a specific mold for this Jell-O salad?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture into a gelatin mold or a rectangular Pyrex dish before refrigerating.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is to combine the dry strawberry Jell-O with 3 cups of boiling water in a large mixing bowl and stir until dissolved.
How long should I let the Jell-O mixture cool before adding the fruit?
Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Are the nuts in this recipe optional?
While the recipe includes them for crunch, they can be omitted if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.
Is Festive Cranberry Delight Salad a low protein dish?
Yes, based on the recipe tags, this dish is categorized as low protein.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
While canned is suggested for convenience, you can use fresh crushed pineapple as long as it is well-drained.
What size are the Jell-O boxes required?
The recipe calls for three boxes, each being 3.5 ounces.
How should the celery be prepared for the salad?
The celery should be finely chopped to ensure an even distribution throughout the salad.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead is recommended to ensure it is fully set and chilled for your event.
Why is the cranberry sauce added while the water is still hot?
It is added to the hot mixture so that the cranberry sauce can melt and combine completely with the gelatin.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but it uses a 20-ounce can of pineapple and 16 ounces of cranberry sauce, making it suitable for a large group.
Can I use raspberry Jell-O instead of strawberry?
While strawberry is traditional for this version, raspberry gelatin is a common and delicious substitute that pairs well with cranberries.
How do I store leftover cranberry salad?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
How many main ingredients are there in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: strawberry Jell-O, boiling water, cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, celery, and nuts.
Does this recipe contain sodium?
While specific nutritional values aren't listed, Jell-O and canned goods typically contain small amounts of sodium.
What should I do to prevent the Jell-O from setting too quickly during the cooling phase?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it sits at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a recipe that embodies the spirit of Grandma's kitchen and evokes nostalgic holiday memories.
How much chopped nuts are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans.
Can I freeze this Jell-O salad?
Freezing is not recommended for gelatin-based salads as the texture will become watery upon thawing.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, the salad should be served chilled directly from the refrigerator.