Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Delight Salad
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this delightful Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Delight Salad. The perfect fusion of tart cranberries and sweet crushed pineapple, this gelatin salad is a showstopper with its vibrant colors and luscious texture. Topped with a smooth, creamy mixture of cream cheese and whipped cream, and sprinkled with crunchy walnuts, this dish is sure to be a hit at any potluck or family dinner. Easy to prepare and beautifully presented, it's the ideal side or dessert to complement your festive feast!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Raspberry gelatin powder
2 packages (3 ounces each)
Unflavored gelatin
1/2 envelope (8 ounces)
Boiling water
1 cup (N/A)
Cold water
1/2 cup (N/A)
Crushed pineapple
1 can (8 ounces, with juice)
Whole berry cranberry sauce
1 can (15 ounces)
Finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup (N/A)
Cream cheese
1 package (8 ounces, softened)
Confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup (N/A)
Whipped cream
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Chopped walnuts
1/4 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying a 4-cup gelatin mold or a 9-inch square pan with vegetable oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium glass mixing bowl, combine the raspberry gelatin powder and the unflavored gelatin. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water and stir continuously with a metal spoon for about 2 minutes, ensuring that the gelatin is fully dissolved.
3
Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the mixture, then gently fold in the crushed pineapple with its juice, whole berry cranberry sauce, and finely chopped walnuts. Stir well until everything is evenly incorporated.
4
Transfer the gelatin mixture into the prepared mold or pan. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the salad is firm.
5
To serve, about 1 hour before the meal, invert the mold onto a serving platter. Allow it to sit at room temperature so that the salad can release itself from the mold more easily.
6
In a separate bowl, blend together the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, whipped cream, and chopped walnuts until smooth and creamy.
7
Once the salad has been unmolded, spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of the gelatin mold. Garnish with additional walnuts if desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
16
Fat
30
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Delight Salad?
It is a festive gelatin salad that combines tart cranberries and sweet crushed pineapple with a creamy cream cheese topping and crunchy walnuts.
What types of gelatin are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 3-ounce packages of raspberry gelatin powder and one half envelope of unflavored gelatin.
How do I prevent the gelatin from sticking to the mold?
You should spray a 4-cup gelatin mold or a 9-inch square pan with vegetable oil cooking spray before adding the mixture.
How long does it take to dissolve the gelatin?
You should stir the raspberry and unflavored gelatin in boiling water for approximately 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
Should I drain the crushed pineapple before adding it to the salad?
No, you should use the crushed pineapple with its juice as specified in the instructions.
What is the minimum refrigeration time for this salad?
The salad needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or until it is firm.
When is the best time to unmold the salad?
It is best to unmold the salad onto a serving platter about 1 hour before the meal so it can release more easily at room temperature.
What ingredients are in the creamy topping?
The topping is made by blending cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, whipped cream, and chopped walnuts.
Can I use a different container if I do not have a gelatin mold?
Yes, a 9-inch square pan is a suitable alternative for preparing this salad.
Is the Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Delight Salad vegetarian?
Yes, according to the recipe tags, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 250 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
The salad provides 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
What type of cranberry sauce should I use?
You should use one 15-ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce.
How much boiling water is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of boiling water to dissolve the gelatin.
How much cold water is added to the gelatin mixture?
You need to add 1/2 cup of cold water after the gelatin has dissolved.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses walnuts, specifically both finely chopped and regularly chopped varieties.
How can I garnish the salad?
You can garnish the top of the cream cheese mixture with additional chopped walnuts.
What is the texture of the Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Delight Salad?
It has a luscious, firm gelatin texture complemented by the crunch of walnuts and a smooth, creamy topping.
Can this recipe be served as a dessert?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a side dish or a dessert during holiday meals.
What is the capacity of the gelatin mold needed?
A 4-cup gelatin mold is recommended for this recipe.
What kind of sugar is used for the topping?
One quarter cup of confectioners' sugar is used in the cream cheese mixture.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need one 8-ounce package of cream cheese.
Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth and creamy topping.
What is the specific amount of unflavored gelatin used?
The recipe uses 1/2 of an envelope of unflavored gelatin.
How much whipped cream is needed for the topping?
You will need 2 tablespoons of whipped cream for the cream cheese blend.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a potluck dish due to its beautiful presentation and ease of serving.
Which holidays are best for serving this salad?
It is ideal for festive feasts and holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Is the Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Delight Salad easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe that is simple to prepare and assemble.