Festive Cranberry Walnut Jello Salad
This vibrant and refreshing jello salad has been a family staple at our Thanksgiving table since the 1960s. Initially shared by a neighbor back in Omaha with my mother, this dish quickly became a must-have for our holiday celebrations. It's a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors combined with a satisfying crunch, providing a unique and delicious complement to any festive meal. Easy to prepare in advance, this jello salad can conveniently be made up to two days prior to serving. Remember to verify with your guests regarding any nut allergies, as this recipe includes walnuts. Enjoy this timeless holiday classic!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole berry cranberry sauce
16 ounces (canned)
Jello gelatin, black cherry flavor
6 ounces (two 3-ounce packages)
water
2 cups (hot)
water
1 cup (cold)
red apples
2 medium-sized (peeled and finely chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
parsley sprig
optional (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the black cherry flavored jello gelatin in 2 cups of hot water, stirring until the gelatin particles are completely dissolved.
2
Incorporate 1 cup of cold water and the canned whole berry cranberry sauce into the gelatin mixture. Stir thoroughly until well blended, then set aside to cool until it just begins to thicken.
3
Before the mixture sets completely, gently fold in the finely chopped apples, celery, and walnuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the gelatin.
4
Lightly spray a 3-cup jello mold with vegetable oil, then pour the prepared mixture into the mold, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5
Refrigerate the mold for several hours or until the gelatin has fully set. When ready to serve, gently invert the mold onto a serving plate.
6
Optionally, garnish with a sprig of parsley for an added touch of color and freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry Walnut Jello Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing gelatin-based salad featuring sweet and tart flavors with a satisfying crunch.
How long has this recipe been a family tradition?
This recipe has been a staple at the family Thanksgiving table since the 1960s.
What is the origin of this jello salad recipe?
The recipe was originally shared by a neighbor in Omaha with the creator's mother.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
It is perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday celebrations, or any festive meal.
Can this jello salad be made in advance?
Yes, it is easy to prepare in advance and can be made up to two days before serving.
Does this recipe contain any common allergens?
Yes, this recipe contains walnuts, so you should verify guest allergies before serving.
What flavor of jello is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for black cherry flavored jello gelatin.
What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?
You should use 16 ounces of canned whole berry cranberry sauce.
How much hot water is needed to dissolve the gelatin?
You need 2 cups of hot water to dissolve the black cherry jello.
How much cold water is added to the mixture?
1 cup of cold water is incorporated after the gelatin is dissolved.
What kind of apples are recommended?
The recipe uses two medium-sized red apples.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled and finely chopped before being added to the mixture.
How much celery is included in the salad?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery.
How many walnuts should I add?
Use 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for the recipe.
When do I add the apples, celery, and walnuts?
Gently fold them in after the gelatin mixture has cooled and just begins to thicken.
How do I prevent the jello from sticking to the mold?
Lightly spray a 3-cup jello mold with vegetable oil before pouring in the mixture.
What is the recommended size for the jello mold?
A 3-cup jello mold is the appropriate size for this recipe.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
Refrigerate for several hours or until the gelatin has fully set.
How do I serve the jello salad once it is set?
Gently invert the mold onto a serving plate to release the salad.
What can I use to garnish the dish?
An optional garnish of a sprig of parsley adds a touch of color and freshness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad is smooth and gelatinous with a crunch from the apples, celery, and walnuts.
How many packages of jello are needed?
The recipe calls for two 3-ounce packages of black cherry gelatin.
Do I need to stir the gelatin until it's completely dissolved?
Yes, stir the gelatin in hot water until the particles are completely dissolved.
Is the cranberry sauce mixed with the cold water?
Yes, both the cold water and the cranberry sauce are stirred into the hot gelatin mixture together.
Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?
While the original recipe uses walnuts, you could substitute them if desired, though the flavor profile may change.
How do I smooth the top of the salad in the mold?
Use a spatula to smooth the top of the mixture after pouring it into the mold.
What makes the salad tart?
The whole berry cranberry sauce provides a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the jello.
Is this recipe considered a classic holiday dish?
Yes, it is described as a timeless holiday classic.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Gelatin category.