Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a nostalgic treat that bursts with vibrant color and festive flavors, this Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly blends tart cranberries with sweet pineapple and a fluffy texture from mini marshmallows, creating a delightful balance of tartness, sweetness, and creaminess. Every spoonful is a celebration of bright cranberry juice turned into a beautiful, jiggly salad that’s as eye-catching as it is refreshing. Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday gathering or just want a cheerful dessert with a twist, this recipe will soon become one of your favorites to make and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making a Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role in bringing this dish to life, from the tartness of cranberry juice to the soft crunch of marshmallows and the tropical sweetness of pineapple chunks.

• 1 cup 100% cranberry juice: Provides a rich, tart base for the gelatin to bloom and flavor the salad deeply.
• 2 cups cranberry juice (for mixing): Adds the bulk liquid for the gelatin, reinforcing that signature cranberry taste.
• 1 cup unflavored gelatin powder: Essential for setting the salad into a tender, wobbly texture.
• 1 cup fresh cranberries: Adds a fresh tart crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the jelly.
• 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained: Brings a juicy, sweet pop that complements the cranberries wonderfully.
• 1 cup mini marshmallows: Injects a pillowy sweetness that melts gently into each bite.
• 1 cup whipped cream (for serving): Tops off the salad with a creamy, airy finish that balances the tartness.

How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

Start by sprinkling the unflavored gelatin over 1 cup of cold 100% cranberry juice in a medium bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom, which allows the gelatin granules to absorb the liquid fully and ensures a smooth, jiggly texture once set. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect consistency for your Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe.

Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin

Next, heat 2 cups of cranberry juice gently in a saucepan until warm but not boiling. Combine this with the bloomed gelatin mixture, stirring continuously until the gelatin completely dissolves. This creates a flavorful, crimson base that will hold all the delicious additions together.

Step 3: Fold in the Fruit and Marshmallows

Now comes the fun part—gently mix in fresh cranberries and the drained pineapple chunks, then fold in the mini marshmallows. The marshmallows add a delightfully soft texture that contrasts with the tart, juicy fruits. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, so your salad keeps all its lovely, distinct components intact.

Step 4: Chill Until Set

Pour the mixture into a mold or a serving dish, smoothing the top gently. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until the salad is fully set and wobbling with festive charm. The waiting is worth it because this is what transforms your ingredients into a stunning cranberry dessert masterpiece.

Step 5: Add the Whipped Cream Topping

Before serving, whip your cream until soft peaks form. Top each serving of the Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe generously with this luscious cream to add richness and a creamy counterpoint to the tangy, fruity salad beneath.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the salad into squares or scoop it into bowls, making sure each portion has plenty of that whipped cream on top. Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience—the crisp cranberry flavors and soft marshmallow bites will have you coming back for seconds.

How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To add an extra touch of festivity and flavor, consider garnishing the Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe with a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of grated orange zest. These garnishes add a fresh aroma and a pop of green or citrus that lifts the whole presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with savory holiday classics like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or buttery dinner rolls. Its tart sweetness cleanses the palate, making it an excellent companion to rich, hearty main dishes without overwhelming other flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the mold? Serve the salad in individual glass cups layered with extra whipped cream and fresh cranberries on top for a fancy, parfait-like effect. You can also use festive-shaped molds for holidays, like stars or trees, to make this salad a vibrant centerpiece that doubles as a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and freshness. It will hold up well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time or enjoying as a leftover treat the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the gelatin and marshmallows can lose their delicate texture once thawed. For best results, stick to refrigeration and enjoy it within a few days after preparing.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. In fact, warming it could cause the gelatin to melt, losing the delightful texture that makes this dish so special. Serve it straight from the fridge for the ideal experience.

FAQs

Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin?

While you can experiment with flavored gelatin, using unflavored gelatin allows the natural tartness of the cranberry juice to shine through without added sweetness or artificial flavors. This keeps the Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe balanced and authentic.

What if I don’t have fresh cranberries? Can I use frozen or dried?

Frozen cranberries can be used but might add extra moisture, so drain carefully before mixing. Dried cranberries will alter the texture and sweetness level, so it’s best to stick with fresh or frozen for the ideal crunch and tartness.

Is there a non-dairy substitute for whipped cream?

Absolutely! Coconut whipped cream or other non-dairy whipped toppings work beautifully as a dairy-free alternative, providing a similarly creamy finish without compromising the flavor of your Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?

Yes, doubling the recipe is straightforward and works well if you’re feeding a larger group. Just remember to use a bigger mold or multiple dishes and adjust chilling time accordingly to ensure it sets properly.

What’s the best way to get the gelatin to set properly?

Always make sure to let the gelatin bloom in cold juice first and then dissolve it completely in warmed juice without boiling. Slowly combining these steps ensures a smooth texture and a firm set for your cranberry delight.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the season with a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Its vibrant colors, contrasting textures, and bright flavors make it a true standout on any table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon—whether it’s for a simple family dessert or a festive holiday side, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfy your taste buds.

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 25 minutes plus 4 hours chilling
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A refreshing and festive Cranberry Jello Salad that combines the tartness of cranberry juice and fresh cranberries with the sweetness of pineapple chunks and mini marshmallows. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a light, fruity dessert, this salad is chilled to a firm, jiggly texture and topped with creamy whipped cream for a delightful treat.

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Ingredients

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Gelatin Mixture

• 1 cup 100% cranberry juice (cold)
• 1 cup unflavored gelatin powder
• 2 cups cranberry juice (heated for dissolving gelatin)

Fruit and Add-ins

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Topping

• 1 cup whipped cream (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Bloom the Gelatin: In a medium bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder evenly over 1 cup of cold cranberry juice. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to fully absorb the liquid and bloom.
2. Dissolve the Gelatin: Heat 2 cups of cranberry juice in a saucepan until hot but not boiling. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the hot juice and stir continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved, forming a smooth liquid.
3. Add Fruit and Marshmallows: Stir in the fresh cranberries and drained pineapple chunks. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows to distribute evenly without deflating them.
4. Chill to Set: Pour the mixture into a mold or serving dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin mixture is fully set and firm to the touch.
5. Prepare Topping: Just before serving, whip the cream until soft peaks form. This will add a light and creamy texture to the salad.
6. Serve: Slice the jello salad into squares or scoop into bowls. Top each serving generously with the whipped cream and serve chilled for a delightful, refreshing dessert.

Notes

• For a firmer salad, you can increase the gelatin powder to 1.5 cups.
• Ensure the cranberry juice used for dissolving gelatin is hot enough to fully dissolve the gelatin but not boiling to avoid affecting texture.
• Fresh cranberries add tartness and texture but can be substituted with frozen if fresh are unavailable.
• Mini marshmallows add sweetness and softness; feel free to adjust quantity to taste.
• This salad can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated covered.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American