Oh, the holidays! There’s something so magical about the sights, smells, and tastes that come with this festive season. Growing up, one of my favorite things was sitting around the table, sharing laughter and stories with family while indulging in those delightful, comforting dishes that feel like a warm hug. One of those special recipes that always found its way onto our holiday table was the classic Cranberry Jello Salad. This vibrant salad, with its rich crimson color and irresistible crunch from the walnuts, is not just another retro dish; it’s a nostalgic throwback that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Perfect for our gatherings, it adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely contrast to savory dishes, making it a memorable way to celebrate togetherness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to whip up, making it a fantastic addition to any holiday spread.
- Family-friendly and perfect for all ages (who doesn’t love Jello?).
- Bursting with flavors of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts.
- Beautiful presentation that adds a pop of color to your table.
- Budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients you likely already have!
Ingredients
Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful Cranberry Jello Salad. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (12 oz) package of cranberry-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 can (14 oz) whole cranberry sauce
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup diced celery (for that lovely crunch!)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (because who can resist?)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
Note: Fresh walnuts give a richer flavor, but if you have pecans on hand, those work beautifully too!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your lovely Cranberry Jello Salad:
- Start by boiling one cup of water. Once it’s bubbling away, carefully stir in your package of cranberry-flavored gelatin. Mix until completely dissolved, which usually takes about two minutes.
- Next, add one cup of cold water to the mixture to cool it slightly. This is the base of your salad, so it’s important to let it cool a little before moving on.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole cranberry sauce, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and mini marshmallows. It’s going to look vibrant and inviting! Stir gently to ensure everything is nicely mixed.
- Now pour the cooled gelatin mixture into the bowl with the cranberry sauce mixture. And here’s a little tip: be careful not to splash! Gently fold everything together until it’s well combined.
- Once it’s all incorporated, add in the sour cream, folding it into the mixture. The creamy addition brings everything together and adds a wonderful texture. Just be mindful not to overmix; you want those little marshmallow pieces to stay whole!
- Transfer your salady creation into a mold or a pretty serving bowl. Make sure it’s evenly spread out. Cover it and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight if you can wait—that’s when the magic happens!
- When you’re ready to serve, lovingly slice it into squares or scoop it into bowls. Garnish with a few extra walnuts on top for that finishing touch!
And there you have it! Your Cranberry Jello Salad is ready to make its debut on the holiday table.
Pro Tips & Variations
This salad is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to play around with it!
- Mix it up with fruits: Add in some diced apples or crushed pineapple for an extra fruity twist.
- Spice it up: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavors, bringing a warm, festive touch.
- For a lighter version: Substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt, or use a sugar-free gelatin for a healthier take without sacrificing taste!
- Add some zest: A splash of lemon juice or a bit of grated orange peel can give it a delightful citrus kick.
Just remember to keep the proportions in mind as you toss in your variations—it’s all about balance!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Cranberry Jello Salad is all set, let’s talk about how to serve it for maximum enjoyment! This dish pairs beautifully with that glazed ham or roast turkey you’re preparing. It’s also a lovely accompaniment to a warm bread roll or alongside a light salad for balance. Picture this: the bright colors of the jello salad contrasting against the golden-brown turkey, the rich scents of your holiday feast wafting through the air—ah, pure bliss!
For a sweet ending, consider serving it as part of a brunch spread alongside fluffy pancakes or waffles—each bite will transport you to warm memories filled with cheer.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? Not a problem! You can store your Cranberry Jello Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week without losing that amazing flavor. Just keep an eye on the texture; if it starts to get a bit runny, a quick stir will usually do the trick!
If you want to make it in advance for a special occasion, you can even freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Just be aware that the texture might change a bit, but it’ll still taste delightful!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries can add a tartness that many love, but you’ll need to sweeten them to balance out the flavors. Consider adding sugar or honey while cooking them down.
Is there a way to lighten this dish up?
Yes! You can use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, and choose a sugar-free gelatin mix for a healthier version without sacrificing that sweet-tart flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, you can make it up to a week ahead of your holiday festivities. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you’re nut-free or prefer something different, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that lovely crunch without the allergens!
How do I make the jello set faster?
To speed up setting, you can place your salad in the freezer for about 30 minutes, just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t freeze. Otherwise, a solid 4-6 hours in the fridge usually does the trick!
Conclusion
There you have it, my friend! This Cranberry Jello Salad recipe is bound to become a cherished part of your holiday gatherings, just as it has in mine. I hope you delight in making it as much as I do. Please let me know how yours turns out, and if you have any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them! Happy cooking and happy holidays—may your season be filled with love, laughter, and of course, delicious food!
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Savory Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe – Easy Vintage Holiday Dish
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Delight in this easy vintage holiday side featuring cranberry jello, walnuts, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Enjoy the classic taste!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
This vibrant Cranberry Jello Salad, filled with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, is an easy and nostalgic dish perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s easy to make and complements savory dishes beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: Cranberry Jello Salad, holiday recipes, easy salad, side dish, vintage recipes, walnuts, dessert salad, Thanksgiving, Christmas
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