Festive Cranberry Jello Salad
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of nostalgia? Honestly, who doesn't love a bit of retro fun? This cranberry jello salad is a real throwback treat.
This recipe is bursting with sweet and tart cranberry flavour.
Brief Overview
Cranberry jello salad is a classic dish. Many consider it a staple on Thanksgiving tables across the UK and the US.
It's an easy recipe and only takes about 25 minutes to prep, then it needs 4 hours to chill. It makes about 8 servings.
Main Benefits
The cranberry salad recipe is a good source of vitamin C. It’s perfect for Christmas lunch, a potluck, or even a light dessert.
What makes this jello salad recipe special is the combo of the jiggly jello, tart cranberry, and crunchy celery. This recipe can appeal to search engines.
This really will take you back.
It's Jello Time: Get Stuck In!
Right then, let’s talk ingredients for this absolute banger. You’ll need some cranberry sauce jello salad building blocks. Don’t worry, you likely have most of this stuff already.
What You Need
- 1 (6 ounce) packet of cranberry flavored gelatin.
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 (14 ounce) can of whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Oh, and for a bit of extra poshness, we're adding a cheeky cream cheese topping:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon icing sugar
Making it Happen
First, you’ll dissolve the jello. Then, stir in the cold water, cranberry sauce, celery, and nuts. Pour it all into a dish and chill.
It needs at least 4 hours. While the gelatin salad is setting, whip up your cream cheese topping. I remember the first time I made this, I didn't let it chill long enough.
It was a complete mush! So, be patient.
Tips for the Perfect Jiggle
Here are some tricks to get that perfect wobbly fruit gelatin dessert.
Toast your walnuts before adding them. This will bring out their nutty flavour. Also, lightly grease your dish. Your cranberry jello salad will slide right out. You know what I mean!
Honestly, the best bit about this is how versatile it is.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this absolutely banging Cranberry Jello Salad . It's seriously one of the easiest holiday recipes you'll ever try! This retro dessert recipe is a total showstopper.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Right, let's get started! This section will break down exactly what you need. No fuss, just the good stuff to make this cranberry jello salad a success.
Main Ingredients - Get 'em Sorted!
- Cranberry Flavored Gelatin: 1 (6 ounce) package ( 170g ). Quality gelatin is key. Go for a well-known brand, you know? It'll set better and taste better, trust me.
- Boiling Water: 2 cups ( 475 ml ). This is where the magic starts!
- Cold Water: 1 cup ( 235 ml ). Chills things down nicely.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: 1 (14 ounce) can ( 397g ). I reckon you could use homemade. As long as it's not too sweet.
- Chopped Celery: 1/2 cup ( 60g ). Gives it a bit of crunch.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional): 1/2 cup ( 50g ). Adds a nutty vibe, but skip if nuts aren't your thing.
Cream Cheese Topping (Optional):
- Cream Cheese, Softened: 4 ounces ( 113g ). Softened is key, or you'll get lumps.
- Milk: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Just a splash to make it creamy.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 tablespoon ( 10g ). For that extra bit of sweetness.
Seasoning Notes Spice It Up (Or Not!)
Honestly, the cranberry sauce jello salad flavour is already there, thanks to the cranberry gelatin and sauce. But! A tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a bit of warmth.
Like Christmas in a bowl, innit?
Equipment Needed Keep It Simple
- Large Mixing Bowl: Gotta have somewhere to mix everything.
- Whisk: To get rid of those pesky gelatin lumps.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: Or any similar sized mould. I've even used a Tupperware container in a pinch.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvs.
Now, you might think vintage jello recipes are complicated. But I tell you, this jello salad recipe is proper easy.
No special equipment is needed, promise! Even I can do it, and I'm no MasterChef.
So there you have it. All you need for a thanksgiving side dish recipes star! Let's get cracking!
Festive Cranberry Jello Salad: A Retro Delight
Honestly, who doesn't love a good retro dessert recipes ? This Cranberry Jello Salad is not just food; it's a time machine.
It zaps you straight back to childhood holidays. Think jelly and nostalgia rolled into one delightful bite.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
This cranberry salad recipe is all about organisation, innit? First, measure out your ingredients. This is your essential mise en place .
Trust me, it saves time. Soften your cream cheese if you're going for the topping. I always forget this bit and end up wrestling with rock hard cheese.
Remember, easy holiday recipes should actually be easy.
step-by-step: Jello tastic
Ready to get this show on the road?
- Dissolve the cranberry flavored gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water . Whisk it like you mean it. Make sure there are no gritty bits.
- Stir in 1 cup of cold water . This cools things down a bit.
- Mix in the 14 ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce . Don't skimp on the good stuff! And add 1/2 cup chopped celery, and 1/2 cup chopped nuts.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch dish.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours , or until firm. This is the hardest part because it requires patience.
Pro Tip : Lightly grease the dish for easy serving. Nobody wants a jello disaster.
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Jello Game
- Don't rush the chill time! A wobbly gelatin salad is no good to anyone.
- Toast your nuts. This is a game changer. Toasting them brings out a depth of flavour.
- make-ahead? Absolutely! This thanksgiving side dish recipes champion can be made a day or two in advance.
I remember one time, I tried to rush the chilling process. Big mistake! The salad was a gloopy mess, and my Nan gave me "the look.
" Lesson learned. This cranberry sauce jello salad is one of those vintage jello recipes that gets better with time.
It’s perfect if you’re after a fruit gelatin dessert . Honestly, once you try it, you'll be hooked!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Cranberry Jello Salad
Right then, let's chat about getting this cranberry jello salad just perfect. Honestly, it's easy, but a few tips can make yours the star of the buffet.
Think of these as your secret weapons. You know?
Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!
Presentation is key, even with retro dessert recipes like this. Why not cut your cranberry jello salad into cute shapes? Star shaped cookie cutters are brill for Christmas! Serve it on a pretty platter.
Fancy, eh? It's a great thanksgiving side dish recipes .
On the side, how about a dollop of proper clotted cream? It balances the tartness beautifully. A glass of chilled Prosecco would be lush, too. Think bubbly!
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
This fruit gelatin dessert is best eaten within 3-4 days. Keep it covered in the fridge; otherwise, it'll dry out and be a bit sad.
Freezing ain't ideal; the texture goes a bit weird. Reheating? Nah, serve it cold. It's meant to be refreshing!
Variations: Your Jello, Your Rules
Fancy a twist? Use sugar-free gelatin salad and cranberry sauce for a lighter version. Or, how about swapping the walnuts for pecans? Seasonal swap? Add some blackberries in the autumn.
Lush! For Vegan Friends, agar agar can be experimented with as a substitute for gelatin salad .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Alright, a bit of number crunching. Each serving is about 180 calories. Not bad, eh? It's got some fibre from the cranberry sauce and a bit of protein from the nuts.
The key health benefits is Vitamin C. Plus, gelatin is supposed to be good for your joints!
So, there you have it! A proper cranberry salad recipe , ready to be made your own. It's one of those easy holiday recipes that everyone loves, a bit of vintage jello recipes fun! Enjoy making your cranberry jello salad !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cranberry jello salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's best to make cranberry jello salad a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the jello is perfectly set. Just store it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve, like a well behaved pudding.
How long does cranberry jello salad last in the refrigerator?
Cranberry jello salad will generally keep in the fridge for 3-5 days, stored in an airtight container. The texture might change slightly over time, potentially becoming a little more watery. Keep an eye on it though, just like you would with leftovers from your Sunday roast.
What are some good substitutions for walnuts in this cranberry jello salad recipe?
If you're not keen on walnuts, pecans are a classic alternative and give a similar nutty crunch. Other good options include chopped almonds or even macadamia nuts for a slightly sweeter flavour.
And if nuts are a no-go altogether, try adding some sunflower seeds for a bit of texture think of it like a posh bird feeder, but for humans!
Is there a way to make a healthier version of cranberry jello salad?
You can definitely lighten up this retro treat! Use sugar-free gelatin and cranberry sauce to significantly reduce the sugar content. You could also add extra fruit, like mandarin oranges, to increase the nutritional value and reduce the amount of jello needed.
Just be careful not to overload the mixture, or it might not set properly - a bit like a wobbly building!
My cranberry jello salad didn't set properly what went wrong?
A few things could have caused this! Make sure you dissolved the gelatin completely in the boiling water before adding the cold water and other ingredients. Also, double check that your fridge is cold enough. Most importantly, it just needs time - at least 4 hours!
Patience is a virtue, as they say, especially when it comes to jello.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce in this cranberry jello salad?
You can, but it will require a bit more effort! You'll need to cook the fresh cranberries with some sugar and water until they soften and burst, creating a homemade cranberry sauce. Then, let it cool completely before adding it to the jello mixture.
It's a bit like making your own Christmas pudding - extra effort, but worth it in the end if you are keen to go the extra mile!
Festive Cranberry Jello Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |