Make this Old-Fashioned Cranberry Salad, also known as a Cranberry JELLO mold for a Thanksgiving side dish this year. We use raspberry Jello, crushed pineapple, whole berry cranberry sauce, and nuts to make this traditional holiday recipe.
Cranberry Salad
Classic recipes are some of my favorites during the holidays. I like to add timeless dishes to my Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Jello desserts like a 7UP Jello Mold and this Cranberry Salad are two of my favorites. Both recipes are so easy and delicious. You can make them in a bundt pan, a mold, a pan, a trifle dish or in a bowl.
I made our Old-Fashioned Cranberry Jello Salad in a bundt pan and a bowl for this post. As you can see, it is simple to make in ether dish, and both versions look very impressive. There is no need for a fancy JELLO mold pan.
Many old school Cranberry salads include celery. My grandmother added it to hers, but I omit it from mine. Some other recipes call for mayo. I think the combination of Jello, pineapple, jellied cranberry with the nuts is perfect.
Cranberry Salad can be served as a side dish or as a dessert. I prefer to serve it with dinner. When I make it in a bowl, I top it with Cool-Whip or homemade whipped cream. Then, I add a couple of fresh cranberries on top to make it a bit fancier looking.
My kids, as well as many family members, dislike cranberry flavors. But, they love Cranberry Salad and also my. If you have you are thinking this Jello salad is only for cranberry fans, think again.
I love cranberries so, I make this salad and also our Homemade Cranberry Sauce with apples each Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cranberry pairs so well with turkey. I never tire of cranberry flavored anything.
Ingredients for Cranberry Salad
- Jello
- Crushed Pineapple
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
- Pecans
How to make Cranberry Salad
First, combine your boiling water and your gelatin in a large bowl. And whisk until dissolved. I always use a raspberry flavor because it pairs well with the cranberry. Feel free to use a cranberry Jell-O, strawberry, or even cherry flavors work too!
Next, you will add in the can of whole berry cranberry sauce. I have never used plain jellied cranberry sauce. The whole berries will bust slightly and add flavor. During this step, whisk well to combine.
Now, we add the crushed pineapple. DO NOT drain the juice from the can. The flavor and liquid are needed. Also, whisk very well during this step. After adding the pineapple, refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Remove the unset Jell-O mixture from the refrigerator and add nuts if you wish. I like the added flavor and crunch they offer. If you would also like to add celery, you can during this step, about 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery is my recommendation. Stir the mixture and transfer to a bowl, heavily greased pan, bundt pan or mold. I use Crisco shortening for coating.
Finally, the Cranberry Salad needs to refrigerate for about 6 hours. You need to be sure the mixture is firm before serving or removing from the bundt pan or mold. If using a bundt pan, I use a bread knife to release around the outside and inside edges. Then, I place a plate on top and flip. I use a spoon to “bang” all around on the pan until I hear the Jello release. Sometimes this takes a few flips and bangs. But, this process always works.
Serve with whipped topping, homemade whipped cream or even vanilla ice cream.
Old-Fashioned Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large pkg (6 oz) Raspberry Jello
- 1-1/2 cup boiling Water
- 14 oz Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
- 20 oz Crushed Pineapple with juice
- 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add gelatin and water and whisk until dissolved.
- Add cranberry sauce and whisk to mix well.
- Stir in pineapple.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Stir in pecans.
- If desired you can grease a jello mold or bundt pan and pour mixture in that or transfer to serving bowl.
- Refrigerate for 6-7 hours until is jello is set,
Nutrition
I make a Simular Salad using these Ingredients…Strawberry Jello, Fresh Cranberries( ran threw grinder, Chopped Wanuts very fine, Oranges chopped, Apples chopped small, Then Grind up Orange Peel ….Add Sugar to Crannberries for your own Taste…Mix all and Ad to Jello…Longer in Fridge better it is….
I have never made cranberry salad before but my husband recently mentioned having it at a late family gathering for after Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing a recipe right on time for me to try. #HomeMattersParty
I love this recipe! I use the strawberry jello instead of raspberry, just because a sweet lady gave me this recipe years ago and that is what she used! Thanks for sharing !
Do you add the juice from the crushed pineapple ?
My Mother has made this Salad my entire life. A few years back, I was able to find Cranberry flavored Jell-O in our area for her. She too adds well drained canned/jarred Mandarin Orange segments to her Salad.
For Christmas last year, I got her a brand new Tupperware Mold, she was in heaven!
can you freeze this salad after it sets
I make a similar recipe. But use an unflavored gelatin packet. Also simply spray the mold with Pam instead of Crisco!
Can I make it with fresh cranberries?
I have been making this salad for over 45 years. But my original recipe uses mandarin oranges as well. I omit the nuts unless it’s for home, then I also add celery.
Can I make it with pineapple and mandarin oranges. If so do I need to drain the mandarin oranges. I also have eaten it with mandarin oranges and I think it also had pineapple in it. I have never made it before but I want to make it for this Thanksgiving.
My mother used to make something that sounds similar to this. Buy it had mini-marshmallows in it. Could I add mini-marshmallows to this recipe? Thank in advance
Hi Carolyn! You sure could:) They will be a tasty addition.
This is so yummy. I use cherry rather than raspberries! A big hit every Thanksgiving 🐞🍁🍁🍂