Cranberry Jello Salad is one of the best side dishes to pair with roasted turkey or ham. Think cranberry sauce, but even better! This recipe is perfect for your holiday table no matter if it is Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving, or any other special holiday you celebrate.
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Why this cranberry jello salad is so delicious
If you love to eat cranberry sauce, then you are going to LOVE this cranberry jello salad with celery. Adding jello and celery to the cranberry side dish brings it to the next level of flavor! This recipe has wonderful bright flavors, and it has a touch of the tartness of cranberries, so I think this recipe is more family-friendly than a can of cranberry sauce.
The other amazing thing about this recipe is you can make the cranberry jello salad how it’s written or you can add extra flavors or ingredients, which only make it better! It’s also easily changed into a dessert with just a few steps.
Not only is it a delicious condiment, but it can also be eaten on its own. It’s simply amazing. You must try it! This jello salad is a great change from whole berry cranberry sauce, it’s perfect for your next holiday dinner.
Cranberry Jello Salad vs. Cranberry Sauce
So what’s the difference between Cranberry Jello Salad and Cranberry sauce? It’s simple. Cranberry sauce is made with only cranberries, water, and sugar. Cranberry sauce is a traditional holiday complement to your turkey. But this salad, on the other hand, takes cranberry sauce to the next level.
This cranberry jello salad adds a few other sweeteners to make it extremely flavorful. Once you make this Cranberry Orange Salad for turkey or ham, you will never go back. One bite and you will wish to make fresh cranberry salad every year when you make a turkey.
Cranberry Jello Salad Ingredients
Take a look at the ingredients for fresh cranberry jello salad to make sure you are prepared.
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange (seedless recommended)
- Celery
- Lemon Jello gelatin mix
- Sugar
- Cold water
How to make cranberry jello salad
This is an easy recipe packed full of fruit flavors. It is an easy side dish to make.
- Combine the hot water and gelatin in a mixing bowl and refrigerate until syrupy. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t set up completely.
- Put the cranberries and orange through a food chopper or food processor. Then add the celery and sugar, and chop. Make sure the cranberries, orange, and celery are chopped up very well.
- Stir the cranberry mixture into the gelatin and refrigerate until set.
- Stir the cranberry mixture into the gelatin and refrigerate until set.
Recipe variations to make this cranberry jello salad your own
This is one of those jello salad recipes that are wonderful, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own! This recipe is so good it will even turn someone who is a fan of cranberry sauce into a lover of this cranberry dish.
Try adding some finely chopped walnuts or chopped pecans for added crunch, or chopped sweet apples or canned pineapple for extra flavor. Avoid using fresh or frozen pineapple, as these contain enzymes that may prevent the jello from setting up.
If you want to turn this salad into a dessert, you can even add some whipped cream topping and bam! You have a tasty and easy dessert.
Can you make jello cranberry salad ahead of time?
Yes, you definitely Yes, you definitely can make this Jello cranberry recipe ahead of time, leaving more time to prepare other recipes or visit with guests on Thanksgiving Day.
How long does cranberry salad last in the refrigerator?
When you store this cranberry salad in an airtight container it will keep for about 4 to 5 days. You could make this recipe a day ahead and serve it the next day. Just give it a good stir and serve it chilled.
Beyond that, it probably won’t be as appealing.
Can you freeze cranberry jello salad?
This jello salad can be frozen.
Freeze it in either an airtight container or in a plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months.
When you want to eat the salad, let it defrost to room temperature. Then put it in the fridge to set up.
I hope you give this easy cranberry salad a try. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas or a side dish for any other special meal.
Love cranberries? Try these recipes!
Favorite Thanksgiving recipes
- Deep Fried Turkey
- Fried Okra
- Jiffy Creamed Corn Casserole
- Old Fashioned Mashed Potatoes
- Southern Cornbread Dressing
- Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
- Sweet Potato Souffle
- Turkey Leg
Check out more of my easy side dish recipes and the best Thanksgiving dinner recipes here on CopyKat!
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Cranberry Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 6 ounces lemon Jello gelatin
- 3 cups hot water
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 orange peeled, quartered, and seeds removed
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
Instructions
- Combine the gelatin and hot water in a large bowl and refrigerate until syrupy. It should become syrupy in about 90 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure that it doesn’t set up completely.
- Put the cranberries and orange through a food chopper or food processor. Add the celery and sugar, and chop. Make sure the cranberries, orange, and celery are chopped up very well.
- Stir the cranberry mixture into the gelatin and refrigerate until set.
I make this recipe every year while cranberries are available. Save the juice from your cranberries, celery, and nut meats, add small can of pineapple and powder Cherry or Black Cherry Jello. It will set up on its’ own without adding the water.
THE WORD JELLO, WITHIN YOUR RECIPE NEEDS TO BE ALL CAPITALS. Word indicates that by underlining & will not accept ‘Jello’ or ‘jello’, only JELLO.
Otherwise the recipe is almost a duplicate of my Mother-in-laws.
I don’t understand your comment about Jello. Why should I capitalize it?