Cranberry Jell-O Salad is a classic holiday dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of Jell-O. It is a refreshing and colorful side dish that can be served alongside a roast turkey or ham. The salad is made by boiling cranberries with sugar and water to create a cranberry sauce, which is then mixed with orange Jell-O and chilled until set. The addition of crushed pineapple and chopped walnuts adds a delicious texture and flavor to the salad. This Cranberry Jell-O Salad is a festive and tasty addition to any holiday meal.
Ingredients
The Cranberry Jell-O Salad recipe requires a few simple and readily available ingredients. Here is a list of the main ingredients:
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for this recipe. They add a tart and tangy flavor to the salad.
- Jell-O: Any flavor of Jell-O can be used, but for this recipe, cranberry or cherry Jell-O works best to complement the cranberries.
- Canned Pineapple: Pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple in its juice are used to add a touch of sweetness and a fruity flavor.
- Mini Marshmallows: These soft and chewy marshmallows add a delightful texture and a touch of sweetness to the salad.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is mixed with the Jell-O and other ingredients to create a creamy and smooth texture.
- Whipped Topping: Whipped topping, like Cool Whip, is used to add a light and fluffy texture to the salad.
All of these ingredients come together to create a refreshing and delicious Cranberry Jell-O Salad that is perfect for holidays or any special occasion. The combination of cranberries, Jell-O, fruits, and marshmallows creates a balanced mix of flavors and textures that will surely impress your guests.
Steps to Prepare Cranberry Jell-O Salad
Preparing Cranberry Jell-O Salad involves several steps to ensure that the dish turns out delicious and visually appealing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this mouthwatering salad:
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer the cranberries for about 10 minutes, until they are soft and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely.
- Prepare the Jell-O:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the strawberry or raspberry-flavored Jell-O in boiling water.
- Add cold water and mix well until the Jell-O is completely dissolved.
- Place the bowl of prepared Jell-O in the refrigerator and let it chill until slightly thickened.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Once the cranberry sauce and Jell-O are ready, gently fold the cranberry sauce into the partially thickened Jell-O.
- Mix well until the cranberry sauce is evenly distributed throughout the Jell-O.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or desired serving dish.
- Chill and Serve:
- Place the mold or serving dish with the Cranberry Jell-O Salad in the refrigerator and let it chill for several hours or overnight, until completely set.
- When ready to serve, unmold the Cranberry Jell-O Salad onto a serving platter or serve it directly from the dish.
- Garnish with additional cranberries or whipped cream, if desired, and serve chilled.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delightful Cranberry Jell-O Salad that will impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds!
Tips from professional chefs for making Cranberry Jell-O Salad
When it comes to making a delicious Cranberry Jell-O Salad, professional chefs have a few tips to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is important to use fresh cranberries instead of canned or frozen ones. Fresh cranberries have a tart and vibrant flavor that cannot be replicated by other forms. To balance out the tartness, adding a sweetener like sugar or honey is recommended. This will help bring out the natural sweetness of the cranberries.
Another important tip is to use gelatin that is specifically meant for making Jell-O salads. This type of gelatin sets firmly and has a smooth texture, which is crucial for the perfect consistency of the salad. It is also essential to dissolve the gelatin completely in hot water before adding it to the cranberry mixture. This will ensure that the gelatin sets evenly throughout the salad and prevents any lumps or clumps from forming.
Lastly, professional chefs suggest adding some citrus zest or juice to the cranberry mixture to enhance the overall flavor profile. The tartness of the citrus pairs well with the cranberries and adds a refreshing twist to the salad. Additionally, for an extra touch of elegance, garnishing the salad with fresh mint leaves or sliced oranges can make it visually appealing. Following these tips will help you create a Cranberry Jell-O Salad that is both delicious and visually impressive.
Reviews
The Cranberry Jell-O Salad is an absolute delight that I recently had the pleasure of trying. As a food enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for unique and flavorful recipes. This salad definitely caught my attention with its vibrant color and refreshing ingredients.
The combination of cranberries, Jell-O, and various fruits creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The cranberries provide a burst of tartness, which is complemented by the sweetness of the Jell-O. The addition of fruits like oranges and apples adds a refreshing element to the salad, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Another aspect that impressed me about this salad is its versatility. It can be served as a refreshing side dish during a summer barbecue or as a delicious dessert during the holiday season. The texture of the Jell-O adds a unique element to the salad, making it visually appealing and enjoyable to eat.
In conclusion, the Cranberry Jell-O Salad is a must-try recipe for anyone who appreciates unique and flavorful dishes. Its combination of tart cranberries, sweet Jell-O, and refreshing fruits makes it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or celebrating the holidays, this salad is sure to impress and leave your guests wanting more.
The Cranberry Jell-O Salad is a delightful dish that brings a burst of refreshing flavor to any meal. As someone who loves experimenting with new recipes, I was excited to try this one out. When I first prepared it, I was impressed by how simple and quick the process was. The combination of cranberry sauce, Jell-O, and a few other ingredients resulted in a vibrant and colorful salad that looked incredibly appetizing.
Upon taking my first bite, I was immediately hooked. The tanginess of the cranberry sauce perfectly complemented the sweetness of the Jell-O. The addition of crushed pineapple and chopped walnuts added a lovely texture to the salad. Every spoonful was a delightful mix of flavors and textures that kept me coming back for more.
What I love most about the Cranberry Jell-O Salad is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish with a holiday feast or as a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day. The combination of tangy cranberries and sweet Jell-O creates a perfect balance of flavors that is sure to please anyone who tries it.
In conclusion, the Cranberry Jell-O Salad is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply enjoy a flavorful treat, this recipe is a winner. I highly recommend giving it a try!
I recently tried the Cranberry Jell-O Salad recipe and I must say, it was absolutely delicious. The combination of tangy cranberries and sweet Jell-O created a perfect balance of flavors. The recipe was easy to follow, with clear instructions and simple ingredients. I was impressed by how quickly it came together, making it a great option for a last-minute dessert or side dish. The bright red color of the salad was visually appealing and added a festive touch to my table.
One thing I really enjoyed about this recipe was the texture of the salad. The cranberries added a nice crunch, while the Jell-O provided a smooth and gelatinous base. The flavors of the cranberries and Jell-O complemented each other beautifully, creating a refreshing and satisfying dessert. I also appreciated the addition of chopped walnuts, which added a nice nutty flavor and added some extra texture to the salad.
Overall, I would highly recommend trying the Cranberry Jell-O Salad recipe. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a dessert, side dish, or even as a snack. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress. I will definitely be making it again in the future.
I recently had the pleasure of preparing and tasting the Cranberry Jell-O Salad, and I must say, it was absolutely delightful! The combination of sweet cranberries and tangy Jell-O created a burst of flavors that left me craving for more. The recipe was incredibly easy to follow, and the end result was a beautiful, vibrant salad that looked as good as it tasted.
The texture of the salad was perfectly balanced, with the Jell-O adding a smooth and gelatinous feel, while the cranberries added a slight crunch. The cranberries also provided a refreshing tartness that complemented the sweetness of the Jell-O. I loved how the flavors melded together, creating a harmonious and well-rounded taste experience.
I also appreciated the versatility of this salad. It can be served as a side dish during a holiday feast or enjoyed as a refreshing dessert on hot summer days. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any meal and is sure to impress guests with its vibrant color and flavorful taste.
All in all, I highly recommend trying the Cranberry Jell-O Salad. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that will satisfy your taste buds and impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re a fan of cranberries or simply looking for a unique and delicious dish to serve, this salad is a winner in every way!
