CLASSIC CRANBERRY SALAD
- WineCheeseScallops
- Dec 23, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Looking for the perfect festive side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Enter Classic Cranberry Salad! This vintage recipe brings together tart cranberries, sweet fruit, crunchy pecans, and a jiggly cherry Jell-O base for a showstopping dish that complements any holiday spread.
What makes this cranberry salad so special? It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy with its vibrant medley of flavors, while the crunchy celery and pecans add a delightful texture. It's a dish that brings nostalgia to the table while offering a fresh, colorful twist to your traditional holiday fare.
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Fresh Cranberries
The jewel of this dish, fresh cranberries, pack a bright, tangy punch and are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. These ruby-red gems not only provide a beautiful color but also add a zesty flavor that complements the sweetness of the other fruits and Jell-O. Grinding them fresh ensures they infuse the salad with maximum flavor.
Cherry Jell-O
Cherry Jell-O serves as the foundation of this dish, binding all the ingredients together in a lightly sweet, firm base. Its vibrant red hue is perfect for the holiday season, and its fruity flavor pairs seamlessly with the tart cranberries and citrusy notes from the orange.
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Recipe Origin
This Classic Cranberry Salad is a recipe steeped in holiday tradition. Popularized in the mid-20th century, Jell-O salads became a staple on festive tables for their stunning presentation and ease of preparation. This version takes the classic cranberry-orange combo to the next level, adding crunchy celery and pecans for texture and sweetness from pineapple and apple. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time and continues to bring families together around the table.
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Tips, Serving Suggestions, and Storage Advice | CRANBERRY SALAD
Chill Overnight: Allow the salad to chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Make It Ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the fridge.
Presentation Tip: Use a decorative mold or clear glass dish to highlight the layers and colors.
Pecan Alternatives: Substitute walnuts or leave out nuts entirely for a nut-free option.
Citrus Boost: Zest the orange before grinding for extra citrusy flavor.
Kid-Friendly Version: Omit the pecans and dice the celery more finely for picky eaters.
Use Leftovers Creatively: Spread leftovers on toast or mix with cream cheese for a tangy spread.
Add a Garnish: Top with sugared cranberries or whipped cream for a festive touch.
Double for a Crowd: This recipe scales up beautifully for larger gatherings.
Temperature Matters: Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Heavy Syrup is a Must: Although pineapple in heavy syrup tends to be hard to find these days, this is an important ingredient and step that ensures your mold will set up. Any pineapple in syrup will due, just measure out 3/4 cup of the syrup and add 1/4 water to it. Take the drained pineapple and crush/chop with a mini food processor.
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Unique Recipe Qualities
Gorgeous ruby-red color perfect for the holidays.
Combines sweet, tangy, and crunchy in every bite.
Nostalgic recipe with a fresh, modern twist.
Easy to make ahead for stress-free holiday prep.
Offers a variety of textures from crunchy pecans to tender fruit.
Nut-free adaptation options for dietary needs.
Beautiful presentation with minimal effort.
Pairs wonderfully with both savory and sweet dishes.
Kid-friendly with its sweet and fruity flavor.
Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a Thanksgiving centerpiece.
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Ingredients:
1 (9 oz) can crushed pineapple (in heavy syrup)
2 (3 oz) packages cherry Jell-O
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup ground fresh cranberries
1 small seedless orange (unpeeled)
1 cup chopped celery
½ cup pecan pieces
1 small unpeeled apple, diced
Instructions:
Drain the pineapple, reserving the syrup. Add cold water to the syrup to make 1 cup.
In a 3-quart saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a heavy simmer. Dissolve the Jell-O and sugar into the hot water.
Add the reserved pineapple syrup mixture and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into your serving bowl and refrigerate until partially set, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
While chilling, use a food processor to finely chop the cranberries, orange, and celery.
Once the Jell-O is partially set, gently fold in the chopped fruit, celery, pecans, and diced apple.
Refrigerate overnight to fully set. Serve chilled.
MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE
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FAQ Section
1. Can I use canned cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can try using canned whole cranberries if needed.
2. Is it possible to use sugar-free Jell-O?
Yes! Sugar-free Jell-O works for a lower-sugar version but might not set up as firm.
3. Can I skip the nuts?
Absolutely. Omit the pecans for a nut-free dish without compromising flavor.
4. How do I keep the celery from being too crunchy?
Dice the celery finely for a subtle crunch that blends well with the other textures.
5. What’s the best way to grind the cranberries and orange?
Use a mini food processor for quick and consistent chopping.
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