Cranberry Bliss Jello Salad a Festive Twist on a Classic
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Cranberry Bliss Jello Salad: A Festive Twist on a Classic
Ever get that craving for something nostalgic? Something that screams holidays? Honestly, I've been on a mission to perfect the cranberry jello salad .
This isn't your average Jello side dishes . It's a little bit retro, a little bit fancy, and a whole lotta delicious!
What's the Deal with This Jiggly Treat?
Cranberry jello salad has roots in mid-century American cuisine. Think potlucks and perfectly coiffed hairdos! Our version is an Easy Jello Salad Recipe with a twist.
It's got sweet, tart, and creamy elements. It's a total crowd pleaser, perfect for a Thanksgiving Jello Salad . This recipe makes about 8-10 servings, so there’s enough for everyone.
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Dream
This cranberry salad with cream cheese topping offers the best of both worlds. The jello itself is light and refreshing, and it contains Vitamin C.
The topping? Pure, creamy indulgence. Plus, it's a breeze to make! With 20 minutes of prep and a minimum chill time of 2 hours, this recipe is easy.
It's also super customisable. You can skip the cream cheese to create a lighter dessert. This recipe will impress your friends and family.
Alright, let's gather our bits and bobs. Next, we'll dive into the ingredients!
Right then, let's talk Cranberry Bliss Jello Salad . Some call it a Retro Jello Salad . I reckon this Thanksgiving Jello Salad is a bit marmite, innit? But honestly, when it's done right, it's proper banging.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted
No need to panic, yeah? The ingredients are easy peasy. And the equipment? Bare minimum. You probably have most of it already.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you need to whip up this Festive Cranberry Dessert .
- For the Jello Base:
- 1 (6 ounce) packet cranberry Jell-O (that's 170g for you metric folks). Don't skimp. Get the decent stuff!
- 2 cups boiling water ( 475ml ). Must be properly boiling, yeah? No lukewarm nonsense.
- 1 cup cold water ( 235ml ). Straight from the tap is fine.
- For the Cranberry Mix:
- 1 (14 ounce) can of whole berry cranberry sauce ( 397g ). Quality matters here, trust me. Look for one with actual whole berries. It makes a difference.
- 1 (11 ounce) can of mandarin oranges, drained ( 312g ). Keep back 2 tablespoons of the juice. We'll need it!
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ( 50g ). Fresh is best.
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ( 25g ). It adds a bit of crunch.
- 1/4 cup reserved mandarin juice. This will add a great taste to this Cranberry Mandarin Jello Salad .
- For the Cream Cheese Topping (Optional):
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened ( 113g ). Full fat is the way to go. Honestly, you can taste the difference.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar ( 25g ). Caster sugar works too.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ( 2.5ml ). Proper vanilla, not that artificial stuff.
- 2 tablespoons milk ( 30ml ). Any kind will do.
Seasoning Notes
This Holiday Jello Salad Recipe isn't just sweet.
- Cranberry and citrus is a match made in heaven. The little bit of reserved mandarin juice elevates it.
- Vanilla extract in the cream cheese topping adds a touch of sophistication.
- Not got pecans? Walnuts will do in a pinch.
Honestly, the Cranberry Salad With Cream Cheese is a game changer. It adds a creamy richness that cuts through the sweetness of the Jello.
If you want to turn this recipe into a Cranberry Cream Cheese Jello Salad just add the topping to the mixture!
Equipment Needed
Nothing fancy here. This Easy Jello Salad Recipe needs basic kit.
- A big bowl.
- A whisk (or a fork if you're feeling lazy).
- A 9x13 inch baking dish (or a pretty serving bowl if you're posh).
- Measuring cups and spoons, obviously.
- A little bowl for the cream cheese topping (if you're making it).
- An electric mixer or another whisk (for the topping). A fork works too but it takes longer.
Making Cranberry Jello Salad: A Festive Twist
Okay, let's dive into making Cranberry Jello Salad ! Honestly, some people either love it or hate it. But when it's done right, it's pretty amazing.
It's like a little bite of Christmas cracker in a bowl! We're going to level up this retro dish into something truly special.
It's easier than you think and will blow everyone away!
Prep Steps: Get Your Game Face On
First things first: mise en place , baby! Gather all your ingredients. Chop your celery and pecans. Drain those mandarin oranges.
It sounds boring, but it makes life so much easier. Trust me, you don't want to be scrambling for pecans when the Jello is already setting.
For a quicker cleanup, prep the cream cheese topping while the gelatin is chilling. Remember, don't slack on prep it makes the whole process smooth and stress free.
Also: no one likes a trip to the hospital. Be careful with that boiling water, yeah?
step-by-step: Let's Get Jiggly
- Dissolve the Jello: In a large bowl, dissolve 1 (6 ounce) package of cranberry Jell-O in 2 cups of boiling water . Stir until no crystals remain. This normally takes about 2 minutes .
- Cool it Down: Stir in 1 cup of cold water . Add the reserved mandarin juice.
- Mix it Up: Gently fold in 1 (14 ounce) can of cranberry sauce , 1 (11 ounce) can of drained mandarin oranges , 1/2 cup of chopped pecans , and 1/4 cup of chopped celery .
- Chill Time: Pour into a 9x13 inch dish or serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2- 3 hours , or until firm. It should be wobbly but not liquid.
- Whip up a Topping (Optional): Beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla . Gradually add 2 tablespoons milk until smooth.
- Dress it Up: Spread the topping over the set Jello. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad
Want to make a holiday Cranberry Jello Salad that really shines? Here's the inside scoop.
Don't rush the chilling! It needs time to set properly.
For a more intense flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the gelatin mixture.
Avoid overmixing after adding the fruit and nuts, or you'll end up with a mushy retro Jello salad .
This easy Jello salad recipe is perfect for making a day ahead! I usually make mine the day before Thanksgiving. make-ahead options are the best.
Honestly, making a cranberry cream cheese Jello salad isn't rocket science. The secret is in the prep and not rushing the chilling time.
So get creative, have fun, and enjoy this classic Thanksgiving Jello salad !
Recipe Notes for the Best Cranberry Jello Salad
Honestly, making this Cranberry Jello Salad is easier than figuring out the TV remote. But a few tips can really take it from "meh" to "OMG, that's amazing!".
Let's dive in, shall we?
Serving Up Some Jello Goodness
Presentation is key! You could go traditional and serve it straight from the 9x13 dish , or get fancy. Think individual ramekins for a sophisticated vibe, or layer it in a trifle bowl for a showstopper.
I did ramekins once, for a party with my friends, and you know what? looked so fancy. Honestly... a conversation starter!.
Pair this retro Jello salad alongside your roast turkey or ham. The sweet tartness cuts through the richness perfectly. A glass of sparkling cider or ginger ale is a fab beverage pairing too! It is perfect for Thanksgiving Jello Salad .
Storage Solutions for your Jello Side Dishes
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Holiday Jello Salad Recipe keeps well in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with cling film and it'll be good for up to 3 days.
I've tried freezing it, and honestly, the texture gets a bit weird. So, I wouldn't recommend that.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, just take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving. This helps soften it up a bit.
Jello Salad: Remix Time!
Want to mix things up? For a dairy-free version, skip the cream cheese topping or use a vegan alternative. You can also get creative with the fruit! Swap out the mandarin oranges for pineapple chunks or add some grapes.
My Nan used to add tinned fruit cocktail. It was... interesting.
If you're watching your sugar intake, use sugar-free Jello and a sugar substitute in the cream cheese topping. Though I always find that a little less Festive Cranberry Dessert that way.
Nutrition Breakdown (the Easy Way)
Okay, let's keep it simple. A serving of this Easy Jello Salad Recipe without the topping is roughly around 175 calories.
It has a bit of protein (2g), a little fat (5g), and a fair amount of carbs (30g), mainly from the sugar in the Jello and cranberry sauce.
The Cranberry Salad with Cream Cheese will add some extra calories and fat, of course. It is a Cranberry Cream Cheese Jello Salad after all.
The cranberries and pecans do pack in some antioxidants and healthy fats, so it's not all bad!
So there you have it! A few extra tips and tricks to make your cranberry jello salad a total winner. Now go get jiggly with it and impress your friends and family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cranberry jello salad ahead of time? Like, a day or two before?
Absolutely! In fact, making cranberry jello salad a day ahead is highly recommended. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the Jello is perfectly set. Just store it covered in the fridge, and you'll be all set less stress on the day of your big roast!
My cranberry jello salad isn't setting properly. What did I do wrong?
Oh dear, a wobbly Jello is no fun! This usually happens if the water wasn't hot enough when you dissolved the Jello, or if you didn't chill it long enough. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil, and be patient with the chilling time a good 2-3 hours (or even longer) in the fridge is key.
The Jello should be firm to the touch before you consider it done!
I'm not a fan of pecans. What else can I put in my cranberry jello salad?
No worries, you can easily swap out the pecans. Walnuts are a popular alternative that offer a similar crunch. Or, if you're avoiding nuts altogether, toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) would be a lovely addition. They'll still give you that satisfying texture without the nuttiness.
Can I make a vegan version of this cranberry jello salad?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this to be vegan friendly! Substitute the gelatin with agar agar powder, following the instructions on the package for the correct liquid ratios. You can also find vegan cream cheese alternatives at most supermarkets to make a dairy-free topping, or simply skip the topping and serve with a dollop of coconut cream!
Is cranberry jello salad actually healthy?
Let's be honest, cranberry jello salad is more of a treat than a health food. It contains a fair amount of sugar from the Jello and cranberry sauce. However, it does have some redeeming qualities like the cranberries and nuts, which offer antioxidants and healthy fats.
Moderation is key enjoy it as part of a balanced festive spread!
What's the best way to store leftover cranberry jello salad?
Storing leftovers is a breeze. Simply cover the cranberry jello salad tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and it should last for 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly over time, but it will still be delicious!
Cranberry Bliss Jello Salad A Festive Twist On A
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 175 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |