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Creamy Cranberry Jello Salad

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This easy, nostalgic cranberry jello salad features tart cranberries, sweet berry gelatin, and a luscious creamy topping. It’s a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (6 oz) raspberry or cranberry gelatin
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 apple, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade stabilized whipped cream)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Boil 2 cups water. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve gelatin by pouring boiling water over the powder. Whisk briskly for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
  2. Stir in 1 cup cold water and 1/2 cup orange juice. Mix well.
  3. Pulse cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Finely dice apple and drain crushed pineapple.
  4. Add chopped cranberries, pineapple, apple, and nuts (if using) to the gelatin mixture.
  5. Stir in granulated sugar. Taste and adjust sugar if cranberries are very tart.
  6. Pour fruit-gelatin mixture into a glass baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until set.
  7. In a separate bowl, gently fold together sour cream, whipped topping, and mini marshmallows. Whip lightly with a spatula until smooth and fluffy.
  8. Once gelatin base is set, evenly spread creamy mixture on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 more hour, or overnight for best flavor.
  9. Slice into squares or scoop with a spoon. Garnish with extra cranberries, chopped nuts, or orange zest if desired.

Notes

For firmer slices, reduce cold water by 1/4 cup. Make the salad a day ahead for best flavor and texture. Use coconut whipped topping and vegan marshmallows for a dairy-free version. Taste fruit mixture before chilling to adjust sweetness. Garnish with orange zest or pomegranate seeds for extra color and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry jello salad, Thanksgiving dessert, holiday salad, creamy fruit salad, potluck recipe, easy dessert, retro salad, gluten-free dessert

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-cranberry-jello-salad-easy-holiday-dessert-recipe-for-thanksgiving/