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Creamy Cranberry Jello Salad

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A festive, creamy dessert featuring raspberry or cranberry gelatin, tangy cranberries, sweet pineapple, whipped topping, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (6 oz) raspberry or cranberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O brand recommended)
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat or light)
  • 2 cups whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toast for extra crunch)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
  • Optional: Substitute walnuts for pecans or omit for nut allergies
  • Optional: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
  • Optional: Sugar-free gelatin for lower-carb version
  • Optional: Coconut whipped topping for dairy-free
  • Optional: Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries) if cranberries aren’t in season

Instructions

  1. Pour 2 cups boiling water into a large mixing bowl. Add gelatin and whisk for 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
  2. Add 1 cup cold water and stir gently.
  3. Refrigerate the gelatin mixture for about 30 minutes, until slightly thickened but not fully set.
  4. While gelatin chills, chop cranberries and drain pineapple. In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce, chopped cranberries, and pineapple.
  5. Once gelatin is thickened, gently fold in the cranberry mixture with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
  6. In a separate bowl, blend sour cream and whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Gently fold the creamy mixture into the jello-fruit base. Add chopped pecans (toast if desired).
  8. If using mini marshmallows, sprinkle them into the mixture now.
  9. Spoon mixture into serving dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
  10. Garnish with extra whipped topping and pecans before serving, if desired.

Notes

For best results, dissolve gelatin fully and chill until slightly thickened before adding fruit and cream. Toast pecans for extra flavor. Make a day ahead for deeper flavor. Adapt with dairy-free or nut-free options as needed. Do not freeze; serve chilled.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry jello salad, holiday dessert, creamy jello salad, Thanksgiving, Christmas, potluck, whipped topping, pecans, fruit salad, easy dessert

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-cranberry-jello-salad-recipe-easy-holiday-dessert-with-whipped-topping-and-pecans/