Description
Cranberry Celebration Salad is a sweet, tangy, and fruity holiday favorite inspired by the popular Kroger version. Made with cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, cherry JELL-O, and crunchy walnuts, this colorful side dish is easy to prepare and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve the juice)
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 (3-ounce) package cherry JELL-O gelatin
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the juice for later.
- Add the reserved pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and lemon juice to a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a quick boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the cherry JELL-O gelatin and stir until completely dissolved.
- Add the whole-berry cranberry sauce and continue stirring until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and refrigerate for approximately 1½ hours, or until it begins to thicken.
- Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and stir in the drained crushed pineapple and chopped walnuts.
- Mix everything thoroughly until evenly distributed.
- Return the salad to the refrigerator and chill until it firms up.
- Stir gently before serving and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Serve chilled: This cranberry salad tastes best when thoroughly chilled and slightly firm.
- Holiday presentation: Serve it in a pretty glass bowl or individual dessert cups for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
- Garnish: Add fresh cranberries, chopped walnuts, or a little whipped cream for an attractive finish.
- Pairing ideas: It goes wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, chicken, mashed potatoes, and holiday casseroles.
- Refrigerator storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Make ahead: Prepare the salad a day before your gathering to allow the flavors to blend and the mixture to set.
- Stir before serving: This salad does not become as firm as traditional gelatin, so give it a gentle stir before serving.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because the pineapple and gelatin mixture may become watery and lose its pleasant texture after thawing.