I love this recipe for cranberry raspberry Jell-O salad! My preference is to have it without the nuts, but I can certainly eat it either way. I am so happy you are going to give it a try! Enjoy.
Festive Cranberry Raspberry Jello Salad
Equipment
- serving dish
- measuring spoons and cups
- small saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 large raspberry Jell-O pack (or two small packets)
- 2 cups water (boiling)
- 1 can jelled cranberry sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Pour two cups of water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium high to high heat.
- When the water is boiling, add in the large packet of raspberry Jell-O and stir until dissolved. This will take about one minute.
- Take it off the heat and immediately add in the 1 can of jelled cranberry sauce. Stir it until almost all is incorporated. There may be a few jelled pieces left, but that isn't a bit deal.
- Add in 1 cup chopped pecans. Stir. You can leave out the pecans if you would like.
- Pour 1/2 of the mixture into the serving dish and chill to set. This could take up to three hours.
- Leave the rest in the saucepan off of the heat until the next step.
- Once the base is set, spread 1 cup of sour cream over the top. Spread it all the way to the edges.
- Pour the other 1/2 of the Jell-O mixture over the top and chill until set up. This could take up to two hours.
- Once the Jell-O is set, you can serve it when you would like. This is a great one to make ahead.
The Cranberry Raspberry Jell-O Salad is a vibrant, flavorful addition to any holiday gathering. If you’re looking for a festive, delicious dish to brighten your Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving dinner, this cranberry salad brings together the sweet-tart flavors of cranberries and raspberries in a stunning raspberry cranberry jello salad that’s easy and delicious. You don’t even need a jello mold or food processor for this recipe! I got this recipe from my cousin several years ago and it is a favorite recipe of mine for the holidays. Write this down on a recipe card or print it off. Let’s get to cooking!
Why Cranberry Raspberry Jello Salad Belongs on Your Holiday Table
Jello salads have an old fashioned charm They bring back memories of family holiday dinners. This cranberry recipe adds a fresh twist with its mix of tangy cranberry and raspberry flavors. Those layers are perfectly balanced with a smooth layer of sour cream. The result is a sweet and creamy jello mixture that’s perfect as a side dish or a dessert. The vibrant red color of this dish looks beautiful in a serving dish or casserole dish. The beauty and taste make it a great addition to any holiday spread. It goes perfectly with fresh green bean casserole, the Thanksgiving turkey, homemade yeast rolls, and cranberry cake with butter sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Perfect Holiday Side Dish: Cranberry Raspberry Jell-O Salad
To create this delightful cranberry raspberry jello salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 large package of raspberry gelatin (or two small packages)
1 can of whole berry cranberry sauce (jelled cranberry sauce)
2 cups of boiling hot water
1 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup of sour cream
Fresh raspberries or cranberries for garnish (optional)
Steps to Make Cranberry Raspberry Jell-O Salad
1. Prepare the Raspberry Gelatin: Begin by bringing two cups of water to boil in a medium sized saucepan. Pour gelatin in and stir thoroughly until the jello powder completely dissolves. This step is crucial for the jello mixture to set properly and ensure there are no granules left behind.
2. Incorporate Jelled Cranberry Sauce: Next, add the whole cranberry sauce into the jello mixture. The cranberry sauce adds a wonderful tartness that balances the sweetness of the raspberry gelatin. Stir until the cranberry sauce is evenly distributed, and the mixture has a smooth consistency. It is totally fine if there are some pieces that aren’t dissolved or incorporated all the way.
3. Pour in 1 cup of chopped pecans and stir around. This is an optional step.
4. First Layer Setting: Pour half of the jello mixture into a serving dish or casserole dish, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow this layer to set for 2-3 hours. It needs to be set.
5. Time for the Sour Cream Layer: Once the first layer is set, you can spread one cup of sour cream over the set jello. The sour cream adds a creamy texture that goes beautifully with the jello. The white sour cream looks really pretty against the red jello.
6. Add the Final Layer: Pour the remaining half of the jello mixture on top of the sour cream layer. Place the entire dish back into the refrigerator to set completely, which takes around 2-3 hours.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cranberry Raspberry Jello Salad
• Use Hot Boiling Water: Make sure the water you use to dissolve the jello powder is truly hot boiling water. This ensures the gelatin activates fully, allowing the cranberry raspberry jello salad to set firmly.
• Chill Thoroughly: Patience is key. Let each layer fully set in the refrigerator before adding the next. This prevents the layers from mixing and keeps your salad looking clean and layered.
• Add Fresh Fruit for Garnish: Fresh raspberries or cranberries on top make a beautiful garnish that enhances both the appearance and taste of this holiday dish. Another great option is whipped cream topping.
Why This Cranberry Raspberry Jell-O Salad is Perfect for Holiday Meals: A New Holiday Staple
The holiday season is all about creating delicious memories. This cranberry raspberry jello salad adds the perfect touch of old fashioned and elegance to your holiday meal. Its bright red color looks stunning on a holiday table. It is ideal for Christmas dinner or any holiday meal. This jello complements traditional holiday dishes with its refreshing taste.
With a unique combination of cranberry sauce, raspberry gelatin, and creamy sour cream, this jello salad has a distinct texture and flavor profile. It’s an ideal way to incorporate cranberries into your holiday recipes beyond the usual cranberry sauce. The tartness of the cranberry sauce combined with just a little sweetness from the raspberries and the layer of sour cream for the creamy topping layer is a perfect combination.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry raspberry jello salad fits perfectly on any holiday buffet. Serve it in a clear glass serving dish or an elegant casserole dish to showcase its beautiful layers. As a perfect side dish, it can accompany roasted meats, turkey, or ham. Alternatively, you can serve it as a dessert, providing a light and refreshing finale to a hearty holiday meal.
For an extra festive presentation, top the salad with fresh berries or cool whip. If you have a larger holiday table, consider making two dishes so guests can enjoy seconds or take some home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Holiday Dinners: Cranberry Jell-O Salad
Cranberry raspberry jello salad brings both simplicity and elegance to your holiday dinners. Unlike more labor-intensive recipes, this jello salad requires minimal ingredients and only a bit of time to set. Plus, it offers a refreshing break from richer, heavier holiday foods, providing a light option that everyone from kids to grandparents will enjoy.
It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings. The raspberry jello base is perfect for adding in whatever extras you want. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, or another special occasion, this salad will surely become a holiday favorite, as it captures the holiday spirit in both flavor and presentation.
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. The salad can stay fresh for up to three days, making it a convenient make-ahead dish for the busy holiday season. The layers will hold up well, and the flavors might even deepen over time as they blend together.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a beautiful and delicious cranberry salad to serve during the holiday season, this cranberry raspberry jello salad checks all the boxes. With its combination of raspberry gelatin, cranberry sauce, and a smooth sour cream layer, it’s not just a jello mixture—it’s a holiday masterpiece. Add this recipe to your holiday table, and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors and colors that make it the perfect side dish for any festive meal.
Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
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