Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a show-stopping Cranberry Jello Salad that's about to become the star of your next gathering! This isn't just any ordinary dessert – it's a vibrant, refreshing masterpiece that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries, the tropical punch of pineapple, and the rich crunch of pecans. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or looking for a quick and impressive side dish, this recipe will have your guests begging for seconds and asking for the secret recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 envelope unsweetened lemon Jell-O
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Begin by boiling 1 cup of water in a kettle or saucepan. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, pour the boiling water over 1 envelope of unsweetened lemon Jell-O. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the Jell-O is completely dissolved, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add 1 cup of cold water to the dissolved Jell-O mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Incorporate 1 cup of cranberry sauce into the Jell-O mixture. Mix until the cranberry sauce is evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of pineapple chunks, ensuring they are evenly dispersed in the mixture.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the bowl, mixing them in gently to maintain their crunch.
- Once all ingredients are combined, pour the mixture into a decorative serving dish or individual cups, depending on your preference.
- Refrigerate the Jello salad for at least 2-4 hours, or until it is fully set and firm to the touch.
- Once set, remove the Jello salad from the refrigerator and serve chilled. You can garnish with additional pecans or fresh cranberries if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your boiling water is truly at a rolling boil when dissolving the Jell-O to guarantee complete and smooth dissolution.
- Chill Out: For the best texture and set, refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the Jell-O to set perfectly and lets the flavors meld together.
- Pecan Perfection: Toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the dish.
- Presentation is Key: Use a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers and vibrant colors of the salad.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- Customization Option: Feel free to swap the lemon Jell-O for cranberry or raspberry for an even more intense fruit flavor. Pro Tip: For a lighter version, you can use sugar-free Jell-O and low-sugar cranberry sauce without compromising on taste!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
