Cranberry Jello Salad – A Classic Holiday Favorite!

There’s something timeless about a Cranberry Jello Salad — that glistening ruby-red dish that graces holiday tables year after year. It’s festive, fruity, sweet with a touch of tartness, and loaded with nostalgia. Whether served in a fancy mold, a simple bowl, or layered in a trifle dish, this vibrant side brings cheer and balance to any Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.

Unlike the name might suggest, this isn’t a salad in the traditional sense. It’s more like a fruity, gelatin-based dessert that perfectly complements savory dishes like turkey, ham, or stuffing. And while it might feel like a throwback from Grandma’s kitchen, Cranberry Jello Salad is one of those classic recipes that has stood the test of time — and for good reason.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive & Beautiful: The deep red color looks stunning on a holiday table.
• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep — the refrigerator does most of the work.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for stress-free entertaining.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by adults and kids alike.
• Versatile: You can serve it as a side, dessert, or layered dish.

The History Behind Cranberry Jello Salad

Cranberry Jello Salad dates back to the mid-20th century, when gelatin desserts were at the height of popularity. Cooks loved Jello because it was inexpensive, easy to make, and offered endless possibilities for creativity. During the 1950s and 60s, molded salads became a holiday staple — often featuring fruits, nuts, and whipped toppings.

The cranberry variation quickly became a favorite during Thanksgiving and Christmas, combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of fruit and the jiggly fun of Jello. It’s the kind of retro recipe that feels nostalgic yet still completely relevant today.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 (3 oz) packages cherry Jello (gelatin dessert mix)
• 1 ¾ cups boiling water
• 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• ½ cup cold water

For the Topping (Optional but Delicious):

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1 tub of whipped topping)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra chopped nuts or cranberries for garnish

Instructions

1. Dissolve the Jello
   In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry Jello with 1 ¾ cups boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved (about 2 minutes).
2. Add Cold Water & Chill Slightly
   Stir in ½ cup cold water, then place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes — just until it starts to thicken slightly (it should feel syrupy, not set).
3. Mix in the Good Stuff
   Gently fold in cranberry sauce, drained pineapple, orange segments, nuts, lemon juice, and orange zest. Stir until evenly combined.
4. Pour & Chill
   Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish, decorative mold, or trifle bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm.
5. Prepare the Whipped Topping (Optional)
   Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Spread over the top of the set salad or serve on the side.
6. Garnish & Serve
   Sprinkle with extra nuts, fresh cranberries, or a bit of orange zest. Serve chilled and enjoy that perfect sweet-tart balance!

Cranberry Jello Salad

A festive, fruity, and nostalgic holiday side dish made with cranberry sauce, pineapple, oranges, and cherry Jello — the perfect blend of sweet and tart.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salad

• 2 packages (3 oz each) cherry Jello
• 1.75 cups boiling water
• 0.5 cup cold water
• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple drained
• 1 cup orange segments drained
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp orange zest optional

Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream or whipped topping
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch dish or Jello mold
• Refrigerator

Method

 

1. Dissolve cherry Jello in boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved.
2. Add cold water and refrigerate until slightly thickened.
3. Fold in cranberry sauce, pineapple, oranges, nuts, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Pour mixture into dish or mold and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours.
5. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
6. Spread whipped topping over set Jello or serve alongside. Garnish as desired.

Notes

Best made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Jello Salad

• Don’t Rush the Chill Time: Letting the Jello partially set before adding fruit keeps it from sinking to the bottom.
• Drain the Pineapple Well: Extra liquid can prevent the Jello from setting properly.
• Use Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: It adds texture and rich flavor compared to the jellied version.
• Make It Ahead: This salad tastes even better after a full day of chilling, as the flavors meld beautifully.
• Serving Style: Serve it in individual parfait cups for a modern twist, or keep it classic with a molded presentation.

Variations

• Cranberry Apple Jello Salad: Add 1 cup finely chopped apples for extra crunch and fall flavor.
• Creamy Layered Version: Spread a layer of cream cheese and whipped topping mixture on top once the Jello sets.
• No-Nut Version: Skip the nuts and add mini marshmallows instead for extra sweetness.
• Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free Jello and light whipped topping to make it lighter.
• Citrus Cranberry Delight: Use orange Jello instead of cherry for a brighter, tangier flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Jello Salad pairs beautifully with savory holiday dishes. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to rich meats and gravies.

• Thanksgiving Pairing: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans.
• Christmas Pairing: Glazed ham, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls.
• Potluck-Friendly: Easily transportable and crowd-approved — no reheating required.
• Dessert Twist: Top with whipped cream and crushed nuts for a festive dessert option.

This dish also looks beautiful alongside a charcuterie-style dessert board with fudge, cookies, and holiday candies.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead:
You can make this up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve. If adding whipped topping, do that just before serving.

Storage:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Avoid freezing — Jello doesn’t thaw well.

Fun Fact: Jello’s Retro Revival

Did you know that Jello recipes are making a comeback? Social media food trends are reviving vintage recipes like ambrosia salad, Jello molds, and fruit salads — but with a modern spin. Cranberry Jello Salad perfectly bridges the gap between nostalgia and contemporary taste. It’s proof that some classics truly never go out of style.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 12mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 28g
• Vitamin C: 18%
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 3%

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Jello Salad is more than just a side dish — it’s a piece of family tradition, a splash of color on the holiday table, and a sweet reminder of how simple ingredients can create magic.

It’s vibrant, tangy, and perfectly balanced — the ideal mix of sweet, tart, and creamy textures. Whether you serve it as a side to turkey or as a chilled dessert after dinner, this classic recipe will have guests asking for seconds (and maybe even the recipe).

So dust off that Jello mold, grab your cranberry sauce, and bring this timeless dish back to your holiday table. One spoonful, and you’ll understand why it’s been loved for generations.