This Cranberry Jell-O Salad recipe blends the tart taste of fresh cranberries, the sweetness of raspberry Jell-O, and a hint of citrus from fresh orange zest. The lemon yogurt is the secret ingredient that makes this Jell-O salad a bit creamy in taste and texture. It's the perfect sweet and refreshing bite to add to your Holiday table, which is generally a super savory and salty meal. And bonus- you just need 6 ingredients!
We love a good Jell-O salad! They're so wonderfully old-fashioned and classic, a true must-have on our holiday table. At Easter, we go with a Raspberry Jell-O Fluff Salad, that reflects Spring time perfectly. But when it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas, this Cranberry Jell-O Salad is the perfect festive choice.
Thanksgiving Dinner for 10
“This is a wonderful resource to help you plan your Holiday meal, whether you are a seasoned host or this is your first time!” -Susie
Ingredient Details
Raspberry Jell-O: This is the perfect flavored Jell-O to pair with the cranberries. You could also give it a try with Black Cherry, Cherry or Cranberry Jell-O. You will need two 3 oz. packages of Jell-O
Whole Berry Canned Cranberries: This is the same item used in this Canned Cranberry Sauce Recipe. It is a great shortcut product. make sure you buy the WHOLE BERRY CRANBERRY SAUCE, and not just the jellied cranberries.
Lemon Yogurt: This is the secret ingredient that makes this Cranberry Jell-O Salad a stand out dish. The lemon blends perfectly with the other flavors and it makes the salad a bit creamy in texture and taste. I have been successful with a traditional Yoplait Lemon Yogurt as well as a Chobani Lemon Greek Yogurt (which is a little under 6 oz, but it still works!!)
Fresh Cranberries: You just need ½ cup of fresh cranberries to add to this salad. If you buy a 12 oz bag, you can use the rest to make a breakfast recipe for Thanksgiving or Christmas morning. You can also garnish a punch or drinks with the remaining cranberries!
Orange Zest: Adds such a bright and citrusy flavor to the Cranberry Jell-O salad. The orange flavor pairs PERFECTLY with cranberry and lemon.
Walnuts: The nuts add a crunch to this Thanksgiving Jell-O Salad… I wasn’t sure I would like them in there, but ended up loving it. Toasting the nuts in a dry pan for a couple minutes brings out their crunch! You can also opt to omit the nuts, especially if you have nut allergies.
How To Make Cranberry Jell-O Salad
This is an overview of the steps to make Cranberry Jell-O Salad. For more detailed instructions and ingredients pop down to the recipe card.
Step 1
In boiling water add the Jell-O and stir until it is dissolved. Add the canned cranberries and stir. Pop in the fridge for about 1.5 hours, whisking every 30 mins.
Step 2
Remove from the fridge and mix together until it is frothy.
Step 3
Blend in the lemon yogurt.
Step 4
Fold in the orange zest, chopped cranberries, and toasted chopped walnuts.
Step 5
Pour into the serving bowl or Jell-O mold and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours.
Recipe Tips to Remember & Troubleshooting
- When it is time to refrigerate the salad for the second time, pour it into the bowl you will serve it from.
- Use a 6 cup Jell-O mold, a small Bundt pan, a small trifle bowl, or a glass bowl to refrigerate and serve this Cranberry Jell-O Salad. A 2 quart pan will also work.
- Make this dish a day in advance so it has time to set up in the fridge.
- Garnish the top with whipped cream, orange zest and fresh cranberries.
- If family members have nut allergies, you can omit the walnuts and the recipe will still work!
Troubleshooting
- If you opt for the Jell-O mold and it won’t release before serving, simply dip the mold in a little warm water and try again.
- If you went the Jell-O mold route and it didn’t release in one whole piece, don’t fret!!! Stir the Cranberry Jell-O Salad up and pour it in a pretty serving bowl. It will still taste great and no one will know it was supposed to be in a “shape”.
- If you didn’t have time to let the Cranberry Jell-O Salad completely set up, that is ok! Give it a good stir and serve it as more of a cranberry sauce. It will still be SUPER delicious.
More Great Holiday Side Dishes
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Did you make this recipe?
I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me
Fresh Cranberry Jell-O Salad
Equipment
- A 6 cup serving bowl, Jell-O mold, 2 quart pan, small bundt pan or small trifle bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 (3 oz. pkgs) raspberry Jello
- 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 6 oz lemon flavored yogurt
- ½ cup fresh cranberries - finely chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts - toasted
- 1 tsp. orange zest - about 1 entire small orange
Instructions
- Bring the 2 cups water to a boiling in a saucepan.2 cups boiling water
- Add in the 2 pkgs of raspberry Jell-O and stir until the Jell-O is completely dissolved. Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce until well combined.2 (3 oz. pkgs) raspberry Jello, 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
- Pour the mixture into a medium sized bowl and refrigerate (stirring every 30 minutes) until the gelatin mixture is the consistence of egg whites (this takes about 1 ½ hours). Does not need to be put in the serving bowl or mold at this point
- Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and beat on high speed with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes foamy and bright cherry red.6 oz lemon flavored yogurt
- Add in the lemon yogurt and beat with the mixer just until the yogurt is combined with the Jell-O.
- Fold in the fresh cranberries, toasted walnuts and the orange zest. Pour into a 6 cup mold or into the bowl you plan to serve it from.½ cup fresh cranberries, ⅓ cup chopped walnuts, 1 tsp. orange zest
- Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Once solid, unmold the Jell-O onto a serving plate or serve in the bowl as is.
Recipe Tips and Notes:
-
- When it is time to refrigerate the Salad, pour it into the bowl you will serve it from.
- Use a 6 cup Jell-O mold, a small Bundt pan, a small trifle bowl, or a glass bowl to refrigerate and serve this Cranberry Jell-O Salad. A 2 quart pan will also work.
- Make this dish a day in advance so it has time to set up in the fridge.
- Garnish the top with whipped cream, orange zest and fresh cranberries.
- If family members have nut allergies, you can omit the walnuts and the recipe will still work!
TROUBLESHOOTING:
-
- If you opt for the Jell-O mold and it won’t release before serving, simply dip the mold in a little warm water and try again.
-
- If you went the Jell-O mold route and it didn’t release in one whole piece, don’t fret!!! Stir the Cranberry Jell-O Salad up and pour it in a pretty serving bowl. It will still taste great and no one will know it was supposed to be in a “shape”.
-
- If you didn’t have time to let the Cranberry Jell-O Salad completely set up, that is ok! Give it a good stir and serve it as more of a cranberry sauce. It will still be SUPER delicious.
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