Delight in the Best Cranberry Jello Salad with Creamy Topping

Cranberry Jello Salad is a classic holiday dish that graces many tables during the festive season. This vibrant and flavorful salad combines the tart sweetness of cranberries with the tropical notes of pineapple, all held together by the jiggly goodness of Jell-O. But the real star is the creamy, dreamy cream cheese topping that adds a decadent finishing touch. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family gathering, Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is sure to delight all your guests.

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Ingredients for Cranberry Jello Salad

To make this showstopping Cranberry Jello Salad, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• 2 (3-ounce) packages of cherry Jell-O (or raspberry or cranberry, if you can find it)
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 20 ounces crushed pineapple (do not drain the juice)
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce (or 2 cups homemade cranberry sauce)
• 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
• 3/4 cup cranberry or apple juice

For the creamy topping, you’ll need:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup sour cream

The combination of the tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and crunchy pecans creates a flavor explosion in every bite, while the cream cheese topping adds a luscious, creamy contrast.

How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad

Making Cranberry Jello Salad is a breeze, and the end result is well worth the minimal effort. Here’s how to do it:

1. Dissolve the Jell-O: In a large bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.
2. Add the Fruit and Nuts: Stir in the crushed pineapple (with the juice), cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans, and the cranberry or apple juice. Mix everything together well.
3. Chill the Salad: Pour the Jello mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the salad is firm.
4. Make the Creamy Topping: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Topping: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled Jello salad.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the top of the cream cheese topping.
7. Serve: Cut the Cranberry Jello Salad into squares and serve chilled.

The key to perfecting this dish is to make sure the Jell-O is fully dissolved before adding the other ingredients, and to chill the salad for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow it to set up properly before topping and serving.

Flavor Profile and Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a symphony of flavors and textures. The tart cranberries are balanced by the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the cream cheese topping. The crunchy pecans add a delightful textural contrast to the soft, jiggly Jell-O. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions.

Serve Cranberry Jello Salad alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or other holiday main dishes. It also pairs beautifully with savory side dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing. The bright, festive colors and refreshing flavors make it a perfect complement to the heavier, richer dishes often found on holiday tables.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping contains approximately:

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 27g
• Protein: 4g

The cranberries and pecans in this dish provide valuable antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. To make this dish a bit healthier, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and opt for a lower-sugar Jell-O variety.

Variations on Cranberry Jello Salad

While the classic Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a beloved holiday favorite, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe:

• Different Jell-O Flavors: Instead of cherry Jell-O, try raspberry, orange, or even lime Jell-O for a more tropical twist.
• Fruit Additions: Mix in diced apples, mandarin oranges, or chopped fresh cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
• Nut Variations: Swap out the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts.
• Dairy-Free Topping: Make a vegan-friendly topping using coconut cream or cashew-based “cream cheese” instead of the traditional dairy products.
• Toppings Galore: Get creative with your garnishes, such as shredded coconut, crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

No matter how you choose to customize it, Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

FAQs About Cranberry Jello Salad

Can I make Cranberry Jello Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Cranberry Jello Salad is best made a day or two in advance. The longer it chills in the refrigerator, the firmer the Jell-O will become, and the flavors will have more time to meld together.

What type of cream cheese works best for the topping?

You can use any type of full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese for the topping. Philadelphia cream cheese is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with flavored or spreadable cream cheeses for added flair.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh cranberries in this recipe. Simply cook the cranberries with a bit of sugar and water until they burst and form a sauce-like consistency. Then, use 2 cups of the homemade cranberry sauce in place of the canned variety.

How long should the salad chill before serving?

The Cranberry Jello Salad should chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it is completely set. For best results, let it chill overnight before adding the cream cheese topping and serving.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos
• Apple Snickerdoodles
• Pumpkin French Toast Bake
• Peanut Butter Jelly Snack Bread

Conclusion

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a classic holiday dish that deserves a spot on your table this season. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and creamy, decadent topping is simply irresistible. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or put your own spin on it, this showstopping salad is sure to delight your guests and have them coming back for seconds. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a new holiday favorite!

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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