Hands down, my nana won’t be at the Christmas dinner without this dish!

 

Cranberry Pineapple Jell-O Salad

A vibrant and refreshing classic, this salad strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. With a ruby-red color and a delightful combination of smooth jelly, juicy pineapple, and crunchy pecans, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holiday dinners and potlucks alike.

• ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes

• ⏰ Chill Time: 4+ hours

• 🍽️ Servings: 8

🧂 INGREDIENTS

• 1 package (6 oz) raspberry or cranberry Jell-O

• 1 cup boiling water

• ½ cup cold water

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (juice reserved)

• 1 can (14 oz) jellied cranberry sauce

• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Dissolve the Jell-O:

• In a large heatproof bowl, pour the boiling water over the Jell-O powder. Whisk continuously for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.

2. Combine the Liquids:

• Add the ½ cup of cold water to the bowl. Then, measure the reserved pineapple juice and add enough cold water to make ¾ cup of liquid total. Stir this into the Jell-O mixture.

3. Incorporate Cranberry Sauce:

• Scoop the jellied cranberry sauce into the bowl. Use a whisk or a fork to break it apart and stir it into the liquid until the mixture is relatively smooth.

4. Add Mix-Ins:

• Gently stir in the drained crushed pineapple and chopped pecans until everything is evenly distributed.

5. Chill to Set:

• Pour the mixture into a 9x9-inch dish, a decorative mold, or a serving bowl.

• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.

6. Serve:

• Once set, scoop or slice the salad and serve it chilled.

💡 Pro-Tips & Variations:

• Quick Set Method: Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch pan for a thinner layer, which will set in about 2 hours.

• Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, fold in 1 cup of whipped topping or a dollop of sour cream after the Jell-O has cooled and begun to thicken slightly (about 20-30 minutes in the fridge).

• Fruit Variations: Feel free to add other fruits like mandarin oranges or diced apples. Just ensure they are well-drained.

• Presentation: For a beautiful unmolded salad, lightly spray your mold with cooking spray before adding the Jell-O mixture.