Description

This Cranberry Jello Salad is a delightful, retro-inspired dessert that combines fruity flavors with a creamy, nutty topping. Featuring cherry or cranberry Jell-O, crushed pineapple, whole cranberry sauce, and chopped pecans, it’s a refreshing and festive dish perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a cool, tangy treat.

Ingredients

Jello Base

2 (3-ounce) packages cherry Jell-O (or raspberry or cranberry)
1 ½ cups boiling water
20 ounces crushed pineapple (with juice)
1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce (or 2 cups homemade cranberry sauce)
¾ cup cranberry or apple juice
¾ cup chopped pecans

Topping

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup chopped pecans (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Jello Base: In a large bowl, dissolve both packets of Jell-O in 1 ½ cups of boiling water, stirring continuously until completely dissolved to ensure a smooth gelatin mixture.
Add Fruit and Nuts: Stir in the crushed pineapple with its juice and the whole cranberry sauce. Use the back of a spoon to break up any large chunks of cranberry sauce for even flavor distribution. Add ¾ cup of chopped pecans and ¾ cup of cranberry or apple juice, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Set the Jello: Pour the mixture carefully into a 9×13-inch glass dish or a Jello mold. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for about 2 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set and firm to the touch.
Make the Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on high speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and sour cream, blending until the topping is completely combined and fluffy.
Assemble the Salad: Once the Jello base is set, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans on top for a crunchy, decorative garnish.
Serve and Enjoy: Keep the salad chilled until serving. Enjoy this refreshing blend of fruity, creamy, and nutty flavors as a perfect side dish or dessert for your next meal or gathering.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
You can use homemade cranberry sauce in place of canned for a fresher flavor.
This salad is best served chilled and enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
To make preparation easier, chill the mixing bowl and beaters for the cream cheese topping before whipping.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar according to taste.