This classic cranberry jello salad combines the tangy brightness of fresh cranberries with the refreshing sweetness of lemon gelatin and fruit. Featuring navel oranges, red apples, and a perfectly balanced sugar ratio, this vintage recipe creates a vibrant and festive side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday meal. The chilled, set texture pairs beautifully with roasted meats or other savory dishes, making it a beloved centerpiece on many holiday tables.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cranberries (about 2 cups)
- 1 pkh lemon jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 navel orange (peeled and chopped)
- 1 red apple (chopped)
- ⅓ to ½ cup sugar (or ¼ cup per cup of ground fruit, per notes)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Cranberries
- Cook cranberries in a saucepan with enough water to cover them (about ¼ as much water as cranberries).
- Simmer until they pop and soften, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2: Make Jello Base
- Dissolve the lemon jello in 2 cups boiling water.
- Stir until fully dissolved, then allow to cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine Fruits
- Grind or finely chop the cranberries, orange, and apple.
- Mix the fruits with the sugar according to taste.
Step 4: Mix and Chill
- Stir the prepared fruit into the cooled jello.
- Pour into a mold or serving dish.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Step 5: Serve
- Unmold if desired and serve cold.
Tips
- Grind or finely chop cranberries, apple, and orange for a smoother jello salad texture
- Taste fruit mixture before chilling and adjust sugar to preferred sweetness
- Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch if desired
- Substitute raspberry or cranberry gelatin for the lemon gelatin for deeper color/flavor
- For stronger orange flavor, include some grated orange zest
- Set gelatin partially, then fold in fruit to keep it evenly suspended
- Mold in a ring pan or individual cups for presentation
- Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on the side
- To reduce sweetness, decrease added sugar and rely more on fruit tartness
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 1gSodium: 55mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 2gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.3mg
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