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–+ servings
Xmas Cranberry Salad
This festive Xmas Cranberry Salad is a refreshing, sweet-tart dish that blends classic holiday flavors into a colorful, vibrant treat. Often served as a side or dessert during Christmas meals, it balances the tartness of cranberries with the citrusy punch of orange, sweetened Jello, and the crunch of apples, celery, and nuts. The optional addition of marshmallows gives it a nostalgic, creamy twist. This recipe reflects a mid-century holiday tradition where gelatin salads were the centerpiece of celebratory meals.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 313 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh cranberries
  • 1 orange (with peel)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 pkg lemon Jello (or lime Jello)
  • 1 pint warm water
  • 1 cup nut meats (chopped walnuts or pecans)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
  • 1 cup celery (chopped )
  • 1 cup apples (chopped )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Cranberries and Orange

  • Grind cranberries and orange (including peel) using a food grinder or processor.

Step 2: Sweeten the Mixture

  • Add sugar to the ground fruit. Mix well and let stand overnight.

Step 3: Dissolve Jello

  • Dissolve Jello in 1 pint of warm water. Let it cool until half set.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

  • Add fruit mixture to the Jello.
  • Stir in chopped nut meats, marshmallows (if using), celery, and apples.

Step 5: Chill the Salad

  • Pour into a mold or serving dish.
  • Refrigerate until fully set—at least 4 hours or overnight.

Tips

  • Add chopped pineapple for extra sweetness and moisture.
  • Replace lemon/lime Jell-O with cranberry or raspberry for deeper color.
  • Swap walnuts or pecans for the “nut meats” to change flavor profile.
  • Reduce sugar by 25 to 40% if you prefer a tarter salad.
  • Use mini marshmallows for easier mixing.
  • Add finely diced pears for extra texture.
  • Use a decorative holiday mold for a festive presentation.
  • Stir in a handful of dried cranberries for chewy contrast.
  • Replace warm water with warm apple juice for added flavor.
  • For a fluffier version, fold in whipped cream before molding.

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 53mgPotassium: 146mgFiber: 3gSugar: 55gVitamin A: 115IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword Christmas, cranberry salad, fruit salad, holiday recipe, molded salad, potluck dish, retro dessert salad, vintage recipe
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