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–+ servings
Cranberry Jello
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 120 kcal

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
Keyword Christmas, cranberry salad, holiday side dish, jello salad, make-ahead, retro recipe, thanksgiving, vintage
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