If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with festive colors and flavors, look no further than this delightful Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe. It’s a nostalgic crowd-pleaser that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of pineapple and the crunch of fresh apples and pecans—an absolute showstopper for holiday tables or any day you want a unique, refreshing treat!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Bright and Bold Flavors: The mix of raspberry jello, whole berry cranberry sauce, and fresh fruit creates a vibrant, tangy-sweet combo that wakes up your taste buds.
Super Easy Prep: With simple steps and no baking required, this salad comes together quickly, perfect for busy days.
Textural Delight: Crunchy pecans and crisp apple bits contrast beautifully with the smooth, gel-like salad.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or a casual get-together, this salad steals the spotlight every single time.

A white plate has one main layer of chunky bright red cranberry sauce with visible soft fruit pieces. On top in the center is a small swirl of white cream with a smooth texture, and beside the cream is a single green mint leaf. A silver spoon rests on the right edge of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a white bowl filled with whole red cranberries blurred in the background. A blue and white checkered cloth is partly visible near the bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Jello Salad, Cranberry Jello Salad Ingredients, Festive Cranberry Salad, Holiday Jello Salad, Easy Cranberry Salad

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings a unique texture, color, or burst of flavor that combines into an irresistible dish you’ll want to keep making. Don’t worry—the ingredients are easy to find, and I’ll share some creative swaps to suit your pantry.

Flat lay of vibrant raspberry jello powder with its deep red color, a bowl of glistening crushed pineapple with golden yellow chunks and juice, a spread of whole berry cranberry sauce showing its rich red berries and syrup, bright chopped Honeycrisp apple pieces with pale yellow flesh, scattered chopped pecans with their warm brown hues and textured surfaces, and a small glass of deep red cranberry juice, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Jello Salad, Cranberry Jello Salad Ingredients, Festive Cranberry Salad, Holiday Jello Salad, Easy Cranberry Salad

Raspberry Jello: This forms the vibrant base, infusing the salad with lovely color and a bright fruity taste. You can swap it for cherry jello for a different twist.
Boiling Water: Needed to dissolve the jello powder perfectly; hot water ensures a silky, smooth mixture.
Crushed Pineapple (with juice): Adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the salad juicy. Fresh pineapple can work too but adjust the liquid content accordingly.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Brings that unique tang and texture with actual cranberry bits, setting this salad apart from the rest.
Honeycrisp Apple (peeled and chopped): Adds a crisp, fresh bite; substitute Granny Smith for a tarter profile or any crisp apple you prefer.
Chopped Pecans: Injects a satisfying crunch and a hint of nutty richness; walnuts are a fantastic alternative here.
Cranberry Juice: Deepens the cranberry flavor and balances the sweetness while helping everything blend beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

Step 1: Dissolve the Jello

Start by emptying the two boxes of raspberry jello powder into a mixing bowl. Pour in 1½ cups of boiling water and whisk vigorously until the jello powder completely dissolves. This ensures a smooth, perfectly blended base for the salad’s flavor and texture to build upon.

Step 2: Add the Pineapple

Next, pour in the entire can of crushed pineapple along with its juice. Give it a good stir to incorporate the sweet, tropical juice and juicy pineapple bits, which add bursts of flavor and moisture that complement the tartness beautifully.

Step 3: Mix in the Cranberry Sauce

Now add your can of whole berry cranberry sauce. If there are large chunks of cranberry or jelly, break them into smaller pieces with your spoon as you fold it in. This creates an inviting texture with tangy pockets throughout the salad.

Step 4: Add Fruit and Nuts

Stir in the chopped pecans and peeled, chopped Honeycrisp apple. These crunchy bits provide texture contrasts and a fresh, nutty flavor that make every spoonful interesting and delicious.

Step 5: Finish With Cranberry Juice & Chill

Pour the cranberry juice into your mixture and give it one last gentle stir. Transfer everything to a 9×13 dish and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours to chill and set completely. Once firm, your salad is ready to serve!

How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

A white plate holds a bright red textured fruit compote with visible chunks of fruit giving it a slightly rough and juicy look. On top of the compote sits a small, smooth swirl of white whipped cream. A fresh green mint leaf is placed next to the whipped cream adding a pop of color. A shiny silver spoon rests on the edge of the plate. The background and surface are white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Jello Salad, Cranberry Jello Salad Ingredients, Festive Cranberry Salad, Holiday Jello Salad, Easy Cranberry Salad

Garnishes

For a festive look, top your cranberry jello salad with a few fresh cranberries, a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans, or a few thin apple slices arranged on top just before serving. These simple garnishes add a fresh, inviting touch that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with classic holiday mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham. It’s also a great addition to a picnic spread alongside sandwiches and fresh green salads, balancing heavier flavors with its refreshing tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this cranberry jello salad in clear individual glass cups so the layers and colors can shine through. Or use cookie cutters to cut it into festive shapes once set, perfect for holiday parties or kid-friendly presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve again to maintain that perfect jiggly texture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

Freezing cranberry jello salad isn’t a great idea because the texture of gelatin breaks down and separates upon thawing. To enjoy it at its best, stick to refrigeration for storage.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Serve it cold for that refreshing, wobbly delight you expect from a classic cranberry jello salad recipe.

FAQs

Can I make this Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe without nuts?

Absolutely! You can omit the pecans if you have allergies or don’t enjoy nuts. The salad will still have great texture from the fruits and the jello base.
Can I use a different type of jello?

Yes! While raspberry jello complements the cranberries beautifully, you can experiment with cherry or even strawberry flavors for a slightly different taste profile.
How long does the salad need to chill?

It needs at least two hours in the fridge to fully set, though chilling longer won’t hurt and can actually help enhance the flavors melding together.
Can I prepare this recipe in individual serving cups?

Definitely! Preparing the salad in individual clear cups or jars makes for a beautiful presentation and easy serving at parties or family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe is genuinely one of those comforting, joyful dishes that never fails to brighten up any table. Its mix of tart, sweet, crunchy, and creamy makes every bite an event to look forward to. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and get ready to delight in this timeless treat—you’ll probably find it becoming a new favorite too!

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 91 reviews

Author: Susan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant Cranberry Jello Salad combines raspberry jello, crushed pineapple, whole berry cranberry sauce, apple, pecans, and cranberry juice to create a refreshing, sweet, and tangy dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks. Chilled until set, this no-cook salad offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors with a festive red hue.

Ingredients

Scale

Jello Mixture

2 boxes raspberry jello (6 ounces total)
1½ cups boiling water

Fruit and Nut Mix

1 can crushed pineapple (20 ounces, including juice)
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce (15 ounces)
1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and chopped
½ cup pecans, chopped
¾ cup cranberry juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Dissolve Jello: Add the raspberry jello powder to a mixing bowl and whisk in the boiling water thoroughly until the jello is completely dissolved.
Add Pineapple: Stir in the crushed pineapple along with its juice from the can to the dissolved jello mixture.
Incorporate Cranberry Sauce: Add the whole berry cranberry sauce to the mixture. If the sauce contains large chunks, break them into smaller pieces and stir well.
Mix Nuts and Fruits: Stir in the chopped pecans and peeled, chopped apple into the mixture, then pour in the cranberry juice and combine evenly.
Chill the Salad: Pour the completed mixture into a 9×13 inch dish and refrigerate for 2 hours or until fully set.
Serve: Serve chilled directly from the baking dish or scoop the salad into a serving bowl for presentation.

Notes

Peeling and chopping the apple prevents browning and offers crisp texture contrast.
Mix pecans just before chilling to maintain their crunch.
This salad is best served cold and should be consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Variations can include substituting walnuts for pecans or using different flavored jello for a unique twist.