Print

Grandma’s Cranberry Salad Recipe

Grandma's Cranberry Salad Recipe

5.1 from 26 reviews

Grandma’s Cranberry Salad is a delightful, tangy, and sweet gelatin-based salad featuring fresh cranberries, juicy pineapple, and zesty orange, topped with crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing side dish, this nostalgic recipe combines fruity flavors and a unique texture that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Gelatin Base

  • 1 package (3 oz) cherry Jell-o
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/21 cup pineapple juice (reserved from 8 oz can) plus water to make total liquid

Fruit and Nuts

  • 1 cup drained crushed pineapple (from 8 oz can, juice reserved)
  • 1 cup ground cranberries
  • 1 orange, ground (seeded and partially peeled)
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the gelatin: Boil 1 cup of water and dissolve the cherry Jell-o in the hot water in a 9×13-inch pan. Mix well until completely dissolved.
  2. Add sweeteners and juice: Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, and pineapple juice (made by combining reserved pineapple juice and water to total 1/2 to 1 cup). Mix thoroughly to dissolve sugar.
  3. Combine fruits and nuts: Add the drained crushed pineapple, ground cranberries, ground orange (with some peel for zing), and chopped pecans. Stir gently to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  4. Chill the salad: Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight to allow the gelatin to set and the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Chop pecans before using the blender or food processor to avoid wetting them unwantedly.
  • Use a blender or food processor to grind the cranberries and the orange for a smooth texture.
  • The orange peel included in the ground orange adds a special zing and depth to the salad’s flavor.
  • This salad is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry salad, gelatin salad, holiday salad, fruity salad, pecan salad, Jell-o dessert, old-fashioned salad