Pioneer Woman Cranberry Jello Salad: A Festive Holiday Staple

Cranberry Jello Salad is a timeless side dish, especially beloved during the holidays. Its delightful combination of tart cranberries and sweet Jello creates a flavor profile that perfectly complements rich holiday meals. This recipe elevates the classic Cranberry Jello Salad, making it a standout addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.

Discover the Charm of Cranberry Jello Salad

Cranberry Jello Salad isn’t just another side dish; it’s a nostalgic comfort food that bridges generations. Its appeal lies in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that awaken the palate. This version of Cranberry Jello Salad is inspired by the hearty, home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, emphasizing simple ingredients and satisfying tastes.

FLAVOR PROFILE: Experience a balanced taste of sweetness from the Jello and pineapple, beautifully contrasted by the tartness of cranberries. The walnuts add a nutty depth that rounds out the flavor.
TEXTURE SENSATION: Enjoy a smooth, jiggly Jello base studded with juicy cranberry sauce, sweet pineapple pieces, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts.
QUICK PREP TIME: In just about 12 minutes, you can assemble this salad and let the refrigerator do the rest.
SIMPLICITY AT ITS BEST: With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish, freeing up your time on busy holidays.

Spoonful of Cranberry Jello Salad showing texture and ingredients

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Jello Salad

To create this delightful Pioneer Woman Cranberry Jello Salad, gather these simple ingredients:

Raspberry Jello: The base of our salad, providing sweetness and that signature Jello texture. Two 6 oz packages are perfect.
Boiling Water: Essential for dissolving the Jello powder completely.
Cold Water: Used to cool down the Jello mixture and help it set properly.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Provides the quintessential tart cranberry flavor and festive color. Opt for two 14 oz cans.
Crushed Pineapple: Adds sweetness, a hint of tropical flavor, and a pleasing texture. Two 20 oz cans of crushed pineapple (drained) are ideal. Ensure it’s crushed, not chunks, for the best consistency.
Walnuts: Offer a wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that complements the sweetness and tartness. You’ll need 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Pecans can be substituted if preferred.

Ingredient Spotlight

Walnuts: These nuts are crucial for adding a textural contrast and nutty flavor. To enhance their taste, lightly toast them before chopping. Pecans are a great alternative if you prefer a slightly sweeter nut.
Crushed Pineapple: Using crushed pineapple is key to achieving the right texture. It blends seamlessly into the Jello, distributing its sweet and tangy flavor throughout the salad. Avoid pineapple chunks as they contain too much liquid and can make the salad watery.

Customizing Your Cranberry Jello Salad

Make this Cranberry Jello Salad your own with these easy variations:

Citrus Zest: Elevate the flavor profile by adding orange or lemon zest. The bright citrus notes will enhance the existing fruity flavors, creating a more complex taste.
Celery Crunch: For added texture, incorporate finely chopped celery. Celery provides a subtle savory crunch that some find adds a refreshing element.
Jello Flavor Swaps: While raspberry Jello is classic, experiment with other flavors like cherry or cranberry Jello to intensify the cranberry taste or add a different fruity note.
Mold It: For a more decorative presentation, pour the Jello mixture into a mold before refrigerating. To unmold, briefly dip the mold in warm water to loosen the Jello.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Cranberry Jello Salad

Making this Pioneer Woman Cranberry Jello Salad is straightforward and quick:

Dissolve the Jello: In a large measuring cup, whisk together the raspberry Jello powder and boiling hot water until completely dissolved. Ensure no granules remain. Then, stir in the cold water.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the whole berry cranberry sauce, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts.
Incorporate Jello Mixture: Pour the dissolved Jello mixture over the cranberry mixture in the bowl. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated in the Jello.
Set in Refrigerator: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch pan or individual serving cups. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the Jello to set firmly.

Pro Tip: For perfectly dissolved Jello, ensure the water is boiling hot. This helps the gelatin powder dissolve quickly and prevents clumps, resulting in a smoother salad.

Steps to prepare Cranberry Jello Salad – dissolve Jello, combine ingredients, mix

Expert Tips for Perfect Jello Salad

Hot Water is Key: Always use boiling water to dissolve the Jello powder. This ensures smooth dissolving and prevents grainy texture. Add cold water only after the powder is fully dissolved.
Crushed Pineapple is Best: Opt for crushed pineapple over chunks or tidbits. Crushed pineapple incorporates better into the Jello and provides the ideal texture and moisture balance.
Finely Chop Walnuts: While we love the crunch, finely chopping the walnuts ensures they are evenly distributed and don’t overpower the salad.
Patience for Setting: Resist the temptation to rush the setting process. Refrigerating overnight is highly recommended to achieve the perfect Jello consistency. This ensures the salad is firm and not watery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cranberry Jello?
Yes, for a more intense cranberry flavor, you can substitute raspberry Jello with cranberry Jello. This will amplify the tartness and create a deeper cranberry profile.

How long does Jello take to set?
While Jello may seem set within 2-4 hours, it’s best to allow this Cranberry Jello Salad to set for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. The added ingredients require a longer setting time to ensure a firm, sliceable salad.

Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Jello Salad

Cranberry Jello Salad is a versatile side dish that shines at holiday gatherings.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Table: It’s a classic accompaniment to turkey, ham, or roasted chicken. The tartness cuts through the richness of the main course.
Potlucks and Family Dinners: Its make-ahead nature and crowd-pleasing flavor make it perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Dessert Option: While technically a salad, its sweetness allows it to double as a light dessert.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead: Cranberry Jello Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until serving. If using a mold, keep it in the mold until ready to serve.

Storing: Store leftover Cranberry Jello Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The texture may slightly change over time, but it will remain delicious.

Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the Jello, making it watery and less appealing upon thawing.

More Holiday Recipe Inspirations

Looking for more festive dishes to complete your holiday menu? Explore these other delightful recipes:

Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Bacon Green Bean Salad

Enjoy creating this Pioneer Woman inspired Cranberry Jello Salad for your next holiday feast!

[Full Recipe Card Below]

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

This Pioneer Woman inspired Cranberry Jello Salad is a holiday favorite. The perfect balance of tart and sweet, it’s a must-have side dish for any festive table.

4.95 from 58 votes
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 65kcal
Author: Dina

Ingredients

2 (6 oz) packages raspberry jello
2 cups boiling hot water
2 cups cold water
2 (14 oz) cans whole berry cranberry sauce
2 (20 oz) cans crushed pineapple (not chunks), lightly drained
1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Instructions

In a large measuring cup, whisk raspberry Jello powder with boiling water until dissolved. Stir in cold water.
In a large bowl, combine cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and walnuts.
Pour Jello mixture over cranberry mixture; stir to combine.
Pour into a pan or individual cups. Refrigerate overnight to set.

Recipe Notes

Use crushed pineapple, not chunks, to avoid excess liquid.
Toasting walnuts enhances their nutty flavor.
Substitute raspberry Jello with cherry or cranberry Jello if desired.

Nutrition

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