Cranberry Salad Recipe | Simple Cranberrry Side Dish

PUBLISHED November 20, 2025· MODIFIED November 20, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1167 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors, this Cranberry Salad is for you! Featuring a combination of juicy cranberries, crushed pineapple, and a hint of crunch, this versatile salad is a must-have for festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Tart Treat

Festive Appeal. Bright, ruby-red cranberries make this salad a show-stopping addition to your holiday table.
Easy to Make. With just a few steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in under 20 minutes.
Versatile. Perfect as a side dish, dessert, or potluck favorite.
Customizable. Adapt the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebratory occasion, this Cranberry Salad is sure to become a family favorite.

What Is Cranberry Salad?

Cranberry Salad is a classic dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with sweet and crunchy elements like pineapple, nuts, and whipped topping. Often served chilled, it’s a refreshing complement to rich holiday meals.

While it’s called a “salad,” it leans more toward a dessert or a sweet side dish in its preparation and flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For The Salad

Cranberry Jello– This is the foundation of the cranberry salad, providing its signature tart-sweet flavor and vibrant color. The Jello also helps bind the ingredients together, creating a firm yet jiggly texture.
Boiling Water– Used to dissolve the Jello completely, ensuring a smooth consistency for the salad.
Cold Water– Helps cool and set the Jello mixture, allowing it to firm up properly when chilled.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce– Adds a rich, fruity texture and deepens the cranberry flavor of the dish, with the whole berries providing bursts of tartness.
Mini Marshmallows– Adds a fun texture and pop of sweetness.
Crushed Pineapple– Brings natural sweetness and a subtle tropical note, complementing the cranberry and balancing the tartness.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional)– Introduces a nutty crunch to the salad, adding depth and contrasting textures.
Whipped Cream or Cool Whip– Adds a creamy, fluffy element that complements the tartness of the cranberry and sweetness of the pineapple, giving the dish a dessert-like quality.
Fresh Cranberries or Orange Zest (For Garnish)– Provides a fresh, colorful finishing touch, enhancing the visual appeal and offering a hint of zesty brightness to the flavor profile.

How To Make Cranberry Salad

Prepare the Jello Base. In a large bowl, dissolve the cranberry Jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1 ½ cups of cold water to the mixture and stir well.
Mix in the Additions. Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce, mini marshmallows, and drained crushed pineapple. Mix until evenly distributed. If desired, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
Chill and Set. Transfer the mixture to a decorative serving dish or individual ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the salad is fully set.
Garnish and Serve. Before serving, top the salad with whipped cream or Cool Whip. Garnish with fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest for a festive touch.

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your cranberry salad turns out perfectly every time:

Dissolve Completely. Ensure the Jello is fully dissolved in boiling water to avoid graininess.
Drain Pineapple. Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Chill Properly. Allow ample time for the salad to set in the refrigerator to achieve the perfect texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients. Opt for high-quality cranberry sauce and pineapple for the best flavor.
Custom Presentation. Serve in a trifle dish for a layered look or in individual cups for portion control.

Variations

Cranberry salad is a versatile dish that can be tailored to various tastes and occasions. Here are some creative variations:

Add Citrus– Mix in orange or mandarin segments for a zesty twist.
Berry Medley– Include fresh or frozen raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a mixed berry version.
Creamy Layer– Fold cream cheese into the Jello base for a richer consistency.
Nut-Free Option– Skip the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a crunch without allergens.
Spiced Cranberry Salad– Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.

What To Eat With Cranberry Salad

Cranberry salad is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals, from holiday feasts to casual dinners. Its sweet and tangy flavors make it an excellent complement to savory main courses and side dishes. Here are some delicious ideas:

How Long Does It Last?

Cranberry salad typically lasts for 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

The flavors tend to meld beautifully over time, making the salad even more delicious a day or two after preparation.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze cranberry salad, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind to maintain its quality.

The gelatin in the cranberry salad will hold up well to freezing, but the texture of some ingredients, like the crushed pineapple and nuts, may change slightly upon thawing. These components can become a bit softer or lose their crunch.

Frozen cranberry salad can be stored for up to 1 month. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may start to deteriorate.

More Ways To Use Cranberries

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