cranberry Jello salad

Ah, Cranberry Jello Salad — a classic retro holiday or potluck dish! 🍇✨ It’s sweet, tangy, and often includes fruit, nuts, or even whipped topping for a fluffy, festive texture. Here’s a traditional recipe:

---

🍒 Cranberry Jello Salad

Servings: 6–8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 4 hours (or until set)

---

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 (6 oz) cranberry Jello (any flavor like Ocean Spray’s “Cranberry”)

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1 cup cold water

• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip), optional for creaminess

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Dissolve the Jello:

   • In a medium bowl, dissolve the cranberry Jello in 1 cup boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved.

   • Stir in 1 cup cold water.

2. Add Fruit and Mix-ins:

   • Once slightly cooled (but not set), fold in crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and nuts if using.

   • For a creamier salad, fold in whipped topping after the Jello has cooled slightly.

3. Chill:

   • Pour mixture into a 9×9-inch dish or mold.

   • Refrigerate at least 4 hours (or overnight) until fully set.

4. Serve:

   • Cut into squares or scoop onto plates.

   • Garnish with extra whipped topping or whole cranberries for a festive touch.

---

🌟 Tips & Variations

• Add citrus: A little orange juice can brighten the flavor.

• Gelatin mold: Pour into a bundt mold for a retro presentation.

• Add apples or grapes: Dice for extra texture and sweetness.

• Nut-free version: Skip nuts for a kid-friendly version.

---

This salad is sweet, slightly tart, and always a nostalgic hit at holidays.

I can also give you a fancier “holiday cranberry Jello salad” version with fresh cranberries and cream cheese swirls if you want it to really wow the table. Do you want me to do that?