Grandma’s Fresh Cranberry Salad
This Grandma’s Cranberry Salad is a beloved holiday tradition! It’s not the typical canned cranberry jelly — this version is **fresh, fruity, and full of festive flavor**! Tangy cranberries, juicy pineapple, and a hint of orange come together in a sweet, jiggly salad that’s both refreshing and nostalgic.
🍒 Ingredients
- 1 package (3 oz) cherry Jell-O
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup drained crushed pineapple (from an 8 oz can)
- ½ to 1 cup pineapple juice (use the reserved juice and add water as needed)
- 1 cup ground cranberries
- 1 orange, ground (partially peeled and seeded)
- ½ cup chopped pecans
🥣 Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin Base
Boil 1 cup of water and pour it into a 9×13-inch dish. Add the cherry Jell-O and stir until completely dissolved. Mix in the sugar, lemon juice, and pineapple juice, stirring well until everything is blended. - Step 2: Add the Fruit and Nuts
Stir in the crushed pineapple, ground cranberries, ground orange, and chopped pecans. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. - Step 3: Chill Overnight
Cover and **refrigerate overnight** to allow the salad to set and the flavors to blend beautifully. - Serving Tip:
Serve this cool and firm, straight from the fridge, as a side dish or light dessert. It pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or any festive meal!
👵 Grandma’s Notes:
- Use a blender or food processor to chop the **cranberries and orange** (leave a bit of peel on the orange for that signature citrus “zing”).
- Chop the pecans before using your blender — or buy pre-chopped ones to save time.
- **Making it the night before is key** — it saves time and lets the flavors deepen!