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Mom’s cranberry Jello salad recipe with pineapple is an easy side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Only 5 simple ingredients and very little prep!
Thanksgiving Jello Salad
If you’re looking for Jello salad recipes for Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner, you’re going to love this easy Jello cranberry salad recipe with pineapple. Our family always has at least one vintage side salad on our holiday table. But, this particular side salad, with its festive red color and blend of cranberry and orange flavors, is perfect for fall and winter. Plus, it pairs well with the Thanksgiving turkey!
Try my other jello recipes, including this reader favorite strawberry jello or orange jello salad or this pretzel salad or this famous pistachio salad or even this creamy lime jello salad next.
Why you’ll love this family favorite recipe!
Everyone needs at least one simple side for the holidays, and my cranberry pineapple Jello salad is super easy to make. If you can boil water, you can make this easy recipe! Plus, it’s kid friendly, doesn’t contain nuts and tastes delicious!
Ingredient Notes
Here is what you need to make it. Full amounts are listed in the printable recipe card below.
- Raspberry Jell-O — either 1 large box or 2 small. Raspberry is the classic flavor of gelatin for this retro recipe, but any red Jello will work.
- Water — to dissolve the gelatin
- Orange juice — for a little bit of sweetness and flavor
- Canned cranberry sauce — I like whole berry for some texture, but you can use jellied cranberry sauce
- Crushed pineapple — needs to be the crushed variety, not tidbits, rings or chunks
How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad
First, you’ll whisk boiling water with the gelatin in a large bowl. When it’s fully dissolved, add the orange juice. Then, stir in the remaining ingredients. You can keep it in the bowl, but I like to transfer the mixture to a serving dish or casserole. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or let it set overnight or until firm.
Recipe Tips
I like to microwave the water in a 2-cup glass measuring cup for 2 minutes.
This is a great make ahead dish because it needs plenty of time to set. We usually make it the day before the holiday.
We like to garnish the salad with whipped cream or Cool Whip and orange zest when serving.
Storage
Store the jello salad in your fridge in an airtight container or in the serving dish covered with plastic wrap. It keeps for 4-5 days before it starts to break down. It does not freeze well.
Variations
I know some people add chopped apples or celery to this salad, but my kids do not like those additions, so I leave them out.
You can mix in 1 chopped apple or 2 celery ribs if you like.
You can sub pineapple juice for the orange juice or just leave it out, for a firmer texture.
Do NOT add fresh pineapple, as the Jello won’t set.
Mom’s Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple
Ingredients
- 6 oz box Raspberry Jello or 2 3-oz boxes
- 2 cups boiling water
- ½ cup orange juice
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple undrained
- 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Add the jello powder to a large mixing bowl
- Add the hot water, and whisk together for about 2 minutes or until gelatin is dissolved
- Pour in the orange juice, and add the pineapple and cranberry sauce, and mix well
- Pour mixture into serving dish, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight or until set.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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