Cranberry Jello Salad with tart cranberries, sweet jello, & creamy topping create a dish that will make you want to hug your grandmother.
This vintage cranberry jello salad with walnuts and celery (I know, I know) and topped with a sweet whipped cream cheese layer comes together to make the most deliciously decadent side dish that you won’t understand but you will definitely love. Try it alongside our classic stuffing recipe.
Cranberry Jello Salad
Cranberry Jello Salad
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Cranberry Jello Salad Ingredients
- Cranberries – Fresh.
- Jell-O – We used cherry in the pictured recipe but you can also use raspberry or strawberry.
- Sugar – Granulated.
- Pineapple – Canned/crushed, drained.
- Walnuts – Chopped or crushed.
- Celery – Diced.
- Topping – Cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, whipped topping.
Cranberries, sugar, marshmallow fluff, whipped topping, cream cheese, walnuts, jello, celery, pineapple.
How do you make cranberry jello salad? (Step-by-step)
⭐ First, bring cranberries to a boil with water and cook until cranberries are tender. Stir in Jello-O and sugar until fully dissolved. Allow to cool slightly.
⭐ Then, stir in pineapple, walnuts and celery. Spread evenly in a casserole dish. Refrigerate until set.
⭐ Next, in a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, marshmallow fluff and whipped topping until smooth. Spread evenly over cranberry mixture.
⭐ Finally, top with additional crushed walnuts and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the cranberries, then add sugar and jello, then celery, pineapple, and walnuts. Spread into a casserole dish to set.
Preparation
Can I make cranberry jello salad ahead of time?
You can absolutely make this a day or two in advance. In fact, many would argue it’s even better if it sits in the fridge overnight before serving!
Do I have to put celery in the jello salad?
No, but I think you’ll like it. The celery doesn’t add flavor, but it does add a really nice texture. Skip it if you’d prefer though.
What kinds of jello can I use?
We used cherry, but it’s also delicious with raspberry jello or strawberry jello.
Whisk together cream cheese, fluff, and whipped topping. Spread it over cranberry mixture, then top with additional crushed nuts.
Storage and leftovers
Do you have to refrigerate homemade cranberry jello salad?
Yes, refrigerate both before and after serving.
How long does cranberry jello salad last?
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about 5 days. But I doubt you’ll have them that long!
Can you freeze jello cranberry salad?
We do not suggest freezing.
The tartness of the cranberries balances perfectly with the richness of the creamy topping.
What to eat with cranberry jello salad (serving suggestions)
This recipe is typically served as a side dish during the holidays, kind of like our sweet potato casserole recipe (but don’t worry, you can totally trot it out at dessert time too!).
We like to serve it alongside this holiday ham recipe, a prime rib roast, or a delicious roasted rack of pork. For sides try some classic green bean casserole with crispy onions, or crispy skin baked potatoes.
Top with extra walnuts, fresh cranberries, or even sprinkles!
More cranberry recipes
- Cranberry upside down cake
- Easy cranberry sauce recipe
- Cranberry apple butter
- White chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookie recipe
- Cranberry cheese ball
- See all our easy cranberry recipes
I know the celery sounds weird, but it adds a nice crunch!
More recipes with jello
You can put the topping on right before serving, but we like to put it on at least a few hours before and let it chill in the fridge.
More easy holiday dessert ideas
Try it with raspberry jello, cherry jello, or strawberry jello!
Tools we love
- Glass casserole dish – I love this dish because it can go oven to freezer, and it has a fitted lid.
- Metal spatula – This guy is perfect for serving the perfect slice.
😍😍😍
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How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad
Cranberry Jello Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound cranberries fresh, 16 ounces
- ¾ cup water
- 1 large box Cherry Jell-O 6 ounces
- 2 cups sugar granulated
- 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
- 1 cup walnuts chopped or crushed
- 1 cup chopped celery
TOPPING
- 8 ounce package cream cheese softened
- 7 ounce container marshmallow fluff
- 1 container whipped topping 8 ounces
Instructions
- Bring cranberries and water to a boil and cook until cranberries are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in Jello-O and sugar until fully dissolved. Allow to cool slightly.
- Stir in pineapple, walnuts and celery. Spread evenly in a 9x13 casserole dish. Refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, marshmallow fluff and whipped topping until smooth. Spread evenly over cranberry mixture.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Cranberry Jello Salad
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Katie says
Looks amazing! My family would love this.
wilhelmina says
Jello Salads are such a nostalgic thing for me, especially this time year! This is one I hadn’t tried before, but it will be in the rotation from now on! It is delicious!
Stephanie says
So stink’n good! I absolutely loved the pineapple with the cranberries!
Maureen Baisden says
This is so good but I make it as a relish only, if I put the cream cheese and fluff on it then it’s a dessert. But I love the relish. It tastes just like the Celebration Cranberry Relish I buy at Kroger’s for $5.00.