First off—thank you for being here. Whether you’re prepping for a family holiday, a church potluck, or simply trying to bring some sweet-tart joy to your dinner table, this Cranberry Apple Jello Salad is going to win hearts (and plate space)! 💕
This isn’t just any salad—it’s the kind of festive dish that brings back memories of grandma’s crystal bowl at Thanksgiving and potluck tables full of colors and flavors. With juicy crushed pineapple, sweet-tart cranberries, fresh apple crunch, and a nutty finish, this retro Jell-O salad delivers texture, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia.
It’s gorgeous to look at, easy to make, and absolutely make-ahead friendly—which we all need more of during the busy holiday season!
🍒 What Is Cranberry Apple Jello Salad?
Think of it as a chilled, spoonable fruit salad that walks the line between side dish and dessert. It’s set with raspberry gelatin and packed with:
- Whole berry cranberry sauce
- Crushed pineapple
- Fresh apple bits
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- A zing of fresh orange juice and zest
It’s vibrantly ruby-red, slightly tangy, sweet, and full of delightful texture.
🥰 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Make-ahead magic – This sets beautifully in the fridge and only gets better with time.
✅ Perfect for holidays – Adds a pop of color and festive flavor to any table.
✅ Sweet & tangy balance – Not too sugary, not too sour—just right.
✅ Crisp apple, soft pineapple, chewy cranberries, and crunch from the nuts = TEXTURE goals.
✅ Vintage vibes! A nostalgic nod to traditional Jello salads of the past.
👅 What Does It Taste Like?
In a word? Festive.
- The raspberry gelatin gives it sweetness and deep red color.
- Cranberry sauce adds a little tart chewiness.
- Fresh apples give it crunch and freshness.
- Pineapple brings juicy sweetness.
- Orange zest and juice offer citrusy brightness.
- Walnuts or pecans balance it all with an earthy, buttery crunch.
Every bite is layered, textured, and anything but boring.
🧡 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this salad to life:
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- 2 (3 oz each) packages raspberry gelatin
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 medium apple, finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Large saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Serving dish or mold (clear glass bowls work beautifully!)
🥄 Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Gelatin: Raspberry works beautifully, but you could also try cherry or cranberry Jello.
- Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry is key for texture. Avoid jellied.
- Apple: Granny Smith adds tart crunch; Honeycrisp or Fuji adds a sweeter bite.
- Nuts: Walnuts and pecans both work well—toast them lightly for extra flavor.
- Orange Juice: Fresh is best, especially with the zest!
📋 How to Make Cranberry Apple Jello Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Liquid Base
- Drain the can of crushed pineapple but reserve the juice.
- Mix pineapple juice with freshly squeezed orange juice, then add cold water to make 3 full cups of liquid.
- Pour into a saucepan and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin
- Add 2 (3 oz) boxes of raspberry gelatin to the hot liquid.
- Whisk for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
Step 3: Add Cranberry Sauce
- Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce.
- It will start to thicken slightly—that’s perfect!
Step 4: Chill Slightly
- Transfer to a large bowl and place in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to cool and thicken just a bit. You don’t want it fully set—just syrupy.
Step 5: Add the Fruit & Nuts
- Stir in the crushed pineapple, finely chopped apple, orange zest, and chopped nuts.
- Fold everything gently to keep a nice even texture.
Step 6: Set & Serve
- Pour into a clear glass bowl, 9×9 dish, or mold of your choice.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably longer, until completely set.
- Serve cold with a big spoon and even bigger smiles.
✨ Tips for the Best Jello Salad
- Use a clear bowl for a beautiful presentation that shows off the colorful bits inside.
- Chop apples small so they don’t overpower the texture.
- Toast your nuts before adding for an elevated flavor.
- Make ahead the day before—it only gets better!
- Don’t over-chill before adding fruit; you want the Jello thickened but still pourable so ingredients stay suspended evenly.
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Do not freeze—it will affect the texture of the gelatin and fruit.
- Stir gently if the fruit separates slightly upon standing.
🍽️ What to Serve It With
This salad is a classic side dish for:
- Thanksgiving turkey
- Christmas ham
- Roast chicken
- Pork tenderloin
- Or as part of a brunch or potluck table next to deviled eggs and cheesy casseroles.
It also works beautifully as a light, fruity dessert.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?
Not for this version. Canned whole berry cranberry sauce adds sweetness and soft texture that fresh berries wouldn’t deliver without cooking first.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, you should. Make it the day before your event so it sets fully and the flavors meld.
What’s the best apple to use?
Granny Smith adds tart crunch, Honeycrisp is sweet and juicy, and Fuji is mild and soft. All are great!
Can I make this nut-free?
Yes! Simply omit the nuts. If you want a little crunch, try adding diced celery or extra apple.
🧮 Approximate Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
Based on 9 servings:
- Calories: ~160
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Sugar: ~20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
Note: Will vary depending on the brand of ingredients used.
💌 Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Apple Jello Salad is one of those “just like Grandma used to make” kind of recipes that never goes out of style. It’s bright, flavorful, and just sweet enough to keep everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy.
Whether you’re serving it up for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday supper, this is the kind of dish that brings a sense of home to every table.
💬 Leave a Comment or Share Your Creation!
Have you made this Cranberry Apple Jello Salad? I’d LOVE to hear what you thought!
👇 Drop a comment below or tag your beautiful creations on Pinterest or Instagram using #YourKitchenFriend – because good food is always better when shared. 🥄❤️
🥧 More Classic Holiday Recipes to Try
- Amish Baked Custard – Creamy, simple, and comforting.
- Impossible Coconut Pie – A magical, crustless coconut dessert.
- Cream Cheese Coffee Cake – Tender, rich, and layered with streusel.
- Southern Cornbread Dressing – Perfect for turkey’s best friend.
- Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes – Easy, creamy, and comforting.
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