Cranberry Jello Salad – The Easiest and Most Delicious Side Dish!

Looking for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners? This Cranberry Jello Salad is just what you need! It’s a classic, old-fashioned recipe that requires only five ingredients and minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and texture.

This sweet and tangy salad combines cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, fresh apples, and strawberry Jello for a refreshing, fruity treat. It has the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, with a fun, jiggly texture that both kids and adults love.

This no-fail recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a quick make-ahead side dish. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas dinner, or a summer BBQ, this Cranberry Jello Salad is guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Only 5 ingredients – No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
✔ Easy to make – Simply mix, refrigerate, and serve!
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Prepare it hours or even a day in advance.
✔ Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, tart, and fruity all in one.
✔ Great for any occasion – Perfect for holiday tables, potlucks, and BBQs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 medium apple, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 14 oz can crushed pineapple, drained

• 14 oz can whole cranberry sauce

• 6 oz strawberry gelatin (Jello) (2 small boxes)

• 1 ¾ cup boiling water

Optional Additions:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – For added crunch.

• 1 cup mini marshmallows – To make it extra fluffy.

• ½ cup whipped cream – Fold in for a creamier texture.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔ Mixing bowls – One for the fruit mixture and one for the gelatin.
✔ Measuring cups – To measure water and ingredients.
✔ Whisk – To dissolve the Jello properly.
✔ Cutting board & knife – For chopping the apple.
✔ Serving dish – To chill and serve the salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

• Chop one medium apple into small, bite-sized pieces.

• Drain the crushed pineapple to remove excess liquid.

Step 2: Mix the Fruit

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Chopped apple

  • 14 oz crushed pineapple

  • 14 oz whole cranberry sauce

• Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 3: Make the Jello

• In a separate bowl, add two small boxes (6 oz total) of strawberry Jello.

• Pour 1 ¾ cups of boiling water over the Jello powder.

• Whisk for two minutes until the Jello is fully dissolved.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

• Pour the Jello mixture over the fruit mixture and stir to combine.

• Transfer to a serving dish or individual cups.

• Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until fully set.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

• Once the Jello is set, stir with a spoon to break up the gelatin slightly.

• Keep chilled until ready to serve.

• Enjoy on its own or topped with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows!

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

🔹 Change up the Jello flavor – Try raspberry, cherry, or orange Jello for a new twist!

🔹 Make it creamier – Fold in whipped cream or cream cheese after the Jello has set for a fluffy, mousse-like consistency.

🔹 Go nutty – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.

🔹 Use fresh cranberries – Instead of canned cranberry sauce, use homemade cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries blended with sugar.

🔹 Make it a fluff salad – Mix in mini marshmallows for a kid-friendly version.

How to Store Cranberry Jello Salad

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as Jello doesn’t freeze well.

💡 Make-ahead tip: You can prepare this salad a day in advance for stress-free serving!

What to Serve with Cranberry Jello Salad

This sweet and tangy Jello salad pairs perfectly with:

🥩 Roast turkey or ham – The sweet and tart flavors complement savory meats.
🥗 Fresh green salads – A refreshing contrast to leafy greens.
🍞 Dinner rolls or cornbread – A delicious side pairing.
🍷 White wine or sparkling cider – To balance out the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use sugar-free Jello?

Yes! Sugar-free Jello works just as well, making this dish a lighter option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe can be made 24-48 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.

Can I add whipped cream?

Yes! You can top it with whipped cream before serving or mix in whipped cream or Cool Whip for a fluffier texture.

How do I prevent the fruit from sinking?

To keep the fruit evenly distributed, let the Jello partially set (about 30-45 minutes in the fridge) before stirring in the fruit.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?

Yes! Cook fresh cranberries with sugar and water to make a homemade cranberry sauce, then use that instead.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Jello Salad is one of the easiest and most delicious side dishes you’ll ever make! With just 5 simple ingredients, you get a fruity, sweet, and slightly tart salad that’s perfect for any occasion—from Thanksgiving dinners to summer BBQs.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family and subscribe to the blog for more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes.

Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Jello Salad!