Prepare to be transported back in time with an absolute classic – Cranberry Apple Jello Salad. This jiggly treat is not only nostalgic but also bursting with flavor that will leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect solution for those family gatherings where the debate between canned or homemade cranberry sauce can get a bit heated. With Cranberry Apple Jello Salad, you won’t have to choose because it’s a delightful combination of both, along with other fruity goodness like pineapple, apples, and nuts. It truly is a dish that has something to please everyone.

Now, before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients. In addition to cranberry and apple, this salad also features a hint of pineapple. The sweetness and acidity that pineapple brings to the table make it a fantastic addition. You’ll need a can of crushed pineapple, which you’ll drain but reserve the juice. To that juice, you’ll add some orange juice and enough cold water to make a total of three cups. This mixture will be brought to a boil before adding two boxes of raspberry jello. Don’t worry about the raspberry flavor; once it’s all combined, it transforms into a magical fruity-tart jello salad.

After whisking until the jello has dissolved completely, stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce. Yes, the chunky kind is what you’re looking for here. Transfer this vibrant mixture to a bowl and let it chill until it cools down and starts to thicken. Now it’s time to add the star players – finely chopped apples, walnuts (or pecans), and that can of drained pineapple. Mix it all together, and now you have two options. You can either serve it in a molded form, which will require a few hours (preferably overnight) in the fridge to firm up, or you can enjoy it straight from a bowl after about four hours of chilling. Either way, the result will be a delightfully jiggly and flavorful dish.

Although Cranberry Apple Jello Salad may not be the most common sight on dining tables nowadays, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday spread. It’s a dish that brings together nostalgia and food traditions, evoking memories of times gone by. Each spoonful will remind you of the fascinating jello creations your grandmother used to make – the captivating jiggle and the incredible taste. So, why not bring back a piece of your childhood and enjoy this delightful blast from the past? Try out this recipe and create new memories that will last for years to come.

Cranberry Apple Jello Salad – Recipe Details

• Serves: 9
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Inactive Time: 4 hours

Ingredients

• 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
• 2/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preparation

1. Open the can of pineapple and drain, reserving the juice. Pour the juice into a 4-cup measuring container.
2. Add orange juice to the pineapple juice, then add enough cold water to make a total of 3 cups. Pour this liquid into a large saucepan.
3. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the liquid to a boil. Once it boils, immediately remove it from the heat.
4. Whisk in the gelatin until it completely dissolves, which should take about 2 minutes.
5. Add the cranberry sauce and stir. The mixture should start to thicken at this point.
6. Transfer the mixture into a large bowl and let it chill until it slightly thickens, which should take around 15-30 minutes.
7. Stir in the pineapple, apples, orange zest, and walnuts or pecans. Pour the mixture into a serving bowl or mold and chill it until it becomes completely firm, which will take about 4 hours.
8. Enjoy this delightful blast from the past with your loved ones!