Massachusetts Cranberry Sauce Salad
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of New England with this Massachusetts Cranberry Sauce Salad, a delightful twist on a classic holiday side dish. Bursting with tart fresh cranberries, juicy crushed pineapple, and the warm citrusy aroma of orange zest, this chilled salad is a symphony of sweet and tangy notes. Tender celery adds a refreshing crunch, while chopped walnuts (or pecans) provide a satisfying nuttiness, perfectly balancing the smooth, gelatin-based texture. Quick and easy to prepare, this make-ahead recipe is ideal for festive gatherings or as a stunning addition to any potluck. Mold it for an eye-catching centerpiece or serve it in a simple dish—either way, this refreshing cranberry salad will impress your guests and leave them craving another spoonful!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (in juice, drained)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
- 1 tablespoon gelatin powder (unflavored)
- 0.25 cup cold water
Instructions
Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft or damaged.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens, around 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over 1/4 cup cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Once bloomed, dissolve the gelatin by warming it gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or over a double boiler.
Stir the dissolved gelatin into the cooled cranberry sauce until evenly combined.
Fold in the crushed pineapple, orange zest, chopped celery, and chopped walnuts into the cranberry mixture.
Pour the mixture into a serving dish or a decorative mold of your choice. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
To serve, unmold the salad (if using a mold) or simply scoop and serve from the dish. Enjoy the bright and tangy flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
252 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.9 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 24 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.8 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.1 g | ||
| Protein | 2.6 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 30 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 197 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
