Brighten up your holiday table with My Grandma Frances’ Cranberry Pineapple Salad, a timeless classic bursting with sweet-tart flavors and vibrant colors. This nostalgic recipe combines finely chopped fresh cranberries, juicy crushed pineapple, and a hint of orange zest for a refreshing twist, all set in a silky gelatin base made with orange juice and unflavored gelatin. Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch to every bite, making this dish a textural and flavorful delight. Perfect as a festive side dish or dessert, this make-ahead recipe is easy to prepare in just 20 minutes of active time, with a few hours to chill and set in the fridge. Serve it straight from a decorative bowl or unmold it for a stunning presentation—either way, this cranberry pineapple gelatin salad will be a standout favorite at your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion meal!
Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and drain well.
In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until they are finely chopped but not pureed. Set aside.
Drain the canned crushed pineapple, reserving the juice. You will use the juice for the gelatin mixture.
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and orange juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat.
In a large heatproof bowl, dissolve the unflavored gelatin packets in 1 cup of hot water, stirring until completely melted. Add 1 cup of cold water and stir to combine.
Stir in the reserved pineapple juice, the orange juice and sugar mixture, and the grated orange zest. Mix thoroughly.
Add the chopped cranberries, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans to the gelatin mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Pour the mixture into a decorative serving dish or mold. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.
Once set, serve as is or garnish with additional orange zest and pecans for a festive touch. Enjoy!
Calories |
2145 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 83.3 g | 107% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 58 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 356.6 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.5 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 304.3 g | ||
| Protein | 28.1 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 240 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 1760 mg | 37% | |
*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.