This cranberry Jello salad would make a perfect fruity addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu. It takes only three ingredients and is a perfect make ahead dish. Serve it plain or top with with whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Cranberry pineapple Jello salad is perfect for the holiday season. It is full of flavor, easy to make, tastes amazing and adds a vibrant red pop of color to your plate.
It seems I am all in on cranberries this year. After making a fun cranberry fluff recipe, you would think I would be done with berry sides for the year.
But my husband prefers canned cranberries to fresh. Plus I saw one of those posts about what people search for heading into the holidays and it turns out huge chunks of the midwest search for Jello recipes heading into Thanksgiving.
So I thought I would please him and the searching masses and make a fun cranberry gelatin salad. It is based off his Aunt’s recipe for cherry pineapple Jello salad so it was really easy to put together.
How should I serve the Jello salad?
I made the Jello salad in an 8 inch square baking dish. It almost filled the pan, so definitely don’t try anything smaller.
You could easily make this in a fancy bowl or cute serving dish that will look good on your holiday table. Or go ahead and make it in a 9×13-inch pan for a thinner layer of Jello.
If you would like to use a mold or ensure you get a defined slice of jello, reduce the water in the recipe by a half cup. As written it mostly holds its shape, but isn’t super firm.
The recipe is fabulous on its own, but a little bit of whipped cream takes it to the next level. We just made some fresh slightly sweetened whipped cream this time.
You could also make a more fluffy pudding style topping like we did or the orange cream Jello salad. Or use cream cheese whipped cream for a little added tang and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you store a jello salad?
This jello salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can be made several days ahead of time without any problems.
Where is jello the most popular?
Utah eats more Jell-o than any other state. It’s even their official state food. Though jello and jello salads are popular throughout the Midwest.
More fun Jello based recipes
Treats really don’t get much easier than a no bake 3 ingredient Jello pie. It only takes a few minutes to put together and it is airy, creamy and refreshing.
Red white and blue stained glass Jello is perfect for patriotic summer holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. However you can mix and match the colors to make it perfect for any holiday or event.
Cranberry pretzel salad is a fun twist on this recipe. It adds a salty pretzel crust and a fluffy cream cheese filling.
Or make an orange pretzel salad with a salty pretzel crust topped with a creamy filling and oranges and jello in the topping. It is a fun and refreshing treat.
Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!
Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple
Ingredients
- 6 oz. raspberry Jello or cranberry
- 2½ cups boiling water
- 20 oz. crushed pineapple in juice
- 14 oz. can whole cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Stir Jello powder into boiling water until it is completely dissolved.6 oz. raspberry Jello, 2½ cups boiling water
- Add can of pineapple (not drained) and cranberry sauce, stirring until combined.20 oz. crushed pineapple in juice, 14 oz. can whole cranberry sauce
- Pour into an 8 inch square or 9×13-inch pan and chill until set.
- Serve cold topped with whipped cream if desired.
Gloria
Tuesday 5th of December 2023
Question: Could I change up and substitute frozen (thawed) strawberries in place of the cranberries? The recipe looks great already, but I saved some fresh frozen strawberries to use for Christmas. Thanks!
Carlee
Tuesday 5th of December 2023
That should work. I would drain off the excess liquid or use in in place of some of the water so that is sets up nicely.
Kathy
Wednesday 22nd of November 2023
Question Will sugar free jello work with this recipe?
Carlee
Thursday 23rd of November 2023
Yes, sugar free Jello would work great!
Pamela
Sunday 12th of November 2023
I make variations of this recipe that is a staple to some of my favorite meals and or snacks. There's always a container in my fridge. My ultimate cranberry salad I make using orange jello, whole berry canned cranberry sauce, pineapple, finely chopped celery and chopped walnuts. I love making lunch wraps using cream cheese,chopped rotisserie chicken and the cranberry salad spread and wrapped in a flour tortilla. Delish! Yours made me want to make it this a.m. and smear some cream cheese with it on a bagel!YUM! Thank you for your recipe and video and especially your helper. Great job! Happy holidays!
Carlee
Sunday 12th of November 2023
Your jello salad sounds tasty! Thank you!
B J
Monday 5th of September 2022
Can you add apples and nuts to this cranberry salad.
Carlee
Monday 5th of September 2022
I don't see why not, that would be delicious!
Andrea Nine
Thursday 16th of December 2021
I think that pineapple complements cranberries so well! This is such a refreshing dish. I am making a cranberry Christmas punch that has pineapple juice in it and I’m so excited!
Carlee
Thursday 16th of December 2021
Yum! I hope you share the punch recipe.