Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

Looking for a refreshing and festive dish to elevate your holiday spread or family gathering? Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is the perfect blend of tart cranberries, smooth gelatin, and a creamy topping that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. This easy-to-make dish is not only a delicious side but also a beautiful addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jello Salad

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a unique and delightful twist on the classic gelatin salad. The vibrant red cranberries combined with the sweet and tart flavors make it a crowd-pleasing treat, especially for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion. The creamy layer on top adds a rich contrast to the tangy jello base, making each bite a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this tasty and visually appealing salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Jello Layer:

• 1 package of cranberry Jello (about 6 oz)
• 1 can (12 oz) whole cranberry sauce
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Jello Base:

• In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve the cranberry Jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir well until the Jello is completely dissolved.
• Add the cold water and mix thoroughly.
• Stir in the cranberry sauce until it is fully incorporated into the Jello mixture.
• Optional: Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish or a serving dish of your choice.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Topping:

• In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue to beat until the mixture forms soft peaks and becomes fluffy.
• Once the Jello layer is fully set, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the Jello layer.

3. Chill and Serve:

• Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 1-2 hours to allow the cream cheese topping to firm up slightly.
• Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing contrast of the sweet Jello and rich, creamy topping.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cranberry Jello Salad

1. Customize the Flavor: If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, you can add a bit more sugar to the Jello layer or use a flavored Jello, such as raspberry or strawberry, for a different twist.
2. Add Fruit: For extra flavor and color, add chopped fresh fruits like orange segments, pineapple, or apples to the Jello mixture.
3. Make Ahead: This cranberry Jello salad can be made a day ahead, saving you time on the day of your celebration. Just be sure to keep it well covered in the fridge.
4. Nuts: If you’re a fan of nuts, the added crunch from pecans or walnuts is highly recommended. However, you can omit them for a nut-free version.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Your Holiday Table

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a perfect side dish for a Thanksgiving feast, Christmas dinner, or any occasion where you want to offer something special. The vibrant colors, creamy topping, and burst of flavors make it an eye-catching and delicious addition to your table. Not only is it simple to make, but it also offers a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes like roast turkey or mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is the perfect combination of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to add a festive touch to your meal. Try it today, and enjoy the compliments from your guests!

Serving and Storage Tips for Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Chilled: For the best texture and flavor, serve the Cranberry Jello Salad chilled. The cream cheese topping is at its fluffiest when it’s cold, and the Jello layer holds its shape perfectly.
2. Garnish for Extra Flair: To make this dish even more festive, garnish it with a few extra whole cranberries, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of chopped mint leaves. This adds a pop of color and enhances the visual appeal.
3. Perfect Pairing: This salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with roast meats, especially turkey, ham, or chicken. It can also be served alongside other traditional holiday sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
4. Serve in Individual Portions: For an elegant touch, serve this salad in individual cups or small bowls for each guest. This also helps in portion control and makes it easier for guests to enjoy.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cranberry Jello Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
2. Layer Preservation: If you notice the layers separating slightly, give the salad a gentle stir before serving. The Jello and cream cheese topping should still hold their texture even after being refrigerated.
3. Freezing: While Jello salads don’t always freeze well due to the texture of the gelatin and cream cheese topping, you can freeze the Jello layer on its own (without the cream cheese topping). After freezing, the texture may change once thawed, so it’s best to freeze only the Jello portion and add the topping fresh before serving.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping stays fresh and delicious, ready to be enjoyed by your guests throughout your celebration.

1. Can I make this cranberry Jello salad ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can easily be made a day or two ahead of time. Prepare the Jello layer and refrigerate it until set. Then, add the cream cheese topping just before serving. This gives the salad time to chill and ensures the topping stays fresh and fluffy.

2. Can I use a different type of Jello flavor?
Absolutely! While cranberry Jello gives this salad a classic holiday flavor, you can experiment with other Jello flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or even lime for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust the cranberry sauce accordingly to maintain the balance of tartness and sweetness.

3. How can I make this recipe nut-free?
If you have guests with nut allergies or simply prefer a nut-free version, you can easily omit the nuts (like pecans or walnuts) from the Jello layer. The salad will still be delicious and just as festive without them.

4. How do I store leftover cranberry Jello salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the salad chilled to maintain its texture and flavor. The cream cheese topping may soften a bit over time, but the salad will still taste great!

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