This refreshing and festive Cranberry Pineapple Jell-O Salad is a perfect addition to any holiday gathering, bringing a burst of color and flavor to your table. The sweet and tart combination of cranberries and pineapple creates a beautiful balance that perfectly complements the tangy Jell-O base. Each spoonful is a delightful mix of textures — the soft, jiggly Jell-O contrasts wonderfully with the bits of fruit, giving every bite a refreshing and satisfying taste.
The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity. Fresh or canned pineapple adds natural sweetness and juiciness, while the cranberries provide that bright, slightly tart flavor that keeps the dessert from being overly sweet. Some variations even include chopped apples, oranges, or crushed walnuts for extra crunch and depth. The Jell-O itself — typically made with cranberry or raspberry flavor — ties everything together with its glossy texture and vibrant color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
This salad is often made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. As it chills, the fruit juices infuse the Jell-O, creating a deeper and more complex taste. It’s the kind of make-ahead dessert that frees up time during busy holidays while still impressing guests with its bright, festive look. When served in a glass dish or layered mold, it becomes an eye-catching centerpiece that immediately evokes memories of traditional family celebrations.
For serving, many people like to top it with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a layer of cream cheese mixture to add creaminess and balance the tartness of the cranberries. Garnishing with a few fresh mint leaves or extra cranberries adds a touch of elegance and freshness that elevates the entire presentation.
This Cranberry Pineapple Jell-O Salad isn’t just a side dish — it’s a nostalgic favorite that brings comfort and joy to the holiday table. Its bright flavors and cheerful colors make it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion where you want something sweet, light, and refreshing to complement the meal. Whether you serve it as a dessert or alongside roasted turkey and ham, this salad never fails to delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Jellied cranberry sauce | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Raspberry or cranberry-flavored Jell-O | 1 package (6 oz) |
| Crushed pineapple, drained (juice reserved) | 1 can (20 oz) |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
| Boiling water | 1 cup |
| Cold water | 1/2 cup |
How To Make Cranberry Pineapple Jell-O Salad:
- Step 1: Dissolve Jell-O: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Step 2: Add liquids: Stir in ½ cup cold water and the reserved pineapple juice (about ½ to ¾ cup).
- Step3 Mix in cranberry sauce: Break up the jellied cranberry sauce with a fork, then add it to the Jell-O mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Add pineapple and pecans: Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and chopped pecans.
- Step 5: Chill: Pour the mixture into a serving dish or mold. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Step 6: Serve: Once fully set, slice and serve chilled.