Cranberry Citrus Delight Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Meet your new favorite holiday side dish: the Cranberry Citrus Delight Salad! This vibrant, zesty salad combines the tartness of cranberries with the refreshing flavors of citrus, making it a perfect addition to any festive table. It's not just a feast for the taste buds but also a colorful treat for the eyes.

Ingredients for Cranberry Citrus Delight Salad

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the whole berry cranberry sauce, which provides a tart and slightly sweet base. When combined with the orange-flavored gelatin, it sets into a firm, flavorful salad. The boiling water dissolves the gelatin perfectly, while the cold water helps it start to set. Crushed pineapple brings a tropical sweetness that complements the tart cranberries, and mandarin orange segments add a burst of citrus. The chopped walnuts give a crunchy texture, and chopped celery adds a subtle savory note. Finally, a splash of fresh lemon juice enhances all the citrus flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra firmness, allow your salad to chill overnight.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to make clean cuts.
  • If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or ham, making it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. For a summer picnic, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. It's also delightful on its own as a light dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?
Fresh cranberries won't provide the same texture or sweetness. Stick with canned for best results.
What can I substitute for orange-flavored gelatin?
Lemon-flavored gelatin can work in a pinch, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Cranberry Citrus Delight Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Pour in the orange-flavored gelatin and carefully add 1 cup of boiling water. Stir gently but thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This ensures that you won't end up with any grainy bits in your salad.

Next, add 1/2 cup of cold water to the bowl. Stir again; this helps cool down the mixture slightly, prepping it for the next ingredients. Now, it's time to introduce the cranberry sauce. Mix it in until it's fully blended with the gelatin mixture, creating a beautiful deep red base.

Now, gently fold in the crushed pineapple, mandarin orange segments, chopped walnuts, and chopped celery. Stir slowly to keep the fruit intact and evenly distributed. Finally, squeeze in that tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for an extra citrusy zing.

Pour the whole mixture into a 9x13-inch dish. Smooth the top with a spatula, cover, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours or until it's firm to the touch.

Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the salad into neat squares and serve them chilled. Enjoy the burst of flavors!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and requires minimal effort.
  • A delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing summer dish.
  • Make-ahead friendly, saving you time on the big day.

Ingredients

1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
1 package (3 oz) orange-flavored gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the orange-flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the mixture and stir well.
3. Stir in the cranberry sauce and mix until well combined.
4. Add the crushed pineapple, mandarin orange segments, chopped walnuts, and chopped celery. Mix gently to combine.
5. Stir in the fresh lemon juice to add a citrusy zing.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
7. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

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