Cranberry Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of pineapples and mandarin oranges, set in a soft gelatin base. This salad is a feast for the eyes and a delightful addition to any meal, particularly during the holiday season.
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Cranberries Salad

Front of the recipe card for Cranberries Salad. This recipe card for Cranberries Salad is handwritten on a “newer” standard-sized recipe card. The manufacturer of the recipe card is unknown at this time.
This Cranberries Salad recipe would be a great festive addition to your holiday table.
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Food History
Gelatin-based salads have been popular in American cuisine, especially from the mid-20th century, often appearing at gatherings and holiday meals. Cranberries, a native North American fruit, are traditionally used in various dishes during the holiday seasons, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. This recipe takes a classic approach by incorporating these berries into a gelatin salad, enhancing them with citrus and tropical fruits for a more complex flavor.
Recipe Discussion
This Cranberry Salad begins by dissolving unflavored gelatin in pineapple juice and water, which forms the base. Ground cranberries and sugar are added to this base to balance the berries’ tartness. Pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges are then mixed in, adding texture and a burst of sweetness. The mixture is chilled until set, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Salad is perfect served as a refreshing side dish or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday meals, including roasted meats and savory stuffing. The salad’s bright colors and festive flavors make it an attractive addition to any dinner table.
Preparation Tips
- Preparing the Fruit: Ensure the cranberries are finely ground to blend well with the gelatin and other fruits.
- Dissolving Gelatin: To avoid lumps, ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved in the liquid before adding other ingredients.
- Setting the Salad: Chill the mixture until it is slightly thickened before adding the fruits to ensure they are evenly distributed and don’t sink to the bottom.
- Chilling Time: Allow the salad to chill for at least 24 hours before serving. This will help the salad set and adequately enhance the flavors.

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Cranberries Salad Recipe
Cranberries Salad (VRP 001)
Ingredients
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups cranberries, ground
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
Instructions
- Dissolve gelatin according to package substituting pineapple juice with 3/4 water
- Chill until slightly thickened.
- Add drained cranberries, pineapple, oranges, and sugar, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
- Chill 24 hours before serving.
Cranberry Salad is an exquisite blend of tart, sweet, and fruity flavors, making it a standout dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a unique side dish for your holiday meals or a festive dessert that’s a bit out of the ordinary, this salad will impress with its flavors and vibrant appearance.
