To be honest, this cranberry salad recipe, with its sweet & tangy cream cheese topping, is probably more of a dessert, but we serve it as a side dish at all of our holiday dinners... SO good, a MUST TRY recipe!
Cranberry Salad For Thanksgiving
I honestly don't remember when this cranberry salad recipe first started making an appearance at our family's Thanksgiving dinner table. Somewhere along the way, a lovely little slice made its way to a separate plate at my place setting, and from then on it was a yearly tradition -- right alongside my Grandma's cream corn casserole. It wouldn't feel like Thanksgiving without these two dishes!
Oh wait... You caught that separate plate thing, huh?! Have I mentioned that I absolutely cannot stand to have my food touch? Can't. Stand. It. So if you're planning to invite me to a large dinner at your house, plan on having extra plates available for this mama!
Anyhow, back to the cranberry jello "salad" -- if that's what you really want to call it. It's one of those retro recipes that teenagers have a tendency to turn up their noses at. I know I sure did...
I mean, it was made with cranberries, eeewwwww! At that age, cranberries ran a close second to asparagus. In my mind they were sour, slightly tough, and generally to be avoided at all costs. And Jell-o?!? Um, no thanks -- pass me those creamy mashed potatoes, please.
Cranberry Jello Salad With Cream Cheese
But then I took my obligatory bite... and my world was forever changed. Seriously.
There are so many flavors and textures going on in this cranberry jello salad. Layers of ingredients that I never would have thought about pairing, but somehow they JUST WORK. And the results will rock your world!
The pineapple and Jell-o add just enough sweetness to counter the tartness of the cranberries and the cream cheese/sour cream topping. I mean, really -- how can you go wrong with that combination?
Top the whole thing off with plenty of toasted walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and extra flavor, and you've got a to-die-for salad/side/dessert whatever-you-want-to-call-it.
Easy Cranberry Salad Recipe: Dessert or Side?
Truthfully, this easy cranberry salad is more of a dessert. But if you're coming to my house for Thanksgiving, you'll find it served as a side with the turkey and all of the trimmings. And who's counting anyhow?!? Especially on Thanksgiving...
I should note that I don't JUST serve cranberry salad at Thanksgiving. It's also ideal for Christmas dinner, Easter dinner, really any time. My kids request it often throughout the year, and I'm always happy to make it!
And why not? It's so darn easy to make! The cranberry jello layer is simply a mixture of raspberry Jell-o, whole cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, cranberry juice, and toasted walnuts or pecans.
Layer number two is simply a mixture of softened cream cheese, sour cream, and granulated sugar. I could just eat this stuff with a spoon! And I'm warning you now, the whole family will fight over who gets to lick the beaters -- so make it after they're in bed. Then they're all yours. ;)
Tips For How To Make Cranberry Salad
Just a few quick things to note and then I'll drop the recipe:
- Don't care for cranberry juice? I've forgotten to buy the cranberry juice before, and if that happens, you can just substitute an equal amount of water. The end result is slightly less tart, but if your family won't drink the rest of the juice, you may want to just skip it and avoid the waste.
- DO NOT use fresh pineapple in this recipe. Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which will prevent the gelatin from solidifying. Use canned crushed pineapple, as the bromelain is destroyed during the canning process.
- DO NOT microwave the cream cheese to soften it. It's just way too easy to take it too far, and you will end up with a runny, goopy topping. Be patient and allow it to soften at room temperate, and be sure to cream together the cream cheese and sugar first to help eliminate lumps.
Now go make this cranberry salad recipe ASAP!
Featured Review
Sooo yummy! Thank you for sharing. Easy to make. Does take a little time but well worth it. Is now my go to desert to share at get togethers.
- Granee
Recipe Card
Layered Cranberry Salad Recipe
To be honest, this easy cranberry salad recipe, with its sweet & tangy cream cheese topping, is probably more of a dessert, but we serve it as a side dish at all of our holiday dinners... SO good, a MUST TRY recipe!
Ingredients
For the cranberry jello:
- 2 (3-oz.) packages raspberry Jell-O
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 1 (20-oz.) can crushed pineapple in 100% juice*
- 1 (14-oz.) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¾ cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped & divided
For the cream cheese topping:
- 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened*
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry Jell-O in the boiling water.
- Remove from heat and add the crushed pineapple (juice and all), whole berry cranberry sauce, cranberry juice, and your choice of nuts to the Jell-O mixture. Reserve a small amount of the nuts to sprinkle on top. Mix well.
- Pour into a 9x13" glass baking dish and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
- For a lump-free cream cheese topping, first cream together the cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Then add the sour cream and whip until smooth.
- When the cranberry jello mixture is firm, spread the cream cheese topping over the top. Garnish with additional chopped toasted walnuts or pecans. Refrigerate for about an hour to allow the topping to firm up.
Notes
*NOTES:
- DO NOT use fresh pineapple in this recipe. Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme that will prevent the gelatin from setting up.
- DO NOT soften the cream cheese in the microwave. It may change the consistency and result in the cream cheese topping not setting up properly.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 squareAmount Per Serving: Calories: 48Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Cranberry Jello Salad With Cream Cheese Topping
I've head from SO many of you that you hate to cover up the beautiful cranberry jello layer, and I totally get it. This is one reason why I prefer to serve it in a 9x13" Pyrex glass baking dish -- so you can see that gorgeous ruby red color through the side.
But you can totally offer your guests the best of both worlds. Simply prepare the cream cheese topping as directed in the recipe, and refrigerate it in a separate bowl. Then you can just top each slice off with a dollop when serving. Either way, don't forget to save some extra toasted walnuts or pecans for the garnish!
I'd love to see how your cranberry salad turns out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
How do you prefer your cranberry jello salad, with or without the cream cheese topping?
Ruby
I would tell you to bring your own extra plates! I had a niece that didn't like her food touching, it was annoying because it was always made into a big deal.
Granee
Valerie. Sorry about last reply. Omit sour cream and add one pkg. Dream Whip made from directions on dream whip box then fold into the cream cheese/ sugar mix that you have already beaten well with a mixer.
Valerie
I lost my recipe an came across this one I made this today I loved the Cranberry part but the cream cheese topping was different than the one I had I liked the cream cheese topping better from the one I lost but thanks for sharing
Granee
@Valerie, omit sour cream.
Colleen
Hi I was wondering what does DD the pineapple mean? Thanks, Colleen
Tara Kuczykowski
Oops, that's a typo -- should be "add" LOL. Will fix it now!
Estelle
Easiest, best holiday jello recipe ever! Never going back to the strawberry 3 layer jello that was a family tradition.
Thank you
NANCY Caldwell
This is a great recipe! I knocked it up a notch and added a can of drained mandarin oranges. Just puts this recipe over the top! Thanks for sharing!
Tara Kuczykowski
Yum, sounds amazing!
Colleen Krause
Have you ever tried layering this so the white is in the middle and put it in a jello mold?
Tara Kuczykowski
I have not tried this, but I feel like the cream cheese topping does not set up enough to stand up to a mold. Would be really pretty if you could find a way to make it work, though!
Cindy
Do you think this could be made with sugarfree jello and sugar substitute and lite cream cheese to lighten up the calories and fat grams and for those who cannot have sugar?
Tara Kuczykowski
Hi Cindy! I haven't tried this, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Please report back if you give it a try!
Shirley
@Cindy,
I made it with sugar free Jello. I can not imagine it needing any more sweetener of any kind. Maybe because I used black cherry flavor jello - which I wouldn't recommend. I think it would have a better taste if I had used one box of lemon jello since that is what I had. I'm not a raspberry flavor fan, but next time I will get that. I put the zest of an orange and added the orange; a chopped apple and chopped celery. I did not manage to add the sour cream/cream cheese, but would love that taste. Waiting for the gel is the hard part.
Shirley
Dawn Jasmann
What if you dissolved the jello in boiling cranberry juice? Has anyone tried that or is it not a very good idea?
Tara Kuczykowski
Hmm, I've not tried that... I'm not sure if it would make it too tart or if the pineapple would balance it out. If you try it, I'd love to hear how it turns out!
Dawn Jasmann
@Tara Kuczykowski, I made this for my husband's family holiday gathering yesterday and those that were brave enough to try it, (not very many cranberry lovers in his family. I know, crazy!) loved it! And yes, I substituted the water for cranberry juice. It was pretty tart but I loved the tartness! My MIL especially loved it and asked for the recipe!
BARRY SWIFT ARNP
YES I ADDED CHOPPED CELERY MADE IT WITH MORE CRUNCH
Margaret
Quick
Would it be possible to add chopped apple bites instead of the nuts? We have tree nut allergies in the family
Tara Kuczykowski
Yes, that seems like it would be a great way to add some crunch without using nuts!
Beverly French
I tried this one time and I was nervous about making it. Not no more I have made it so many times now. We love it!!!!! Thank you for you tips on making it and for this delicious recipe!!!@
Tara Kuczykowski
So happy to hear how much you love it, Beverly!!
Kathryn
I followed my mother's recipe with the exception of not using cranberry juice but used 1 3/4 c water. I did not add nuts to the jello portion. Also, I tested the sweetness of the topping and added 1/4 c sugar instead of 1/2...using walnuts on the topping! I'm looking forward to sharing at tomorrow's Thanksgiving feast.
Paulette
I'm sure I'm older than u
This is my favorite as well
But I didn't know how to
Top. We always called
These type dishes
" Congealed salad"
I always see others
Ask why r they called
Salads.
Tara Kuczykowski
Thanks for sharing, Paulette!
Dottie
My go-to cranberry/Jello salad is one that I have to drag out the food processor and grind fresh cranberries, whole oranges, and whole cored apples, which then are mixed into the Jello along with crushed pineapple, sugar, and pecans. Although my recipe does not have "frosting", I like the idea. Your recipe looks so much easier, and I will definitely have to give it a try!
Tara Kuczykowski
Oh, that does sound more labor intensive -- but I bet it's delicious. Hope you love it!!
Elizabeth
My mother made almost the identical salad when I was growing many years ago. The only difference I see is the cranberry juice. I make it now but because some people do not like nuts I leave them out and I put them and the topping in side dishes because not everyone wants the topping. I myself like the both the nuts in the dish and the topping and nuts on top. Thank you.
Tara Kuczykowski
That's a great idea, Elizabeth! I don't think the cranberry juice is totally necessary. I've actually forgotten to add it before, and it turned out fine, maybe just a little sweeter.
Olivia
I love this deasert it so good my mum loved it so much. Thank you for your best ingridents
Tara Kuczykowski
So happy you loved it, Olivia!
Beth
I only have regular canned jellied cranberry sauce Can I use this instead of the whole cranberry sauce?
Tara Kuczykowski
Hi Beth! I've honestly never tried it, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. You just won't have quite as much texture without the little chunks of cranberry, but it shouldn't be very noticeable because of the pineapple.
Kng
@Tara Kuczykowski, I have used the plain cranberry jelly because the recipe I used called for it. My recipe also called for wine instead of the 3/4 cup of water. I’ve used a mild sweet(ish) red, a rose’, and cranberry juice in place of water and they are all nice additions.
Tara Kuczykowski
Thank you for sharing! Will have to try this version some time.
Rebecca
Have made this 2 times there was 6 of us. Well it was gone in about 5 minutes and everyone thought it was delicious. Thank you for great recipe.Rebecca
Tara Kuczykowski
Love this so much, Rebecca -- so glad you guys love it, too! We're making it for Christmas Day.
Melissa
I want to use fresh cranberries. Should I cook them some first
Tara Kuczykowski
Hi Melissa! I'm not clear on if you're just wanting to add fresh cranberries to the recipe as is or if you're wanting to use them instead of the canned whole cranberry sauce. If you're just looking to add them to the jello layer, you don't need to cook them. I would just chop them finely and add them. If you want to use them instead of the whole cranberry sauce, you'd probably need to make some other adjustments, such as adding sugar.
ELaine Levron
Made this quite similar to recipe I lost 30 years ago only difference the cream cheese topping was more solid but this very delicious and family devoured it Thankyou very much
Tara Kuczykowski
Yay, I'm so happy you found it again, Elaine!
Cindy Wilkins
Love this recipe. My grandmother used to make one like this and I lost her recipe. So thanks for posting it.
Happy Holidays! Stay Well.
Tara Kuczykowski
Thanks for sharing, Cindy. So happy you rediscovered it -- enjoy the season!!
L. Hendricks
Hi Tara,
I just ran across your post as I was looking to see if I could find similar recipe to the one my mother used to make back in the 70's. The topping was what I was really looking for because the recipe she had called for "vanilla-flavored whipped dessert mix". I remember her using the topping from Spoon Candy because either she couldn't find it or it was no longer available (like the Spoon Candy). I thought about using Jello pudding as a replacement but I'm leaning more toward your topping. Below is the recipe I have:
Jello Layer
1 13.5 oz. can crushed pineapple
2 3 oz. pkgs. raspberry Jello
3/4 cup cold water
1 16 oz. can JELLIED cranberry sauce
Creamy Cheese Topping
1 3.5 oz. pkg. vanilla-flavored whipped dessert mix
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese (room temp.)
Drain pineapple juice into a measuring cup, adding water to make 1 cup. Set well-drained pineapple aside. Bring pineapple juice to a boil then add to Jello, stirring until dissolved. Add cold water; chill until the consistency of unbeaten egg whites. In a medium-sized bowl combine drained pineapple and cranberry sauce; when well mixed stir into Jello mixture. Pour into a 9-inch square pan (Mom used 9x12 oblong). Cover & chill until firm. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350F. Place pecans & 1 Tbsp. of butter or margarine in a shallow pan and bake about 8 min, stirring occasionally, until toasted. Cool nuts.
Topping: Prepare dessert mix in according to pkg. directions EXCEPT substitute 1/2 Cup heavy cream for the milk called for & 1/2 Cup milk for the water. When mixed add the cream cheese and blend well. When Jello is firm, spread Creamy Cheese Topping over top. Sprinkle nuts over topping. Chill 2 - 3 hours, until topping is firm.
Tara Kuczykowski
Sounds very close -- thanks for sharing! Do you think the "vanilla-flavored whipped dessert mix" is Cool Whip? Not sure if that was around back then.
Alison
Is it possible your mom was referring to, dream whip, whipped topping mix. It was very popular in the 40’s-70’s
Marlene
I have made this every year for Thanksgiving, for about 30 years now. This is the first time I have seen an actual recipe for it! Mine is slightly different - instead of pineapple, I use a secret ingredient: cinnamon red hots. Just put a handful into a little saucepan with a bit of water. Let them mostly melt, throw out any chunks left, and use this in place of some of the liquid. It adds an amazing flavor that no one can ever guess (it’s not overwhelming). I made the cream cheese frosting with a little mayo, a bit of sugar, and a little bit of milk if needed to thin out a little. Then sprinkle with chopped walnuts. This is very addictive!! Thank you for posting the recipe!
Tara Kuczykowski
Oh, wow - that certainly does sound different, but good! Thanks for sharing — will have to give it a try. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Linda Gottshall-Sayed
Hi. What a delicious looking side dish that I'd love to try at thanksgiving dinner with my daughter this year. (It's just she and I together ... a dinner for mom and daughter). My question is this. Can I replace the pineapple with anything else? My daughter will refuse to touch anything with pineapple.
Tara Kuczykowski
Thanks for your question, Linda! Unfortunately, I don't have a very good answer for you. I'm not sure there's another fruit that would balance out the cranberry's tartness nearly as well. I can tell you that many of my family members that don't love pineapple actually love this salad, though. Since you're using crushed pineapple, it just melts into everything else, and there's not an overwhelming pineapple flavor. In fact, I think most people would not even realize there's pineapple in it.
Sheila
I love this salad. A good substitution would be mandrian oranges. I love the flavors of cranberry and orange together.
Barbara
Do you prefer walnuts or pecans? How do you toast the nuts?
Tara Kuczykowski
Hi Barbara! I personally prefer pecans, but walnuts are good, too. I have instructions for toasting them in the oven here: https://unsophisticook.com/how-to-toast-nuts/ or in the microwave here: https://unsophisticook.com/how-to-toast-nuts-in-the-microwave/. You can toast them on the stovetop too, but they can go from toasted to burnt in a flash, so I usually use the oven method.
Diana
First, thank you so much for the recipe. My Mom used to make a cranberry side dish very much like this but in a bowl with no topping and I loved it. Second, I had a good laugh when you said you hate your food touching as I was always like that too! I still am if I have a food with a sauce or gravy. Did you always get the line "well everything touches in your stomach"?
Tara Kuczykowski
Oh my gosh -- you know it!!! I don't care once it's in my stomach, but I don't want to taste it all mixed together, LOL. Hope you love the cranberry salad!
Lyndi
I’ve been making this for at least a year now. We serve it a lot! Delish! The only substitution I make is I use cran-cherry juice instead of the plain cranberry. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Denay DeGuzman
Ahhhh...this beautiful recipe has my tastebuds fluttering with excitement! Thank you so much for sharing this perfect Thanksgiving side dish.
Jenni
Oooh, I would love to see this on my Thanksgiving table! I love these kinds of sides that are questionably a side dish and a dessert at the same time!
Joanie
This is now my favorite "side dish"! So tasty and easy to make. Perfect for the holidays!
Ellen
Such a nice option for a side for Thanksgiving or Christmas. So festive.
Jennifer
This is on my Thanksgiving to-do list! Can't wait to make it
Lauren Vavala
This is such a great idea for cranberries! I am loving all the cranberry recipes this season and this dessert tops the list!
Jessica
Oh my gosh this is amazing! Thank you so much!
Aimee Shugarman
This recipe is so unique to me, I can't wait to try it this holiday :)
Jill
This reminds me of a Jello salad my mom used to make. I love serving classic recipes like this at the holidays. Yum!
Mary Bostow
So flavorful! One of my favs. Wow and wow, this is so delicious and it makes my mouth water. Love Love Love this recipe! So YUMMY!
Jen
We had a recipe like this when I was kid but I lost it. Can't wait to give this a try!
Lexee
Thanksgiving dessert, DONE! Thanks
Tayler Ross
This would be perfect for Thanksgiving or ANY holiday!
Ashley F
We love salad recipes like this around the holidays! This cranberry version is awesome.
Nellie Tracy
This salad is perfect for the holidays! Beautiful and delicious!!
Marla Lackey
My family makes this recipe but we use a Rose' wine instead of the cranberry juice.
Tara @ Unsophisticook
That sounds delicious, Marla! Definitely going to try it. Do you just add the same amount as the cranberry juice?
Marla Lackey
My recipe calls for 2/3 C Rose' wine. The only other difference is that my recipe calls for only 1 C of hot water instead of 1 1/2 C. I guess mine has a more concentrated flavor. I make this every Thanksgiving and every Christmas! We love it.
Tara @ Unsophisticook
Thanks, Marla! Can't wait to try this.
Marla Lackey
I just subscribed to your blog/newsletter.....it looks fabulous.
rachel
Is there any way to make this in a jello mold or bundt pan? Or has anyone attempted to make it in any other shape?
Thank you so much!
Gerry McDonald
How many ounces of cranberry sauce
Tara @ Unsophisticook
Thanks for your question, Gerry. It's the 14-oz. can of whole berry cranberry sauce. I'll update the recipe to clarify. Enjoy!
Gerry McDonald
Thank you. Happy holidays!
jess
look delish!! how much of a difference would it be to use cool whip instead of sour cream?
Tara
The cream cheese and sour cream combine to create a creamy topping that's a bit tart from the sour cream. You could use Cool Whip, but you'd end up with more of a no-bake cheesecake type layer instead -- which I think would also be very good!