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.
"My go to desert to share at get togethers!"
Sooo yummy! Easy to make. Does take a little time but well worth it. Is now my go to desert to share at get togethers.
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!
Printable Recipe ↓
Layered Cranberry Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the cranberry jello:
- 2 (3-ounce) packages raspberry jello - or 1 6-ounce package
- 1 ½ cup boiling water
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in 100% juice - not in heavy syrup and not fresh*
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¾ cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup roasted pecans - chopped and divided
For the cream cheese topping:
- 1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese - softened at room temperature*
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup 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 9"x13" 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.
Recipe Notes
- DO NOT use fresh pineapple in this recipe! Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme that will prevent the gelatin from setting up.
- If you accidentally purchase crushed pineapple in heavy syrup, you can still use it. Just dump the contents of the can into a strainer, rinse under cold water, and drain lightly before adding it to the gelatin mixture.
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature rather than in the microwave. Microwaving it can change the consistency, resulting in the cream cheese topping not setting up properly.
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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?
Keyla says
Instead of a glass dish can I use a stain steel dish?
Tara says
I haven't tried it, Keyla, but I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't work.
Emily Pullen says
Thank you for sharing what is now a new family favorite!! I followed your recipe to the letter and it turned out beautifully, everyone loved it!! This will be a must have added to our Thanksgiving table from now on, but I doubt we will be able to wait another year before I am requested to make it again. LOL
Tara says
Thanks so much for popping back in to share, Emily. I'm so thrilled to hear that!
Jan says
Aww Tara. What a delicious topping. (Finger test) I put the jello mixture in the freezer for about 15 min. before adding just to ensure a nice firm surface. How gorgeous it looks. Can't wait to show it off tomorrow. I was a home ec teacher, and I love coming up with and reading about the little things that can make such a difference. Thank you for bringing me out of my comfort zone cranberry jello salad. I used to let my kids wear their paper bag Indian vests and use their handmade Thanksgiving projects on my table and walls for decorations. Enjoy your children, and make lots of pictures.
Tara says
Hope it was a big hit, Jan! We had extra guests this year, so I only got one serving. I think I need to make another batch to really get my fix.
Jan says
Okay Tara. Off to the races, making your salad again for a Xmas party tomorrow night. It's a party with lots of Miami people who most have know each other since high school. (And we are not young anymore) it's outside of course with lots of fried turkeys, live music and Ubers. Just like you said, everyone at Thanksgiving keep asking if it was desert or salad. Hey, it's delicious, let it be what ever you want I say. Thanks again for a keeper. Keep up your good work. Oh, how I wish I had internet all these years. However, my hand written recipes are priceless to me. Merry Christmas! Gotta decide on a cookie recipe for my huge cookie exchange party. Some of the same people...we had 4 generations represented last year. Keep in touch with the girlfriends!
Jan says
I just popped the jello mixture in the fridge. Wish I had read reviews earlier as I just ran out to get cranberry juice. That's all I needed and the grocery store was brutal day before Thanksgiving. I have made a similar salad for 30 years. This is the first time I have "strayed" from my old Jr. League of New Orleans recipe. Mine used cherry jello, grated apple, the juice from pineapple and then stir the remaining pineapple into cool whip to top it. The cream cheese mixture idea won me over for this year. Your should see all the red stains in the page of my old recipe book. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tara says
Aww, I totally feel your pain. I realized earlier that I forgot to get the peanut oil to fry our turkey, so now I have to make a run to the store. Hoping that if I wait until later this evening it will have died down some — and I thought I was doing so good by shopping earlier this week on Monday night... Hope you love it, and have a happy Thanksgiving!
Jan says
Careful with that fried turkey! Dangerous, but delicious. Freeing up the oven though is such a good thing. I live in Ft.Lauderdale and used to cook turkeys in the gas grill. That was before fried turkeys came on the scene. My husband would have loved the danger aspect. He love the electric knife, and I used to say he would use the chain saw if I would let him. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
sandra miller says
Can I use fresh cranberry instead of canned?
Tara says
Hi Sandra! I don't think I'd recommend adding just fresh cranberries — the Jell-O layer needs the extra "bulk" that the sauce provides. I haven't tried it, but I'd say you could probably use an equivalent amount of homemade cranberry sauce. Or perhaps you could add some fresh cranberries to the recipe as written.
Bobbie says
Yes you can use frrsh cranberries
1 pkg cranberries
1c water
1c sugar
Bring to a boil and cook til the berries pop.
Ramona Frein says
Could I put in a glass bowl as I don't have a pyrex 9x13...?
Tara says
Sure, you could use a bowl instead!
Brenda says
Could I make on Tuesday nite before Thanksgiving? I have couple to make . I was trying to do as many things in advance.
Tara says
I usually make it a day in advance, but I don't think two days would hurt. Assuming you can keep your family away from it that long! :)
Belinda Hubbard says
Can you reserve this and have the cream cheese on the bottom? The beautiful color is hidden by the cream cheese mixture .
Tara says
Hi Belinda! I know — it's such a shame to cover up that gorgeous ruby red. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how well it would work. I think the warm Jell-O mixture might just melt the cream cheese layer when you pour it over. But I think what might work is prepping the cream cheese mixture and then refrigerating it until you're ready to serve the cranberry salad. Then you could just dollop it on and sprinkle a few chopped pecans over top, leaving some of the red color showing around the edges for a gorgeous presentation. I just might have to try that this year!
Lynne says
Why not layer it so you have some of the cranberry mixture on top? Put a layer of the cranberry mixture, let set, spread on cream cheese mixture, pour over remaining cranberry mixture (it should be room temp. by now). Do you think that would work?
Tara says
Oh, that might work! I'll have to play around with it a bit when I'm not expecting guests. It will all depend on how quickly the unrefrigerated mixture would set up...
Elise says
I did everything correct. It was the fresh pineapple. Apparently there is an enzyme in fresh fruit that isn't in canned. So canned is always better. I salvaged it by draining the liquid and mixing the fruit with cream cheese, sour cream and sugar. Still taste great just not jello. Haha!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Wow, I had no idea... Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad it still tasted great!
Elise says
This taste fantastic! But mine still isn't set after 8 hours:/. Do you think it's from using fresh pineapple instead of canned? Any tricks to make it gel? ie. Cook over... add more water...Thanks!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hmm, I'm not sure if fresh pineapple would cause it not to gel. Did you mix the Jell-O with the boiling water before adding the other liquids?
jackie says
What is "liquid mixture"?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
The liquid mixture is the boiling water/Jell-O mixture. I'll update the recipe so that's clear, Jackie!
Jill says
This is what my mom calls our holiday salad we have it only on thanksgiving and chistmas. But you are missing bananas and we parfait it with tge cream in the middle yum
Connie says
What are you referring to by "liquid mixture"?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I'm referring to the Jell-O that was dissolved in the boiling water. Sorry if that was unclear, Connie!
Laura says
Wow! This is nearly identical to my grandmother's recepie, except she added 1/2 sugar and 1 cup chopped celery to the jello mixture. I will have to add the topping to her recipe. Best of both worlds!
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Deborah says
How long does it take for the jello to solidify?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours, Deborah.
Juli says
My grandma used to always make this for everything. We call it "port au fino" salad cause the lady that gave her the recipe always made it with port. Now I make it with home bottled grape juice.
Juli says
I also for got the mention that I have started adding grated apple and I love it in there.
Jenna says
I just wanted to let you know that your Cranberry Salad was a big hit with my family yesterday. My dad asked me to make a cranberry salad for Thanksgiving this year, and I said "What on earth is cranberry salad?". I googled it and, after some searching, found your recipe, which looked much better than any of the others that came up. It was very easy to make, and turned out beautifully. Everyone that tried it loved it. Thank you so much for posting it!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yay — thanks for sharing, Jenna!
lanno says
Hi! This will be on my table for Thanksgiving tomorrow! :) But I just need one more detail.... Do we use instant jello or the regular? Looking forward to it! :)
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hmm, I guess I'm not aware of there being a difference in Jell-O gelatin like there is for the pudding. It's just the classic Jell-O gelatin in the raspberry flavor.
edna cook says
keep
Linda Tubbs says
I have been looking for this recipe for a long time. I have found others, but this looks just like the one my mom used to make. She passed in 2003. Thank you. It was and will be served at the table also, definately not a dessert here.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
So glad you found my site, Linda. Hope it does your mom's recipe justice!
Terra says
Every year I look for a new cranberry dish, I adore cranberries during the holiday's! This dish is just gorgeous, and a perfect mix of flavors! Take care, Terra
Valerie says
Tara, this looks delicious. I've had it but never made it. I don't think the version I had included pineapple and pecans. Now that I have the recipe, I'll have to try it.
BrandyU says
Just wanted you to know that I made this over for our second Thanksgiving dinner (at Dad's) and it was a big hit! Thanks for sharing!
Jun says
It looks sounds so yummy! And the photos are beautiful!
Anna @ Morsels & Musings says
i'm totally with you on the "food touching" thing.
i always wonder if those people who pile all their food on their plates might be happier throwing the whole lot in a blender and ingesting it with a straw.
a bit too harsh? perhaps :)
Hunter says
While I have never had Cranberry Salad, Blueberry Salad AND Strawberry Salad are at every family gathering we have. The recipe is very similar, instead of a can of cranberry sauce, you just use canned blue berries and frozen strawberries. It is definitely a crowd pleaser!!
MT says
Just wanted to let you know that this was an "over the top" salad! That topping is just WOW. You should have heard the expressions made when it was tasted. I used strawberry jello instd of raspb. and added addt'l water for juice. i've made one similar for years, but mine has chpd apples and celery in the salad too. Thanks again for a wonderful recipe.
Bubbie says
Clear, ifnrmoatvie, simple. Could I send you some e-hugs?
Kay says
This recipe was very good! I made this for Thanksgiving and got a few requests for the recipe. The topping is wonderful with the jello. I personally would cut down on the water a little because the jello seemed to be a little watery when I dished it. Thanks for the great recipe!
April in CT says
I made this as part of our Thanksgiving dessert and it's fantastic!! I did a half recipe and didn't use the juice (thank you for mentioning water as a substitute, I didn't want to buy juice just for this) and it worked great. This will definitely be something we make every year.
Devonna Malesky says
I make a similar version with ground cranberries and celery and cool whip topping. I cannot wait to try this.
Connie says
I am going to try this recipe. It's sounds delicious! It's always nice to find new things to try. Thanks:)
JaiKai says
I've made this for many years but I've never used Cranberry Jello, I use lemon, I use ginger ale instead of the cranberry juice, and I have never tried adding sour cream. Your version is one that will go out the door this year and I will wait to see if anyone notices...lol. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Joann Byrd says
I have been making this for several years my family loves it but I don,t use no kind of juice plus I use 1 cranberry jello and 1 raspberry jello and 2 cups boiling water. 1 -15.oz. crushed pineapple undrained and 1 can wholeberry cranberry sauce mix all this together and place in fridge until sets well, then mix 1 - 8 oz.softened cream cheese with 8 oz. sour cream 1/2 cup white sugar and 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla mix well and place on top of cranberry mixtureplace nuts on top. and enjoy
Tammy says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I am going to add it to the menu and show up with it at my Mom's house for Thanksgiving, and maybe even for Christmas! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Sarah says
YUMMY!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to try it!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Pamela says
Looks wonderful and I am printing it to try at Christmas or later this week with leftovers! I am no way, not, nada going to the store anymore today! :)
Gail says
We have been having this in my family for Thanksgiving and Christmas for at least 40 years. It's been passed down for 3 generations that I know of. It's always a huge hit. I skipped it one year, and my family kept asking for it. Will never do that again :-)
Joyce says
Looks & sounds great, but is there a printer friendly link?
Tara says
I added a printer-friendly link for you, Joyce. It's not the most attractive thing, but it will work for now!
AndreaK says
Awesome! And I'm so gonna make this. We do one veery similar with strawberries instead of cranberries, but I know this one will be just as scrumptious! Thanks for sharing! Just found this blog tho I've been a DSM fan for over a year. :)
Edie says
This looks delicious!!! Thanks! Please tell me why Deal Seeking Moms posts quit showing up on my page? I used to get them. Someone told me to unlike, then relike....that didn't work....you are not hidden or blocked....I tried to type you in under 'show more posts' and your name doesn't come up.....but fb still shows me liking DSM???? I miss you!!!!!!!!!
Tara says
Hmm, I don't know why that would happen. You could try subscribing to the Networked Blog feed and see if that helps: https://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blog/deal_seeking_mom/ Thanks!
AndreaK says
Dunno if this is true for you, but I know I subscribe to 4 blogs on Facebook. Sometimes Facebook will choose to show me 1 of their posts then say something like "4 more posts from Network Blogs". If I click that, it'll show the others in their correct order on my page. hth
Jan says
Any chance this can be made the day before it's to be served? Is it equally tasty and fresh?
Tara says
Oh, you can definitely make it the day before — I usually do! Or you could prepare the Jell-O base the night before and then put the cream cheese mixture on the next day.
Karen Pollard says
Oh my, this looks delicious! I'm definitely making it for Thanksgiving. It's not only tasty sounding, it's pretty to boot!
Tiffany says
My mom makes this recipe and it is so very good! I love anything that can be called a salad but is really dessert-like ;-)
Laurie says
I used to make this all the time for a large Baptist church in North Carolina in the winter time for family suppers. It was a recipe given to me by one of the church members and I didn't think it would be very good when I saw the ingredient list.
I was SO SO SO wrong. Amazing! It is delicious. I crave it still.
Tara says
It really is! I love when we have people over that have never tried it — they'll kind of raise one eyebrow and ask for just a small piece. Inevitably they're the first ones asking for seconds on it.
I toasted the pecans this year, and it was even better!
April in CT says
Best beeeee-lieve I just added this to my Thanksgiving menu!!
Aimee @ Simple Bites says
Dessert first? Count me in!! Love the vibrant color; great dish, Tara!
MT says
couple of questions: how much cranb juice? and do we use the juice from pineapple or drain it?
can hardly wait to try it...looks delish!
thanks.
MT
Tara says
Oops, I guess I left that off the ingredients list! You need 3/4 cup of cranberry juice — or you can substitute water if you prefer the Jell-O part to be a little less tart. Use the whole can of crushed pineapple, juice and all.
I'd love to hear what you think after trying it! Even my ultra-picky 4yo daughter loves it.
Laura says
YUM! I make a similar version minus the topping. I am gonna have to try your version because the topping sounds delish!
Liz@HoosierHomemade says
That looks divine Tara! I usually am the only one eating the "canned" cranberries, I'm definitely adding this to my list!
Thanks so much for joining us for the Thanksgiving Dinner!
~Liz
Tara says
Thanks, Liz! Hope your family enjoys it too. :)