Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a festive addition to any holiday table, combining a tangy cranberry Jello base with a rich and creamy topping. Its vibrant red color, creamy layer, and crunch from pecans make it a visually stunning and deliciously refreshing dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, this salad is easy to make ahead and pairs wonderfully with savory dishes, adding a burst of fruity flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Flavorful: The fruity cranberry base with creamy topping is a perfect holiday blend of sweet and tangy.
Easy to Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for busy holiday schedules.
Beautiful Presentation: With its bright colors and layered look, this dish is sure to impress.
Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or a light dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Jello

2 (3-ounce) packages cherry Jell-O (or raspberry or cranberry)
1½ cups boiling water
20 ounces crushed pineapple (with juice)
1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce (or 2 cups homemade cranberry sauce)
1 cup chopped pecans (divided)
¾ cup cranberry or apple juice

For the Cream Cheese Topping

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Jello Base

In a large bowl, add the cherry Jell-O packets. Pour in the boiling water and stir until the Jell-O is fully dissolved.
Add the crushed pineapple with its juice and the whole cranberry sauce to the Jell-O mixture. Use the back of a spoon to break up any large pieces of cranberry sauce.
Stir in ¾ cup of the chopped pecans and the cranberry or apple juice until everything is well mixed.
Carefully pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch glass dish or Jello mold. Place in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or until fully set.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on high speed until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar and sour cream, mixing until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Once the Jello has fully set, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top.
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans over the cream cheese topping for garnish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing, festive salad as a side dish or light dessert.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13-inch glass dish or Jello mold
Spatula

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions: This salad is perfect as a side dish at holiday gatherings, providing a refreshing contrast to rich main dishes. It also works well as a light, fruity dessert.
Storing Leftovers: Cover and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the Jello base up to two days in advance. Add the cream cheese topping just before serving to keep it fresh.

Recipe Variations

Add Fruit: For extra texture, fold in diced apples, oranges, or sliced grapes into the Jello mixture.
Use Different Nuts: Substitute walnuts for pecans or try a mix of both.
Change the Flavor: Try raspberry Jell-O for a slightly different fruity flavor.
Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra layer, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each serving.

Helpful Notes

Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the topping.
Breaking up Cranberry Sauce: Use the back of a spoon to break apart any large pieces of cranberry sauce for a smoother consistency.
Use Clear Dishes: A glass dish allows the layers of red Jello and creamy topping to show, making for an eye-catching presentation.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Ina Garten’s Jello Tip: When making layered Jello dishes, refrigerate each layer until fully set to achieve clean, defined layers.
Alton Brown’s Cream Cheese Tip: For an ultra-smooth topping, beat cream cheese at room temperature and add powdered sugar gradually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish without nuts?
Yes! If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans. The salad will still have a delicious texture from the pineapple and cranberry sauce.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure it has a similar texture to the canned version and is well-chilled before adding to the Jello mixture.

What other flavors of Jell-O work well?
Cherry, raspberry, and cranberry Jell-O all work great with this recipe. Choose based on your preferred taste or color.

Do I need to chill each layer separately?
The only layer that needs to chill fully is the Jello base before adding the cream cheese topping. This ensures the topping stays in place.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream?
Yes, low-fat versions work well in this recipe if you want a lighter option without sacrificing creaminess.

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping is a delightful, refreshing holiday dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Its blend of fruity, creamy, and crunchy elements makes it a favorite side or dessert that guests of all ages will enjoy.