This Raspberry Cranberry Jello Salad is quick to make, perfect for entertaining, and loved by both kids and adults at every holiday table. Made with raspberry gelatin, cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and crisp apples, it delivers a sweet-tart bite with bright color and refreshing texture. It's ideal for serving alongside turkey, ham, or as a light holiday dessert.
Love this recipe? Check out our Cranberry Salsa, Cranberry Compote, or this Turkey and Brie Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce.
Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: None
- 🧊 Chill: 8 to 10 hours, or overnight
- 👥 Servings: 8 to 10
- 🔥 Cook Method: No-bake, chill to set
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Classic American holiday salad / Thanksgiving Recipe
- 👩🍳 Pair With: roast turkey, baked ham, Sourdough Stuffing
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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This holiday side sets up perfectly every time, and we always top it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed walnuts for crunch. ~Jami
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Appeal: It brings classic holiday flavors everyone recognizes and loves.
- Kid Friendly: Sweet, fruity, and jiggly, which means kids always go back for seconds.
- Holiday Staple: A colorful, refreshing break from heavy casseroles.
- Light Finish: Makes a great dessert alternative when pies feel too rich. Just like this Classic Waldorf Salad.
Key Ingredients
- Raspberry Jello: The base that gives it that bright, berry flavor.
- Boiling Water: Dissolves the gelatin completely; don't skip this step.
- Cold Water: Helps cool it down quickly so the fruit stays crisp.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds texture and tartness.
- Apples: We use Honeycrisp, Grannysmith, Gala, or Fuji for crunch and sweetness. Have leftovers? Try our Apple and Grape Salad!
- Crushed Pineapple: Be sure to drain it well so the salad sets properly.
- Lemon Juice: Balances sweetness and brightens the flavor.
- Chopped Walnuts (optional): Add for crunch and richness.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Raspberry Jello: Swap for cherry or strawberry if needed.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use whole berry cranberry sauce for a different texture.
- Apples: Pears offer a different flavor.
- Walnuts or Pecans: Substitute with celery for added crunch.
- Presentation: Chill in individual cups or a festive mold for a more formal look.
How To Make Raspberry Cranberry Jello Salad
STEP ONE: Prepare the Jello
Whisk the raspberry gelatin powder with boiling water in a large mixing bowl until completely dissolved.
STEP TWO: Add the Cold Water & Cranberry Sauce
Stir in the cold water to cool, then add the cranberry sauce and mash it until mostly smooth, leaving some small bits for texture.
STEP THREE: Fold in the Fruit
Add the drained pineapple, diced apples, and lemon juice. Stir gently to distribute.
STEP FOUR: Chill to Set
Pour into serving bowl(s) and refrigerate 8 to 10 hours or overnight, until completely set.
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Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Drain pineapple thoroughly; too much juice will prevent it from setting.
✔️ DO Use boiling water, not just hot, to activate the gelatin.
❌ DO NOT Skip the lemon juice; it keeps the apples from browning and balances the sweetness.
❌ DO NOT Stir in the fruit before the gelatin cools slightly, or it will get mushy.
Storage
Cover and refrigerate this holiday salad for up to 5 days. Do not freeze, as the gelatin texture breaks down. Prep up to 2 days ahead for easy holiday planning.
Raspberry Cranberry Jello Salad FAQs
Cranberry jello salad is a retro-style holiday side dish that blends fruit, gelatin, and texture into one chilled, sliceable mold. This old-fashioned recipe often shows up in Thanksgiving and Christmas spreads as a sweet-tart contrast to heavier dishes.
Yes, this recipe is ideal for preparing in advance. You can make it up to 2 days before serving. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you're ready to serve.
Cranberry jello salad is usually served in a dish and often includes added fruit and nuts. A jello mold is firmer, shaped, and typically smoother in texture with fewer mix-ins.
It can be either. Traditionally, it is served as a sweet side during holiday meals, but it is sweet and fruity enough to serve as a light dessert.
Add a splash of lemon juice to your diced apples before mixing them in. It keeps them crisp and prevents discoloration.
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📖 Recipe
Raspberry Cranberry Jello Salad (Holiday Recipe)
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cup
- Spoon or spatula
- medium glass bowl or small serving bowls
Ingredients
- 2 boxes (3 oz each) raspberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 cans (14 oz each) jellied cranberry sauce cut into chunks
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple drained very well
- 3 Grannysmith apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji) peeled, finely diced, then tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Optional: ½-1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Place the raspberry Jello powder in a large mixing bowl and add the boiling water, whisking until the powder is fully dissolved. Stir in the cold water to help the mixture cool slightly.
- Add the cranberry sauce and mash it until mostly smooth with some small bits left for texture.
- Stir in the diced apples and the fully drained crushed pineapple. Add the optional nuts for crunch, or reserve them for topping.
- Transfer the mixture to serving bowl(s) and refrigerate for 8-10 hours or overnight, until completely set.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream.
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Video
Notes
- Raspberry Jello: Swap for cherry or strawberry if needed.
- Apples: Pears offer a different texture.
- Walnuts or Pecans: Substitute with celery.
Jami Powell says
This is a traditional Southern recipe that we look forward to every holiday.