Julie Clark
Updated:
Cranberry Orange Jello Salad
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Fresh cranberries, oranges and apples fill this Cranberry Orange Jello Salad with a raspberry Jello base. It makes a beautiful holiday dessert or fruit side dish.
Nothing says the holidays like jello salads! I grew up eating Jello salads not only on the holidays but also for family dinners and church potlucks. Jello salads are some of my favorite desserts because there are just so many varieties!
This Cranberry Orange Jello salad recipe is unique because it has fresh oranges, apples and cranberries, making it perfect for Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner.
Fresh vs Frozen Cranberries
We call for frozen cranberries in this recipe. Can you use fresh? Yes! Cranberries freeze really well. There won’t be any difference in flavor whichever you use. We choose frozen just because they are easy to keep on hand and pull out exactly you need them.
Can you use fresh fruit in Jello salads?
This recipe calls for using fresh apples and oranges. These fruits work perfectly in Jello. There are some fresh fruits that you want to steer clear of in Jello salads. Some of those include fresh pineapple, kiwi, mango and guava. These fruits have have an enzyme that makes the gelatin not set and be runny. If you want to use these fruits, use the canned version.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Jello Salad
Let’s talk about some hints to make this delicious fruit salad:
- Prepare the fruit by peeling the oranges and apples, then cutting them in small pieces. Run the whole cranberries through a food processor to grind them up.
- Make the raspberry gelatin according to the recipe, then stir in the sugar while the water is still hot so it dissolves.
- Add the cold water and fruit mixture and mix well.
- This makes quite a bit of Jello salad so be sure to use a large bowl or serving dish that holds at least 4 quarts. We used a large glass bowl. If you use a 9×13 baking pan, make sure it has deep sides. And if you need to, you can use two smaller pans or bowls.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. The time it takes for the Jello to set will depend on how deep your bowl is.
- Garnish with a dollop of Cool Whip. Mmmm!
Can you freeze cranberry orange jello salad?
No, you can’t freeze cranberry orange jello salad. If you freeze Jello, it will lose its texture after it has thawed.
How far in advance can you make Jello salad?
No Jello salad can’t be frozen, but thankfully, you can make this dish up several days in advance and keep it refrigerated.
How long does Jello salad last?
Cranberry Orange Jello Salad should stay fresh for about 5 days in the fridge. Store leftovers in a tightly covered airtight container.
Have leftover cranberries?
Make one of these cranberry recipes:
- frozen cranberry dessert
- creamy cranberry salad
- whole berry cranberry sauce
- cranberry pecan bread
- cranberry orange muffins
- cranberry cream cheese bars
- cranberry orange bread
- pear cranberry pie
Cranberry Orange Jello Salad
Fresh cranberries, oranges and apples fill this Cranberry Orange Jello Salad with a raspberry Jello base. It makes a beautiful holiday dessert or fruit side dish.
Servings 20
Prep Time 20 minutes
Setting time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen cranberries (mostly thawed)
- 2 oranges
- 2 apples
- 2 cups crushed pineapple, drained (1 20-ounce can)
- 2 large boxes raspberry Jello (6 ounces each)
- 3 cups boiling water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups cold water
Instructions
Prepare the fruit:
- Using a food processor, grind the cranberries until they are crushed in small pieces. 1 pound frozen cranberries
- Peel and cut the oranges into very small pieces. Peel, core and finely dice the apples. 2 oranges, 2 apples
Make the Jello:
- Heat 3 cups of water to boiling (either on the stovetop or in the microwave). 3 cups boiling water
- Dissolve the raspberry Jello in the hot water. Add the granulated sugar to the hot raspberry Jello. Stir well. 2 large boxes raspberry Jello, 1 cup granulated sugar
- Add the cold water and mix well. 3 cups cold water
- Add the cranberries, chopped oranges and apples, and pineapple. Mix well. 2 cups crushed pineapple, drained
- Pour in a deep dish 9×13-inch glass baking dish or a pretty glass bowl that holds at least 4 quarts.
- Allow the jello to chill and set for at least 4 hours (exact time will depend on the serving bowl and how deep it is).
- Top with whipped cream.
Video
Notes
The calories shown are based on the recipe serving 20 people, with 1 serving being about 3/4-1 cup of Jello. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information.**
Nutrition
Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 16.2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Do you think you could put in some pomegranate seeds?
Thank you! This is very similar to a recipe we had growing up, except there were pecans and no apples. We ate ours frozen.
Can I substitute orange jello for raspberry hello for cranberry salad
I have been looking for a recipe with cranberries, oranges and apples. Can’t wait to make this for my family at Christmas. Sounds delicious!
Is this really 12 oz of jello total or 6 oz total?
Had this dish at our catered banquet in November and fell in love with it (and so did our guests!). Was so pleased to find your recipe to make it for my family and guests!! Great directions and THANK YOU for the video!