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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Jello
In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve the Jello mix in 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until the Jello completely dissolves. Once the Jello is dissolved, add 1 cup of cold water and stir to combine. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly but is not fully set.
2. Mix in the Cranberry Sauce
Once the Jello has started to thicken, stir in the whole cranberry sauce. The cranberry sauce adds a burst of flavor and helps to create a rich texture in the salad. Mix well, ensuring the cranberry sauce is evenly incorporated into the Jello. Set the mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This will be the rich, creamy layer that complements the tartness of the Jello. Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, fold in the whipped topping until fully combined. This creates a light, fluffy texture.
4. Layer the Salad
Pour the Jello and cranberry mixture into a large serving dish or individual serving bowls. Allow the Jello to set in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until it has firmed up. Once the Jello layer has set, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch, and chopped celery for a unique savory twist.
5. Chill and Serve
After assembling the salad, return it to the refrigerator to chill for at least another hour or until the cream cheese layer has firmed up. When ready to serve, cut into squares or scoop into individual servings. This colorful, creamy salad is the perfect addition to any holiday meal or family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese
The balance between the tartness of the cranberry Jello and the creamy richness of the cream cheese layer makes this dish absolutely irresistible. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly textured with the optional addition of crunchy walnuts or celery. The vibrant red color also adds a festive touch to your holiday spread, making it not only delicious but beautiful to look at.
Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese is a versatile dish—you can serve it as a salad, a dessert, or even as a refreshing side dish. The flavors work wonderfully alongside savory dishes like turkey, ham, or roast chicken, making it a go-to option for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Jello Salad
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time! Prepare it the night before your event and let it chill in the fridge overnight for best results.
- Customize the Ingredients: If you’re not a fan of nuts or celery, feel free to leave them out. You can also experiment with different Jello flavors, like cranberry or even orange, to suit your taste.
- Substitute Light Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping. It will still be delicious and creamy.
- Add Fruit: For extra texture, you can fold in small chunks of fresh fruit like apples or pears, which pair beautifully with the cranberries.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese is a dish that’s not only quick and easy to make but also packed with flavor and texture. Its vibrant color and perfect balance of sweet and tangy make it an irresistible treat at any celebration. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a family gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
So, next time you need a show-stopping side dish or dessert, this cranberry Jello salad will deliver every time. It’s the perfect sweet indulgence with a tangy twist!
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