Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese 

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jello Layer:

• In a large bowl, dissolve the Jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir the Jello mixture until fully dissolved.
• Add the can of cranberry sauce to the bowl with the Jello mixture. Use a whisk or spoon to break up the cranberry sauce and blend it into the Jello.
• Stir in 1 cup of cold water to cool down the mixture slightly.
• If you’re using nuts, add the chopped pecans or walnuts to the Jello mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch glass dish or a similar-sized serving dish. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until the Jello has set completely.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:

• While the Jello sets, prepare the creamy layer. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and free of lumps.
• Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until well combined.
• Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

3. Assemble the Salad:

• Once the Jello layer has set, carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the Jello layer. You can use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
• Return the dish to the refrigerator and let it chill for an additional 1-2 hours, or until ready to serve. This will allow the cream cheese layer to firm up and set.

4. Serve:

• Before serving, garnish the top of the salad with additional chopped nuts, if desired, or even a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
• Cut into squares or serve with a large spoon for a creamy, tart, and sweet bite.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of tart cranberry and sweet Jello creates a flavorful base, while the rich, tangy cream cheese layer adds depth and creaminess. This creates a beautiful balance that works perfectly alongside the rich, savory flavors of holiday meals.
• Easy to Make: Despite its beautiful presentation, this dish is incredibly simple to prepare. You can make it ahead of time and let the layers set while you focus on other dishes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This is a perfect dish to prepare a day or two in advance. The longer it sits in the fridge, the better the flavors meld together, making it a low-maintenance option for holiday meals.
• Visually Stunning: The bright red cranberry Jello contrasted with the white, creamy cheese layer is not only delicious but also looks great on any dinner table. It’s a beautiful dish that adds a pop of color to your spread.
• Versatile: While often served as a side dish, this Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese can also work as a dessert. Its light, refreshing taste makes it a perfect end to a heavy meal, especially during the colder months.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese

• Use High-Quality Cranberry Sauce: For the best flavor, use good-quality canned cranberry sauce. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even make homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste.
• Customize the Cream Cheese Layer: If you want a more decadent cream cheese layer, try adding a little more powdered sugar or substituting some of the whipped topping with extra cream cheese. You can also add a bit of lemon zest or orange zest for an added citrus kick.
• Add More Texture: You can also add other ingredients to the Jello layer to create more texture. Try adding chopped apples, pears, or even mandarin oranges for a unique twist.
• Garnish for Festivity: Fresh herbs like mint, or even pomegranate seeds, can be used to garnish the salad for an extra festive touch. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon on top for a spiced, holiday vibe.
• Use a Mold for Fun Shapes: If you want to get creative, you can pour the Jello into a mold for a fun, wobbly, and festive shape. Just be sure to grease the mold lightly so the Jello releases easily.

Variations

• Sugar-Free Version: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can substitute the Jello for sugar-free gelatin and opt for a sugar-free whipped topping or cream cheese.
• Add Fruit: For added texture and flavor, try adding small pieces of fruit like diced apples, mandarin oranges, or fresh pineapple into the Jello mixture before setting it. This adds a burst of sweetness and a bit of crunch.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese is the perfect dish to bring joy and color to your holiday table. Its vibrant red color and creamy texture make it an eye-catching, delicious addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a dessert, this simple and delicious recipe will be loved by all your guests.

It’s an easy-to-make, make-ahead treat that you can rely on for any festive occasion, from Thanksgiving to Christmas and beyond. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet Jello, and creamy cheese is irresistible—give it a try, and it’ll quickly become a holiday staple in your home too!