Cranberry Salad with JELLO and Pineapple

This Cranberry JELLO salad recipe is a great side dish to have on your next holiday table. Made with raspberry JELL-O, pineapple, cranberry sauce and topped with a delicious creamy layer.

The Best Cranberry Salad with JELLO

JELLO can used for a variety of dishes like this holiday poke cake, JELLO shots and this raspberry cranberry jello salad recipe.

JELLO salads are a classic, holiday favorite you might remember from your Grandma’s house. It’s often served as a side dish but could also be a delicious dessert.

Here is what you will learn in this post:

• The ingredients you will need to make this cranberry salad recipe.
• Instructions for making this tasty side dish.
• Tips for getting a smooth, creamy topping and recipe variations of the salad.

JELLO Salad with Cream Cheese Ingredients

This easy cranberry JELLO recipe needs just a few simple ingredients. Scroll to the bottom for the full list and directions.

• JELL-O – I use raspberry gelatin but feel free to use cranberry or cherry flavored gelatin.

• Cranberry sauce – Use canned, whole berry cranberry sauce. You can substitute with the jellied cranberry sauce but the whole berry adds to the texture.

• Crushed pineapple – Use the whole can of crushed pineapple, including the pineapple juice. It adds a wonderful sweet taste and texture to the salad.

• Cream cheese – The tangy cream cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the JELLO. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature.

• Cool Whip – You can use full fat or light Cool Whip.

• Sugar – Sugar is used to sweeten the JELLO topping.

Variations for Cranberry JELLO Salad

• Nuts – If you would like to add a bit of crunch, sprinkle on chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Fruit – Feel free to add extra fruit like mandarin oranges or diced apples.
• Flavor – This recipe uses raspberry jello but you can use cherry, cranberry, strawberry, or even orange jello.

How to make cranberry JELLO salad with cream cheese topping

No need for a gelatin mold, this can be made in a 9 x 9-inch dish or a 9 x 13-inch dish. The square dish will make for a thicker salad. If you prefer yours a little thinner, use the 9 x 13 dish.

Step one: Pour JELLO powder into a large bowl. Stir in boiling water. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Add in cold water and stir.

Step two: Mix in crushed pineapple and the can of cranberry sauce. Lightly spray a casserole dish with non-stick spray. Pour in JELLO mixture.

Step three: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. I recommend letting is chill overnight.

Step four: Make the cream cheese topping. To make this creamy topping, mix together cream cheese and sugar in an electric mixer until creamy. Stir in the Cool Whip.

Step five: Spread cream cheese topping over the JELLO layer. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips for Jello Salad with Cream Cheese

• Place the plastic wrap right on top of the JELLO mixture when covering. This helps to keep out any refrigerator smells.
• If you would like to use a JELLO mold, this recipe works for a 6 cup mold.
• Don’t use fresh pineapple because there is an enzyme in fresh pineapple that will prevent the gelatin from setting up.
• If the cream cheese in the topping gets lumpy, microwave the mixture for about 10 seconds. Use a whisk or spoon and stir until lumps are gone.
• I recommend making this at least 1-2 days in advance of serving it. That will give it enough time to set up.

FAQs for Cranberry Salad with JELLO and Pineapple

Love cranberries? Be sure to check out these other cranberry recipes:

• Cranberry Moscow mule
• Cranberry eggnog muffins
• Cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip

More holiday side dish recipes

• Spinach casserole
• Pea salad
• Jiffy cornbread
• Hash brown casserole
• Whipped sweet potatoes