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ma's crazy good cranberry salad

iluvoldmovies avatar
Recipe by
Jenny Glenn
@iluvoldmovies
Irving, TX

There are many versions of Cranberry Salad. However, this recipe is one that my mother tweaked over many years until she ended up with this delicious dish, loved by our family and friends, even those who never liked cranberry before. You will want to prepare this recipe, at least, the day before but it can certainly be made days ahead. It keeps well, covered in the fridge.

yield 8 -12
prep time 15 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For ma's crazy good cranberry salad

  • 2 can
    cranberry sauce (with/without cranberries)
  • 2 sm. box
    cherry, black cherry and/or strawberry jell-o
  • 1 c
    pineapple tidbits, canned (well-drained, reserve juice)
  • 1 c
    mandarin oranges, canned (well drained, reserve juice)
  • 1 c
    mini-marshmallows
  • 1 c
    pecan halves

How To Make ma's crazy good cranberry salad

  • 1
    In a medium saucepan, heat until just boiling, the reserved juice in place of water (use only half the amount that is called for on the Jell-O box directions,) to dissolve the Jell-O. Remove from heat, stir in Jell-O until dissolved.
  • 2
    After Jell-O is dissolved, add the cranberry sauce to the hot liquid to help it dissolve, too. Let cool, add to mixing bowl, continue cooling. Place in refrigerator to gel. Check periodically.
  • 3
    When the mixture starts to gel, fold in the fruit and pecans. Chill, again.
  • 4
    Just before the mixture completely sets, gently fold in the mini-marshmallows. Doing so too soon will cause them to float to the top but you can go back and fold again a little later.
  • 5
    Add to serving dish and return to refrigerator to finish setting (gelling.) This makes for a beautiful dish in a clear glass bowl.
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