Grandma’s Cranberry Salad – A Beloved Holiday Tradition
This isn’t the cranberry sauce that slides out of a can — this is the kind of recipe that lives in handwritten cards, memory, and tradition.
Grandma’s Cranberry Salad is a bright, tangy, sweet, and slightly crunchy holiday classic that has been served at Thanksgiving and Christmas tables for generations. Made with fresh cranberries, orange, pineapple, pecans, and cherry gelatin, it delivers bold flavor and a beautiful ruby-red color that instantly feels festive.
What makes this recipe truly special is that it’s made the night before. That means less stress on the big day — and better flavor after the ingredients have time to meld into one delicious, refreshing salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-ahead friendly (perfect for holidays)
- Sweet, tart, and refreshing
- Beautiful festive color
- Light enough after a heavy meal
- Perfect balance of fruit, nuts, and gelatin
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Jell-O | 1 (3 oz) package | Base flavor and structure |
| Hot water | 1 cup | Dissolves gelatin |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Balances cranberry tartness |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Adds brightness |
| Crushed pineapple, drained | 1 cup | Sweetness and texture |
| Pineapple juice + water | ½–1 cup | Extra liquid and flavor |
| Fresh cranberries, ground | 1 cup | Main tart component |
| Orange, ground | 1 | Citrus aroma and freshness |
| Pecans, chopped | ½ cup | Crunch and nuttiness |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Dissolve the Gelatin
Boil 1 cup of water. Pour it into a 9×13-inch dish and dissolve the cherry gelatin completely.
Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor
Add sugar, lemon juice, and pineapple juice. Stir until sugar dissolves fully.
Step 3: Add Fruits and Nuts
Stir in crushed pineapple, ground cranberries, ground orange, and chopped pecans.
Step 4: Chill Overnight
Cover and refrigerate overnight until fully set.
Grandma’s Tips
- Chop pecans before blending fruits to avoid washing blender twice.
- Leave a little orange peel for extra zing.
- Use fresh cranberries — frozen work but thaw first.
- Adjust sugar slightly depending on tartness of berries.
Flavor Variations
- Use raspberry gelatin instead of cherry.
- Add mini marshmallows for a fluffier texture.
- Use walnuts instead of pecans.
- Fold in whipped cream for a creamy version.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled as a side or dessert.
- Top with whipped cream for presentation.
- Serve alongside turkey, ham, or roast chicken.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Do not freeze — gelatin texture will break.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Cranberry Salad is more than a recipe — it’s a holiday tradition that brings color, flavor, and joy to the table. Sweet, tart, crunchy, and refreshing, it’s the perfect contrast to rich holiday meals and always the first bowl to be emptied.
If you’re looking for a dish that feels nostalgic yet fresh, simple yet special, this is the one.