.png){kind=small}
Grandma’s Cranberry Salad
There’s something truly special about Grandma’s Cranberry Salad — the kind of old-fashioned dish that takes you back to family gatherings, warm laughter, and home-cooked meals shared around the table. This vintage recipe is a perfect combination of tangy cranberries, sweet fruit, and creamy texture. It’s a refreshing side that complements Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, or any holiday dinner. With every bite, you taste the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nostalgic flavors that never go out of style.
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Base:
• 1 (12-ounce) bag of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 (3-ounce) package raspberry gelatin (Jell-O)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
For the Fruit Mixture:
• 1 cup chopped apples (peeled or unpeeled)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Cream Topping (optional but traditional):
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream or whipped topping
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (12-ounce) bag of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 (3-ounce) package raspberry gelatin (Jell-O)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold water
For the Fruit Mixture:
• 1 cup chopped apples (peeled or unpeeled)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Cream Topping (optional but traditional):
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream or whipped topping
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any damaged ones. Place them in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Pour the chopped cranberries into a bowl and stir in the sugar. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for about one hour, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the cranberries to release their natural juices.
Step 2: Make the Gelatin Base
In a separate bowl, dissolve the raspberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until completely smooth. Add the cold water and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, mix the sweetened cranberries and crushed pineapple into the gelatin. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add the Fruits and Nuts
Fold in the chopped apples, celery, and walnuts or pecans. These ingredients add wonderful crunch and freshness to the salad. Pour the entire mixture into a decorative glass bowl or a rectangular dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely set.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use whipped topping instead. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cranberry mixture right before serving.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Return the salad to the refrigerator until ready to serve. For the best flavor, make this recipe a day in advance to allow all the ingredients to blend together. Slice or scoop portions into serving bowls and enjoy the creamy, fruity perfection of Grandma’s timeless dessert salad.
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any damaged ones. Place them in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Pour the chopped cranberries into a bowl and stir in the sugar. Let this mixture sit at room temperature for about one hour, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the cranberries to release their natural juices.
Step 2: Make the Gelatin Base
In a separate bowl, dissolve the raspberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until completely smooth. Add the cold water and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, mix the sweetened cranberries and crushed pineapple into the gelatin. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add the Fruits and Nuts
Fold in the chopped apples, celery, and walnuts or pecans. These ingredients add wonderful crunch and freshness to the salad. Pour the entire mixture into a decorative glass bowl or a rectangular dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely set.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use whipped topping instead. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cranberry mixture right before serving.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Return the salad to the refrigerator until ready to serve. For the best flavor, make this recipe a day in advance to allow all the ingredients to blend together. Slice or scoop portions into serving bowls and enjoy the creamy, fruity perfection of Grandma’s timeless dessert salad.
Why This Salad Is So Special
Grandma’s Cranberry Salad is more than just a recipe — it’s a cherished memory. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet fruit perfectly balances richness from a holiday feast. The chopped apples and celery provide a refreshing crunch, while the nuts add warmth and texture. The creamy topping gives it that extra layer of indulgence, making it taste like both a salad and a dessert. It’s a dish that has been passed down for generations, bringing families together every holiday season.
Serving Ideas
• Serve chilled alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or baked chicken for a festive contrast.
• For a lighter option, omit the whipped topping and serve it as a tangy fruit salad.
• Spoon it into small dessert cups for individual servings during holiday buffets.
• Garnish with a few fresh cranberries or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
• Add mini marshmallows to the mix for a fluffier, sweeter texture — a fun twist on the original.
• For a lighter option, omit the whipped topping and serve it as a tangy fruit salad.
• Spoon it into small dessert cups for individual servings during holiday buffets.
• Garnish with a few fresh cranberries or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
• Add mini marshmallows to the mix for a fluffier, sweeter texture — a fun twist on the original.
Helpful Tips
• If you prefer a less tart flavor, increase the sugar slightly or mix in a little strawberry or cherry gelatin instead of raspberry.
• You can substitute pecans for walnuts if you want a milder nut flavor.
• For extra creaminess, fold some whipped topping directly into the gelatin mixture before it sets.
• Always let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before adding fruits to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
• This salad tastes even better the next day — so it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time.
• You can substitute pecans for walnuts if you want a milder nut flavor.
• For extra creaminess, fold some whipped topping directly into the gelatin mixture before it sets.
• Always let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before adding fruits to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
• This salad tastes even better the next day — so it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Sugar: 23g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 45mg
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Sugar: 23g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 45mg
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This cranberry salad stores beautifully, making it ideal for busy holidays. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to add the whipped topping, wait until the day of serving to spread it on top so it remains fluffy and fresh. The gelatin texture will stay firm, and the flavors will deepen overnight. Avoid freezing, as it can change the consistency of the fruit and gelatin.
The Story Behind Grandma’s Recipe
This cranberry salad represents the kind of recipe that connects generations. In many families, Grandma’s handwritten recipe cards carried simple ingredients but endless love. Her version of this dish was often made for Thanksgiving dinners, weddings, or Sunday feasts. What makes it unforgettable isn’t just the combination of flavors, but the memories of her kitchen — the smell of cranberries simmering, the laughter of family gathered around, and the joy of sharing something homemade and heartfelt. That’s why every spoonful carries both flavor and nostalgia.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Cranberry Salad is a timeless dish that bridges the gap between dessert and side salad. It’s vibrant, sweet-tart, creamy, and refreshing — a true classic that brightens every table. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family dinner, it’s guaranteed to draw compliments and fond memories. The simplicity of the ingredients and the richness of tradition make it a recipe worth keeping alive for generations to come. With every bite, you’ll be reminded of the warmth and love that only Grandma’s kitchen could create.