• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe

Mindy's Cooking Obsession

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Desserts & Treats

    Cranberry Raspberry Jello Salad

    by Mindy Boyd · Published: Nov 22, 2019 · Updated: Dec 23, 2024

    Share by text, email, or on social!
    562Pinterest502FacebookEmailRedditXSMSFlipboardBluesky
    1k
    SHARES
    Pinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden Image
    ⏲️ 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins
    Jump to Recipe

    Cranberry Raspberry Jello Salad recipe features cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple and raspberry jello. That is it!

    This dish is tangy and sweet and goes perfectly with the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Lee’s Aunt Betty used to make a jello salad kind of like this just about every year before she passed away.

    While searching for a similar recipe on the internet I found this one from Kraft.

    I thought to myself, does it have jello? Yes it does. But Aunt Betty used raspberry jello, so that is one change I made.

    Does this one have crushed pineapple? Yep.

    Does this one use whole berry cranberry sauce? Yes!

    Did Aunt Betty use pears in hers? Nope. So I left those out. Although Lee would not mind if I left them in.

    So Aunt Betty’s did have nuts and they do add a nice crunchy texture but I decided to leave those out because one of my kids isn’t a fan of nuts.

    I think she used orange juice or zest or something, but I wasn’t sure so I left that out too. I have no idea the method she used to make hers, but Kraft’s method seemed pretty good to me so that is how I do mine.

    Wondering why exactly it is called jello salad I googled it and found a very interesting article about congealed salads on the National Museum of American History website.

    Side view of a small glass bowl full of cranberry raspberry jello salad

    Ingredient Notes

    Just 3 simple ingredients are all you need to make this festive side dish that is perfect on any holiday table.

    Crushed Pineapple – canned pineapple is better than fresh pineapple in this instance because you need the pineapple juice. It also helps to make this an easy recipe.

    Raspberry Jello – can use sugar free.

    Whole Cranberry Sauce – the type without whole berries can be used.

    Overhead view of one large and two small glass bowls of cranberry raspberry jello salad.

    How to Make This Jello Salad Recipe

    1. Drain a 20 ounce can of crushed pineapple, reserving the juice.
    2. Add enough water to the reserved pineapple juice to equal 3 cups. Pour into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
    3. In a large bowl or casserole dish pour hot water and juice mixture over jello and mix until the jello powder is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Add 14 ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce and stir until melted, about 5 – 7 minutes.
    4. Refrigerate for about an hour. Stir crushed pineapple into jello mixture and return to the refrigerator for about 3 hours or until set.
    A bowl of cranberry raspberry jello salad with the title in red below it.

    Tips & Tricks

    The best tip I have is to be patient and gently mix the ingredients. It takes a while for the jello powder to dissolve and it takes even longer for the cranberry sauce to melt into the jello mixture.

    Stir gently so you don’t end up with Jello all over the place. It can be easy to get the liquid sloshing around and before you know it it is all over the place.

    I always make this the day before, at least. This way I don’t have to stress about it setting up in time.

    The pineapple will sink to the bottom if you don’t let the jello set up for a while before putting it in. About an hour works great because you also don’t want it to set up too much.

    I have not made this using a jello mold because I wanted to keep it as easy and fool proof as possible.

    Side view of a small bowl of jello salad with a large bowl full of it in the background.

    Additions & Substitutions

    Most red jello will work. Cranberry, raspberry, cherry, or strawberry are all good options.

    As mentioned above, sugar free jello can be used.

    Fresh fruits can be added. I would add the fruit based on the flavor of jello. So if using raspberry jello then fresh cranberries and fresh raspberries. If using cherry or strawberry jello then fresh cherries or strawberries and/or fresh cranberries.

    Pears or mandarin oranges could also be added, fresh or canned (canned would need to be drained).

    Pecans or walnuts would be a nice addition for a bit of crunch, about 1/2 a cup or so.

    Add a dollop of Cool Whip to transform this from a delicious side dish to an even more delicious dessert.

    Garnish with fresh fruit.

    Storage

    Store refrigerated in an airtight container or bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

    Just like most foods that are served on our Thanksgiving table this should only sit out at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.

    A large glass bowl full of cranberry raspberry jello salad on a white tablecloth.

    Why We Love This Raspberry Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

    It reminds us of holiday dinners with family.

    This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled depending on the number of people that need to be fed.

    It is a great make ahead side dish. We love dishes that we can make a day or two ahead of time. This helps to make our holiday meals less stressful on the big day.

    More Recipes Perfect For Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner

    Homemade Stove Top Stuffing

    Creamed Peas

    Follow us on social media!!

    Cranberry Pineapple Jello Salad

    Mindy Boyd
    Cranberry Pineapple Jello Salad features whole berry cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and raspberry jello. A tasty way to perk up canned cranberry sauce.
    4.94 from 16 votes
    Print – Email Required Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Refrigeration Time 4 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 can crushed pineapple 20 ounces
    • 1 box raspberry jello 6 ounces
    • 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce 14 ounces
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    I earn a small commission from Instacart for qualifying purchases.

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Drain pineapple, reserving the juice. Add enough cold water to pineapple juice to equal 3 cups. Pour into medium saucepan, bring to a boil.
    • Pour jello mix into a medium or large bowl. Pour boiling water over jello mix; stir 2 minutes or until jello mix is completely dissolved. Add cranberry sauce and stir until completely melted, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Refrigerate for about an hour, mix in crushed pineapple and return to the refrigerator for 3 – 4 hours or until jello is set.

    Notes

    • See in post notes above for valuable information that may help you make this recipe successfully.

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was with a comment below.
    Cranberry Pineapple Jello Salad features whole berry cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and raspberry jello. A tasty way to perk up canned cranberry sauce.

    Some other Thanksgiving sides you might like

    Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

    Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows feature canned sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and mini marshmallows. A traditional Thanksgiving side dish.

    Super Easy Pan Fried Fresh Green Beans

    Super Easy Pan Fried Fresh Green Beans combine string beans, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and water to make a healthy, tasty, quick, and easy side dish.

    Asiago Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Asiago Garlic Mashed Potatoes combine red potatoes, authentic cheese, garlic, butter, milk, salt and pepper to make an easy and delicious side dish.
    Share by text, email, or on social!
    562Pinterest502FacebookEmailRedditXSMSFlipboardBluesky
    1k
    SHARES

    More Desserts & Treats

    • Feature image of the side view of several brownies.
      Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
    • Feature image of the one frosted cookie with honey being drizzled on top.
      Jiffy Cornbread Cookies
    • Feature image on a close up of the side of one piece of Carrot Cake Using Yellow Cake Mix.
      Carrot Cake Using Yellow Cake Mix
    • Feature image of some cream cheese frosting in a small glass bowl.
      Lazy Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. angiesrecipes says

      November 23, 2019 at 5:40 am

      Such a beautiful and festive colour! Have never had anything like this..

      Reply
      • Mindy Boyd says

        November 29, 2019 at 6:27 pm

        Cranberry sauce is a traditional side to Thanksgiving dinner here in the US. This is my way of making it tastier.

        Reply
    4.94 from 16 votes (16 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A picture of me sitting at my dining room table.
    Hi, I’m Mindy! Whether I’m cooking for friends and family or sharing recipes with you, I love feeding people. And it doesn’t have to be complicated! Here, you’ll find quick and easy recipes that don’t require a long list of ingredients or take too much time.

    More about me →


    Connect with us!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Reader Favorites

    • Homemade Tuna Helper Creamy Pasta
    • Several air fried biscuits in a cloth lined basket.
      Canned Pillsbury Grands Biscuits in Air Fryer
    • Overhead view of a plate of ribs.
      Air Fryer Country Style Ribs
    • Three potatoes on a sheet pan after they have been baked in the oven without foil.
      Baked Potato Without Foil
    • overhead view of white gravy on a biscuit on a white plate.
      Southern White Country Gravy
    • Four cooked cube steaks in the air fryer basket.
      Air Fryer Cube Steak

    Popular Pasta Dishes

    • Homemade Tuna Helper Creamy Pasta
    • Overhead close up shot of a bronze colored pot full of alfredo chicken broccoli pasta.
      Alfredo Chicken Pasta & Broccoli (with jar sauce)
    • Very close up view of three stuffed pasta shells on a white plate.
      Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells
    • close up view of one pot meaty marinara pasta on a white plate.
      One Pot Meaty Marinara Pasta
    • A white plate with one serving of hamburger helper on it.
      Hamburger Helper Italian Shells
    • One serving of Easy Old Fashioned Hamburger Casserole on a white plate.
      Old Fashioned Hamburger Casserole
    • Close up of one serving of lasagna on a white plate.
      Classico Lasagna (with jar sauce)
    • Overhead close up of one serving of lemon pasta with peas and ricotta on a white plate.
      Lemon Pasta with Peas & Ricotta
    • Overhead view of plate with one serving of homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni.
      Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

    Recent Posts

    • Vodka Sauce Baked Ziti
    • Blended Baked Oats (no banana)
    • Baked Thin Chicken Breasts
    • Dunkin French Vanilla Swirl Iced Coffee
    • Blueberry Beet Smoothie
    • Easy Canned Corn Recipe

    Footer

    Featured on

    The websites I have been featured in, parade, purewow, msn, mashed and brit+co.

    ↑ back to top

    Newsletter

    SIGN UP TO RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES

    CONNECT WITH US!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    FIND IT HERE

    Privacy Policy | Contact

    Copyright © 2025 Mindy's Cooking Obsession

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.