Cranberry Apple Jello Salad + Other Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

November 3, 2020

Cranberry Jello Salad in Glass Bowl
A quick and easy recipe for a great Thanksgiving side dish....this Apple Cranberry Jello Salad is a perfect alternative to ordinary cranberry sauce on the big day!


COOK + BAKE   |   Published November 3, 2020



Cranberry Jello Salad with Walnuts



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While the menu at Thanksgiving is pretty predictable with oven roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, and homemade stuffing, it can be fun to switch things up as well. One of my favorite ideas is sautéing green beans with bacon and onions.


If traditional cranberry sauce doesn't excite you or you're just looking for something a bit different, this Cranberry Apple Jello Salad is for you. This is not just your average "jello salad" where you may add just a can of fruit to the prepared jello mix and it is a really delicious way to enjoy your cranberry sauce with a punch more flavor.



Cranberry Apple Jello Salad in Bowl



In addition to this recipe, I'm pleased to be joining in once again with my blogging friends for the Tastes of the Season tour.


Every few weeks through the holidays we share our favorite recipes for you to enjoy and today we're focused on side dishes to create for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Links to everyone sharing today appear near the end of this post.



Cran Apple Jello Salad



The entire recipe can be prepared easily in a glass 9x13 inch baking dish where the jello gets dissolved in boiling water. Then you add in a can of whole berry cranberry sauce (not jellied cranberry sauce), a can of crushed pineapple, one diced apple and top it all with a sprinkling of nuts if you prefer.


From there it goes into the refrigerator to chill until it is set.


It's a really nice accompaniment to your meal that can be prepared in advance, saving time on the big day. Plus, it makes an easy side dish to take to someone's house if you've been invited as a guest.


The jello can be cut into squares and served straight from the baking dish or can be "broken apart" and served in a bowl as I did here. Either way, it is a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving meal.



Bowl of cranberry jello salad with spoon




APPLE CRANBERRY JELLO SALAD






INGREDIENTS

  • 2 - 3 ounce packages of raspberry jello
  • 1 - 14 ounce can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 - 20 ounce can of crushed pineapple
  • 1 Red Delicious apple, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)



INSTRUCTIONS



STEP 1: In a glass 9x13 inch baking pan, mix the two packages of raspberry jello with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir to dissolve completely.

STEP 2: Add the can of whole berry cranberry sauce and stir until it is broken apart and mixed into the dissolved jello.

STEP 3: Pour in the can of crushed pineapple along with the juice and the diced apple. Top with the walnuts sprinkled over the top.

STEP 4: Place the dish into the refrigerator until it is chilled and set, preferably overnight.

The jello salad should last between three to five days, or until you notice it starting to look watery in the pan.





NEED HELP DECORATING YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE?





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MORE DELICIOUS THANKSGIVING SIDE DISHES YOU'LL WANT TO TRY


Which one of these recipes do you want to try with your holiday turkey this year?




Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan by Ella Claire & Co.  |  Cranberry Apple Jello Salad by anderson + grant  |  Roasted Honeynut Squash by Inspired by Charm




Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes by Freutcake  |  Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots by Boxwood Avenue  |  Fool-Proof Crescent Dinner Rolls by Handmade Farmhouse


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