Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe
If you’re hunting for the ultimate crowd-pleasing holiday side, look no further than this Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello. It’s a stunning, jewel-toned salad that brings together the tartness of cranberries, the bright pop of cherries, the zing of pineapple, and the nostalgia of cherry gelatin, all in one spoonful. With just 15 minutes of prep and a handful of classic pantry staples, this no-bake, make-ahead treat is practically effortless but delivers flavors that sing with every bite. Whether you serve it alongside roast turkey or as a vibrant dessert, Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello always steals the show—and trust me, everyone will want the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love about Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is how simple but essential each ingredient is—everyone pulls their weight to make the dish as irresistible as it looks! From the sweet fruit to the crunchy nuts, these pantry superstar ingredients truly guarantee vibrant flavor, irresistible texture, and an inviting color on your holiday table.
- Cherry gelatin (6 ounces): The heart of the dish, giving it that gorgeous color and jiggly, refreshing texture.
- Boiling water (2 cups): Essential for fully dissolving the gelatin and starting things off on the right foot.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce (1 can, 14 ounces): Adds beautiful tartness and plenty of ruby-red fruit bits throughout.
- Crushed pineapple, drained (1 can, 20 ounces): Brings sweetness, slight tang, and juicy texture that balances out the cranberries and cherries.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 ounces): Rounds out the cherry flavor while adding lovely chunks and extra sweetness.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For a delightful nutty crunch—feel free to leave them out for a nut-free batch.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts and brightens all the rich berry flavors with a hint of citrusy zing.
- Optional orange zest (1 teaspoon): If you’re feeling festive, orange zest adds an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
How to Make Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello
Step 1: Dissolve the Gelatin
Start by grabbing a large heatproof bowl—it needs to be big enough for all your delicious mix-ins. Pour in the cherry gelatin, then carefully add the hot, bubbling water. Stir patiently until every granule of gelatin has fully dissolved. This step ensures your Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello sets up with that perfect, bouncy texture.
Step 2: Stir in the Cranberry Sauce
Spoon in the can of whole berry cranberry sauce and give everything a thorough mix. The berries will break up just enough to streak the gelatin with pretty pockets of cranberry and add a tart fruity flavor all the way through.
Step 3: Add Pineapple, Cherry Pie Filling, Lemon Juice, and Nuts
Once your gelatin mixture is smooth, fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling, lemon juice, and nuts if you’re using them. Mix gently so you keep lots of whole fruit pieces in your Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello—this gives you that lovely mosaic effect when it’s sliced or scooped.
Step 4: Set the Relish
Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish or, for extra flair, use a decorative mold. Smooth the top and cover tightly. Pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is fantastic!) so it gets perfectly chilled and sliceable.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready, unmold (if using a fancy shape) or simply spoon straight from the dish. Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is best served cold, and trust me—each bite is a cheery burst of classic holiday flavor!
How to Serve Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello
Garnishes
I’m a big believer that a little garnish goes a long way! Try a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts, fresh orange zest, or a sprig of mint right before serving. Each option lends a pro touch and makes the jewel-toned colors of Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello really pop.
Side Dishes
This sweet-tart salad is a natural among holiday mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a veggie roast. Don’t neglect the leftovers, though—they’re fabulous alongside a post-feast sandwich or spooned atop fluffy pancakes the next morning.
Creative Ways to Present
If your crowd loves a bit of drama, try molding your Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello in a festive Bundt pan or individual ramekins. For fun party bites, use a small cookie scoop to serve mini mounds on lettuce leaves or in pretty glass cups layered with whipped cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any extra Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello well with plastic wrap or tightly fitting lids, then store in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days—which means you can stress less and enjoy those leftovers even after the holiday rush!
Freezing
Gelatin salads generally don’t freeze and thaw well, as the texture can become watery once defrosted. For best results, only make as much Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello as you’ll enjoy within a few days.
Reheating
This cheerful dish is served cold, so skip the microwave entirely. If you need to soften it for molding or want a slightly softer scoop, just let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello ahead of time?
Absolutely—this recipe is make-ahead magic! In fact, letting it chill overnight helps the flavors meld and the salad set up beautifully. It’s my go-to for stress-free holiday prep.
Is there a way to make this nut-free?
Definitely! The nuts are purely optional for texture and crunch. Just skip them and proceed with all the fruity goodness for a completely nut-free Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello.
Can I swap out the cherry gelatin for another flavor?
You sure can! Raspberry or cranberry gelatin works nicely for a subtle twist, but cherry is my favorite for that bold flavor and irresistible color contrast.
What’s the best way to unmold the salad without ruining its shape?
If you used a decorative mold, dip it briefly in warm water (just a couple seconds), then invert onto your serving plate. The Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello should slide right out with a gentle shake—just don’t let it sit in the water too long or it might start to melt!
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
You can, but for the classic Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello texture, the canned versions are best. Fresh fruit can sometimes release more liquid, which might keep the salad from setting properly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re bringing a bit of nostalgia to your holiday table or just want a brightly flavored treat that makes everyone smile, Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is an absolute must-try. I hope you’ll fall for its sweet-tart charm and easy prep as much as I do—don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it long after the holidays are over!
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Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful cherry cranberry relish made with cherry gelatin, cranberry sauce, pineapple, cherry pie filling, and optional nuts. This easy no-bake dessert or side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 package (6 ounces) cherry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large heatproof bowl, dissolve the cherry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Stir in the cranberry sauce until well combined.
- Add the drained pineapple, cherry pie filling, lemon juice, and nuts if using. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour into a 9×13-inch dish or a large serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Serve chilled as a holiday side dish or dessert.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of orange zest.
- You can also make this in a decorative mold for a festive presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Refrigerated
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
