Zesty Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad Recipe: A Joyful Twist

Culinary magic happens when molded cranberry-orange salad meets unexpected flavor combinations.

Vibrant colors and tangy notes dance across your plate.

Seasonal ingredients transform ordinary meals into memorable experiences.

Cranberries bring a delightful tartness that sparks conversation.

Rich orange undertones complement the fruit’s natural brightness.

Home cooks adore how simple techniques create impressive presentations.

This recipe promises to delight and surprise you with its elegant simplicity.

Grab your apron and let’s create something delicious together!

Cranberry-Orange Salad Questions Answered

• Why use cranberry and orange together in this salad?

The combination creates a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that balances sweet and tart notes, making the gelatin salad refreshing and bright.

• Can I use fresh or canned cranberries for this recipe?

Canned whole cranberry sauce works best, as it provides the right consistency and sweetness for the gelatin mold without requiring additional preparation.

• Is this salad considered a dessert or side dish?

This cranberry-orange gelatin salad is versatile and can be served as a light dessert or a unique side dish, particularly popular during holiday meals and family gatherings.

• How do I ensure the gelatin sets properly?

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight, and avoid adding warm ingredients that might prevent proper setting, ensuring a firm, smooth gelatin texture.

Why Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad Stands Out

• Enjoy the tangy burst of cranberries perfectly balanced with sweet orange juice, creating a delightful and zesty taste profile that tingles your taste buds.
• Prepare this gelatin salad in advance and chill it in the refrigerator, making it an ideal side dish for holiday gatherings or potluck events where you want to reduce last-minute cooking stress.
• Serve as a light dessert, refreshing side dish, or elegant palate cleanser that complements both casual family dinners and more formal holiday meals.

What’s in This Bright Holiday Salad

• Unflavored Gelatin: Essential for creating the salad's smooth, jiggly texture and holding ingredients together.
• Boiling Water: Helps dissolve the gelatin completely and activate its setting properties.
• Cold Water: Helps cool down the gelatin mixture and adjust the overall consistency.
• Orange Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor and complements the cranberry profile.

• Whole Cranberry Sauce: Provides a sweet-tart base and rich, deep color to the salad.
• Crushed Pineapple: Introduces a tropical sweetness and extra moisture to the dish.

• Orange Zest: Offers an intense, fresh citrus aroma and adds depth to the orange flavor.
• Chopped Nuts (Optional): Can provide a crunchy texture contrast to the smooth gelatin base.

How to Mold Cranberry-Orange Salad Right

Step 1: Dissolve Gelatin Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, pour boiling water over the gelatin powder. Whisk thoroughly until every crystal completely melts and blends into a smooth liquid. Use a sturdy whisk or fork to eliminate any potential lumps.

Step 2: Blend Liquid Components

Pour cold water and freshly squeezed orange juice into the dissolved gelatin mixture. Stir with consistent, circular motions to ensure perfect integration of all liquid ingredients. The combination should create a uniform, translucent solution with a bright, tangy aroma.

Step 3: Prepare Mold

Select a decorative gelatin mold or a clean glass dish. Lightly coat the interior surface with a thin layer of neutral cooking spray or vegetable oil to facilitate easy removal after setting.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Carefully transfer the liquid gelatin mixture into the prepared mold. Place the mold in the refrigerator and allow it to set completely. This typically requires 3-4 hours or overnight for optimal firmness.

Step 5: Unmold and Serve

When fully set, gently run a small knife around the edges of the mold. Invert onto a serving plate with a quick, confident motion. The cranberry-orange gelatin should release smoothly, revealing a beautifully shaped, glossy dessert.

Tips for Getting That Gelatin Texture

• Chill Perfectly: Refrigerate the gelatin mixture until it begins to thicken but hasn't fully set, about 30-45 minutes, for the best texture and even suspension of cranberries.
• Add Fresh Cranberries: Fold in whole or chopped fresh cranberries just before the gelatin sets to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the mold.
• Use Silicone Molds: Select flexible silicone molds for easy unmolding without damaging the delicate gelatin structure, ensuring a clean and beautiful presentation.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Replace some cold water with additional fresh orange juice for a more intense citrus flavor that complements the cranberries.
• Serve Chilled: Unmold the salad just before serving and keep refrigerated to maintain its shape and vibrant appearance, using a light spray of cooking oil in the mold to help with easy release.

Storing Gelatin Salads Without Wateriness

• Store the molded cranberry-orange salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh texture and vibrant flavor.
• Wrap the container with plastic wrap or use a lid to prevent other refrigerator odors from seeping into the gelatin.
• Remove the salad from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly and enhance its smooth consistency.
• Avoid freezing the gelatin-based salad, as it will destroy the delicate texture and cause separation of ingredients when thawed.

What Complements Cranberry-Orange Salad

• Pair this tangy cranberry-orange gelatin salad with roasted turkey or chicken to complement the citrusy notes and add a refreshing contrast to rich, savory meats.
• Serve alongside a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling rosé to mirror the bright, zesty flavors of the cranberry and orange combination.
• Match this smooth, jellied salad with a crunchy pecan or walnut salad to create an interesting textural experience that keeps each bite exciting and dynamic.
• Top the molded salad with a dollop of whipped cream or serve with a light vanilla custard to add a creamy element that softens the salad's tartness.

Creative Additions for This Molded Salad

• Vegan Berry Blast: Replace gelatin with agar-agar powder for a plant-based version that maintains the jelly-like texture while ensuring a cruelty-free dessert.
• Low-Sugar Citrus Refresh: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to create a diabetic-friendly option that reduces overall sugar content.
• Gluten-Free Fruity Mold: Use certified gluten-free gelatin and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Tropical Sunrise Remix: Swap orange juice with pineapple or mango juice and add diced tropical fruits for a vibrant, island-inspired variation of the classic recipe.

Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive Cranberry-Orange Salad brings holiday cheer with its ruby-red elegance and zesty citrus notes. Guests will savor each cool, refreshing spoonful of this classic American side dish that promises to sparkle on your seasonal table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 (3 ounces / 85 grams) package raspberry or cranberry-flavored gelatin

Liquid Ingredients:

• ¾ cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water
• ½ cup orange juice

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 small orange, peeled and finely chopped
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ teaspoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Pour boiling water over gelatin in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking thoroughly until crystals completely dissipate.
2. Incorporate cold water and freshly squeezed orange juice, blending until uniform consistency develops.
3. Gently fold crushed pineapple into the translucent gelatin mixture, distributing fruit evenly throughout.
4. Introduce finely chopped cranberries and diced celery, stirring carefully to create a vibrant, textured base.
5. Delicately mix in chopped walnuts, ensuring balanced distribution of nutty elements throughout the salad.
6. Transfer the gelatin medley into a decorative mold, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an elegant presentation.
7. Refrigerate the molded creation for several hours, allowing the mixture to set completely and develop a firm, quivering consistency.
8. When ready to serve, carefully unmold the chilled salad onto a serving platter by briefly dipping the mold in warm water and inverting onto the dish.
9. Garnish with additional fresh cranberries or orange zest for a visually appealing and refreshing side dish that complements various meal settings.

Notes

• Chill gelatin mixture partially before adding fruit to prevent them from sinking to the bottom and create an even distribution throughout the mold.
• Use fresh or canned cranberry sauce for a richer, more intense flavor profile compared to whole cranberries.
• Consider swapping orange juice with cranberry juice for a deeper cranberry taste, or use a combination of both for complexity.
• Lightly coat the gelatin mold with cooking spray before filling to ensure the salad releases smoothly and maintains its decorative shape when unmolded.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg