Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

A beloved family recipe, perfected over 60 years! This vibrant cranberry walnut salad boasts a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a refreshing texture that's perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Easy to make, yet elegant enough to impress, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 120 mins
Calories 169.6 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating Be the first
Cranberry Walnut Salad 56

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Salad

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How to Make Cranberry Walnut Salad

  1. Bloom the gelatin: In a medium bowl, sprinkle 1 packet (1 tablespoon) of unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Let stand for 5 minutes to soften.
  2. Make the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  3. Combine and chill: Remove the syrup from heat and immediately pour it over the bloomed gelatin. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1 (12 ounce) can cranberry sauce and 1/2 cup cranberry juice. Stir to combine.
  4. Refrigerate: Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator and chill until it begins to thicken, about 30-40 minutes. The mixture should be slightly set but still pourable.
  5. Fold in additions: Gently fold in 1 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows (optional), and 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional).
  6. Set the mold: Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch mold or individual serving dishes.
  7. Final chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Unmold the salad and serve chilled. Garnish with extra walnuts or pecans if desired.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

115g

Fat

2g

Carbs

10g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Cranberry Walnut Salad?

Cranberry Walnut Salad takes about 140 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 120 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Cranberry Walnut Salad?

Cranberry Walnut Salad has approximately 169.6 calories per serving, with about 3 g protein, 10 g carbohydrates and 7 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Cranberry Walnut Salad?

The key ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Salad are Cherry Jell O, Sugar, Hot Water, Lemon Juice, Crushed Pineapple, Ground Cranberries. See the full list with measurements above.

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