Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad Recipe

This vibrant Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad is a Thanksgiving and Christmas staple, reimagined for a healthier twist! Traditionally made with cherry Jell-O, this recipe uses no-sugar-added fruit juice for a lighter, refreshing take. Feel free to use cherry gelatin and water (following package directions) as a substitute for the unflavored gelatin and fruit juice. Enjoy the burst of cranberries, pineapple, and grapes complemented by crisp apples and fluffy marshmallows. Optional pecans add a delightful crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a simple yet elegant dessert!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 17 mins

Calories 82.9 kcal

Protein 2g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

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

Ingredients for Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad

1 packet (about 1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin
2 cups fruit juice (cranberry, apple, or a blend)
1 (12 ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed)
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits (drained)
1 cup seedless green grapes
1 medium apple
1 cup mini marshmallows
½ cup pecan halves (optional)

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How to Make Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad

In a medium bowl, sprinkle 1 packet (about 1 tablespoon) of unflavored gelatin over 1 cup of chilled fruit juice (cranberry, apple, or a blend).
Let stand for 1 minute to bloom.
In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 1 cup of fruit juice to a boil.
Pour the hot juice into the gelatin mixture, stirring constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is completely chilled and slightly thickened but not fully set.
Gently fold in the following ingredients: 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed), 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits (drained), 1 cup seedless green grapes, 1 medium apple (peeled and chopped if desired; red apple recommended for best color), 1 cup mini marshmallows, and ½ cup pecan halves (optional).
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the salad is completely set.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

36g

Fat

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Salads Sweets & Sides Desserts Side Dishes The Americas American Healthy Vegetarian Gluten Free Fall Recipes Holiday Recipes

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation Occasion Holiday Event Christmas

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad?

Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad takes about 32 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 17 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad?

Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad has approximately 82.9 calories per serving, with about 2 g protein, 4 g carbohydrates and 5 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad?

The key ingredients for Holiday Cranberry Fruit Salad are Unflavored Gelatin, Cranberry Grape Juice, Fresh Cranberries, Pineapple Tidbits, Red Seedless Grapes, Apple. See the full list with measurements above.