Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe is a festive and refreshing recipe, which is made with whole cranberries and crushed pineapple. It’s a great choice for holiday parties, ready in about 20 minutes plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
- 2 oranges, zested
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- One 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
- Three 3-ounce packets cranberry gelatin
- 1 cup unsweetened whipped cream, for garnish
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, for garnish
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Prep the Mold: Lightly coat the inside of a large Bundt pan or gelatin mold with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Liquid: Juice the two zested oranges into a 2-cup liquid measuring cup. Add enough cold water to the orange juice to equal exactly 2 cups of liquid.
- Boil the Fruit: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, the entire can of crushed pineapple (with its juice), and the 2 cups of orange-water mixture. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: Once boiling, immediately remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cranberry gelatin packets and the orange zest until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Pour and Chill: Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared Bundt pan. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the gelatin is completely firm.
- Unmold and Serve: To serve, fill a large bowl or your sink with warm water. Dip the bottom of the mold into the warm water for 3 to 5 seconds. Place a serving platter over the mold and carefully invert it. Garnish the finished salad with whipped cream, fresh cranberries, and rosemary sprigs.
Recipe Tips
- How do I unmold the salad easily? The warm water dip is key. It slightly melts the very outer layer of the gelatin, allowing it to release cleanly from the pan. Don’t leave it in the water for more than a few seconds, or it will melt too much.
- Can I use a different pan? If you don’t have a Bundt pan, this recipe works perfectly in a standard 9×13-inch glass dish. You can simply cut it into squares to serve.
- Can I use fresh pineapple? No, you must use canned pineapple. Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down the proteins in gelatin and will prevent your salad from setting.
- Why isn’t my salad setting? The most common reasons are not letting it chill long enough, not measuring the liquid correctly, or using fresh pineapple. Ensure it’s fully chilled and firm before attempting to unmold it.
What To Serve With Cranberry Salad
This is a classic holiday side dish that pairs wonderfully with traditional main courses.
- Roast Turkey
- Glazed Holiday Ham
- Roasted Pork Loin
- Roasted Chicken
How To Store Cranberry Salad
- Refrigerate: Store the salad, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze, as this will ruin the texture of the gelatin.
Cranberry Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 39g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is this a dessert or a side dish?
This is a traditional holiday side dish, often served alongside the main course at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Its sweet and tart flavor profile is meant to complement savory meats.
Can I use sugar-free gelatin?
Yes, you can substitute sugar-free cranberry gelatin to lower the overall sugar content of the dish.
Can I add nuts or other ingredients?
Yes! Many variations of this recipe include 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. Stir them in along with the gelatin and orange zest.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Caesar Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Buttermilk Salad Dressing Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Orzo Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
Description
A vibrant and festive molded cranberry salad, bursting with the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries, oranges, and pineapple.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a Bundt pan with nonstick spray.
- Combine orange juice with enough water to make 2 cups of liquid.
- In a pot, bring the cranberries, pineapple, and orange-water mixture to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin packets and orange zest until fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until firm.
- To serve, dip the mold in warm water for 3-5 seconds and invert onto a platter.
Notes
- u003cliu003eYou must use canned pineapple; the enzymes in fresh pineapple will prevent the gelatin from setting.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDo not leave the mold in the warm water for too long, as it can cause the salad to melt.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best flavor, allow the salad to chill overnight.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a perfect make-ahead dish for a busy holiday meal.u003c/liu003e
Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
