The Cranberry Harvest Salad recipe you’ve shared sounds delightful! It combines the tartness of cranberry sauce with the freshness of apple and celery, all bound together with a refreshing ginger ale gelatin. Here’s a detailed exploration of the recipe:
Cranberry Harvest Salad Recipe
Overview
- Name: Cranberry Harvest Salad
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Description: A quick and easy fruit salad recipe that’s perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
- Recipe Category: Fruit
- Keywords: Vegetable, Nuts, Potluck, < 30 Mins, Easy
Ingredients
- 1 can (about 1 cup) jellied cranberry sauce
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 7 ounces ginger ale
- 1 apple, chopped
- 3/4 cup chopped celery
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings)
- Calories: 209.2
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 113.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 38.4g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 34.3g
- Protein: 3.3g
Instructions
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Prepare Cranberry Base:
- Crush the jellied cranberry sauce with a fork in a mixing bowl.
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Prepare Gelatin Mixture:
- In a small bowl, soften the unflavored gelatin in cold water and lemon juice.
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Dissolve Gelatin:
- Transfer the gelatin mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Stir the dissolved gelatin into the crushed cranberry sauce until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
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Add Ginger Ale:
- Gradually stir in the ginger ale until the mixture is thoroughly blended.
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Chill the Mixture:
- Refrigerate the mixture until it begins to thicken slightly.
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Add Apple, Celery, and Nuts:
- Fold in the chopped apple, celery, and nuts (if using) into the thickened cranberry gelatin mixture.
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Mold the Salad:
- Transfer the mixture into either 6 individual molds or one large (1-quart) mold.
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Final Chill:
- Refrigerate the molded salad until it is completely firm.
Serving
- Once firm, unmold the salad if desired and serve chilled. It’s a refreshing addition to any meal, particularly suited for gatherings where its bright flavors can shine.
Tips and Variations
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Nuts Variation: Feel free to customize by using your favorite nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
- Garnish: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint for a festive touch.
This Cranberry Harvest Salad is not only quick to prepare but also offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or simply looking to add a bit of zing to your meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
