Name: Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boxes raspberry jello 6 ounces total; 1½ cups boiling water; 1 can crushed pineapple 20 ounces (including juice); 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce 15 ounces; 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and chopped; ½ cup chopped pecans; ¾ cup cranberry juice

There's something wonderfully nostalgic about a well-made Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe. The blend of fruity sweetness, tart cranberries, and the crunch of pecans creates a dish that's both refreshing and comforting—a real crowd-pleaser at any gathering or holiday table.

A close-up view of a shiny, bright red chunky sauce in a white bowl, filled with soft, thick bits and small pieces of fruit or vegetables spread evenly throughout. A silver spoon holds a scoop of this sauce above the bowl, showing its juicy texture with visible chunks and slightly glossy surface. The background surface has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been making this Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe for years, usually during the holidays when it’s nice to have something a little different on the table. It’s a fantastic way to combine fruity flavors and textures that surprise you in the best way.

Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet pineapple, tart cranberries, and crisp apple pieces make every bite lively and fresh.
Textural delight: The jello’s soft wobble contrasts beautifully with crunchy pecans and juicy fruit pieces.
Super easy to make: Just a few simple ingredients and no complicated steps means you’ll have it ready in no time.
Great make-ahead dish: It holds up well in the fridge, so you can prepare it a day before your event and avoid last-minute stress.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in this Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe, blending textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly. Shopping for good-quality cranberries and pecans will really boost the final dish.

Flat lay of two small white ceramic bowls, one filled with bright red raspberry jello powder, the other with steaming clear boiling water; a white bowl holding glossy crushed pineapple chunks with juice; a white bowl containing whole dark red cranberry sauce with visible berries; a small white bowl of deep red cranberry juice; a simple white plate with peeled and chopped crisp Honeycrisp apple pieces; and a small white bowl with roughly chopped light brown pecans, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Raspberry Jello: Brings vibrant color and sweet berry flavor while acting as the base that holds everything together.
Boiling Water: Essential to dissolve the jello powder completely for a smooth texture.
Crushed Pineapple: Adds juicy sweetness and moisture; always use canned to ensure the gelatin sets properly.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Offers a tart contrast plus a beautiful texture with those little berry bursts.
Honeycrisp Apple: Adds fresh crunch and a touch of tartness; peeling it keeps the texture consistent.
Chopped Pecans: Introduces a nutty crunch that balances out the soft fruit and jello.
Cranberry Juice: Boosts the cranberry flavor and adds liquid to help the jello set firmly without overpowering sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this as-is, but I've found a couple of tweaks that let you put your own twist on the Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe. Play around with texture and sweetness levels to fit your taste buds or the occasion.

Variation: I sometimes swap out pecans for walnuts or pistachios if I want a slightly different nutty flavor and texture—both work beautifully.
Diet-friendly option: Using a sugar-free raspberry jello lets you enjoy this with fewer calories and less sugar.
Seasonal twist: Adding a handful of fresh cranberries or mandarin orange segments brings a festive vibe and fresh pops of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe

A white plate with a textured rim holds a single serving of deep red cranberry sauce mixed with small chunks of light orange fruit, giving it a thick, chunky texture. On top, there is a swirl of smooth white cream, garnished with two green mint leaves on the left side. A shiny metal spoon rests on the right edge of the plate. In the background, there is a white bowl full of whole red cranberries and a wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface, with a blue and white cloth napkin partially visible at the bottom. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Dissolve the Jello

Start by whisking the raspberry jello powder into 1½ cups of boiling water. This step is key to a silky smooth jelly, so keep stirring until there are no granules left—no one wants a gritty salad!

Step 2: Add Pineapple and Cranberry Sauce

Next, toss in the canned crushed pineapple along with its juice, followed by the whole berry cranberry sauce. If you notice any large lumps in the cranberry sauce, break them up with your spoon for even distribution and smooth texture.

Step 3: Stir in the Fruit and Nuts

Mix in the chopped Honeycrisp apple and chopped pecans. These add the perfect crunch! Then stir in the cranberry juice to balance the flavors and help everything set just right.

Step 4: Chill Until Set

Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish and pop it in the fridge. Give it at least 2 hours to chill and firm up. This wait is worth it because that's when the magic of flavor melding happens!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe more times than I can count, and a few simple tricks always make it shine on the table.

Use canned pineapple: Fresh pineapple has enzymes that stop gelatin from setting — always rely on canned for perfect firmness.
Chop apples small: I like to peel and dice my apples into small chunks so they blend in effortlessly without overwhelming any bite with big chunks.
Don’t rush chilling: Give it the full 2 hours in the fridge; it’s the key to great texture and melding those layered flavors.
Serve chilled: This salad tastes best cold, so keep it refrigerated until it’s time to serve.

How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe

cranberry jello salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this salad with a generous swirl of freshly whipped cream—it adds a luscious, creamy contrast to the fruity and nutty salad. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few extra pecans on top for that last touch of crunch.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roast turkey or honey-glazed ham. It’s also a bright, fresh side alongside rich casseroles or creamy mashed potatoes, giving balance to a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served this salad scooped into individual glass cups, garnished with a fresh cranberry or two and a sprig of mint. It instantly transforms a humble jello salad into something elegant and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once chilled and served, this salad keeps well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store mine in an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because the texture of gelatin-based salads can become grainy or watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold. If leftovers come straight from the fridge, just let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned in this Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe?

It’s best not to use fresh pineapple because it contains an enzyme called bromelain that breaks down gelatin, preventing the salad from setting properly. Always use canned pineapple for that perfect jello texture.

How long should I chill the Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe?

You should chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This gives the jello enough time to set firmly and allows the different flavors to meld together beautifully.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making this salad ahead is ideal because it needs time to chill and set. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

What can I serve with Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe?

This salad pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, and other rich main dishes. It also works well alongside potato casseroles, green bean dishes, or any creamy and savory sides to add a bright, fresh contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s one of those dishes that brings back memories while still delighting everyone at the table. Its bright flavors and nostalgic charm make it a must-make whenever you want a colorful, fun, and simple salad that everyone enjoys. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite go-to side too!