In This Article Show
Cranberry salad is one of those dishes I always associate with family gatherings and holiday meals. To me, it’s more than a side dish; it’s a taste of tradition that’s both sweet and tangy. I like that it can be made ahead of time, and it brings a bright pop of color to the table.
These recipes are the classic versions I’ve collected and enjoyed over the years.
They are simple to prepare, reliably good, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of something special.
1. Classic Jellied Cranberry Salad
Cranberry juice and crushed pineapple set with raspberry or cherry gelatin, often with chopped celery or nuts added in. This is the wobbly, retro salad I remember from every potluck and holiday dinner.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
2. Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish
Raw cranberries and an orange (peel and all) pulsed together in a food processor with sugar. I make this for a brightly flavored, chunky relish that’s perfect with turkey.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 0g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 3g
3. Creamy Cranberry Fluff Salad
Mini marshmallows, crushed pineapple, and chopped cranberries folded into sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping. The texture is light and fluffy, and it’s always a hit with kids.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
4. Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad
Diced fresh apples and cranberries tossed with walnuts in a simple sweetened mayonnaise or yogurt dressing. It’s crunchy, creamy, and fruity all at once.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
5. Congealed Cranberry Salad with Pecans
A firmer gelatin salad made with whole berry cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans. I like to serve it sliced on a bed of lettuce.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
6. Cranberry Pineapple Salad
A simple two-ingredient salad of whole berry cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple, sometimes with a handful of mini marshmallows stirred in. It doesn’t get any easier than this.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 0g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 2g
7. Cranberry Gelatin Mold with Fruit Cocktail
Lime or lemon gelatin dissolved in cranberry juice, then mixed with canned fruit cocktail and drained. It’s a classic mid-century recipe that’s still surprisingly good.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
8. Cooked Cranberry Salad
Fresh cranberries cooked with sugar and water until they pop, then combined with chopped apples, grapes, and nuts before chilling. It’s a thicker, spoonable salad.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 41g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
9. Cranberry Sour Cream Salad
A layered salad with a base of cranberry gelatin mixed with fruit, topped with a sour cream layer. The tangy sour cream balances the sweet fruit perfectly.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
10. Spiced Cranberry Pear Salad
Diced pears and cranberries simmered with a little cinnamon and cloves, then chilled. It’s a warm-spiced salad that feels especially festive.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 0g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 4g
11. Cranberry Ambrosia Salad
A tropical twist combining cranberries, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows in a creamy base. It’s very sweet and colorful.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
12. Cranberry Jello Pretzel Salad
A layered dessert salad with a salty pretzel crust, a sweet cream cheese middle, and a cranberry gelatin top. The mix of salty and sweet is what makes it a classic.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
13. Simple Cranberry Banana Salad
Sliced bananas and fresh cranberries mixed with a little sugar and lemon juice to keep the bananas from browning. It’s simple, old-fashioned, and good.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 4g
14. Cranberry Salad with Cream Cheese Dressing
Whole berry cranberry sauce folded into a sweetened cream cheese and whipped cream mixture. It’s rich, creamy, and often served as a dessert salad.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
15. Harvard Beet and Cranberry Salad
Diced cooked beets and cranberries in a sweet and sour vinegar-based sauce, served chilled. It’s a vintage recipe with a beautiful deep red color.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 3g
16. Frozen Cranberry Salad
A mixture of cranberry sauce, whipped topping, and crushed pineapple spread in a pan and frozen. You slice it while it’s still frosty. It’s a fun, make-ahead option.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 31g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
17. Cranberry Coleslaw
A bag of coleslaw mix tossed with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. The cranberries add a sweet chewiness to the crunchy slaw.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
18. Molded Cranberry Horseradish Salad
A savory gelatin ring made with cranberry juice, a bit of prepared horseradish, and sometimes chopped celery. It’s a tangy, peppery side for rich meats like ham or pork.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
