In the realm of holiday gatherings, few dishes evoke as much nostalgia and festive cheer as the molded cranberry salad. This classic dish, often taking center stage on dessert tables, combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of sugar, the crunch of nuts, and the creaminess of whipped cream. The result is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
While the traditional molded cranberry salad is a beloved staple, there are numerous variations and creative twists that can be added to make it even more special. From incorporating different fruits and nuts to experimenting with unique molds and presentation styles, the possibilities are endless. This article presents a collection of recipes that showcase the delightful diversity of molded cranberry salad, offering something for every taste preference and occasion.
One recipe introduces a vibrant twist by incorporating fresh orange segments and chopped walnuts, adding a burst of citrusy sweetness and nutty texture to the classic combination. Another recipe takes a more tropical approach, featuring pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes, creating a vibrant and exotic version of the salad. For those who prefer a more elegant presentation, a recipe featuring a bundt pan mold and a garnish of fresh mint leaves elevates the salad to a centerpiece-worthy dish.
The article also includes a recipe that caters to those with dietary restrictions, offering a vegan and gluten-free version of the molded cranberry salad. This variation uses agar-agar powder as a gelatin substitute, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this holiday classic regardless of their dietary preferences.
With its versatility and endless possibilities for customization, the molded cranberry salad is a true culinary chameleon, adapting seamlessly to various occasions and preferences. Whether it's a traditional family gathering, a festive holiday party, or a casual potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit among guests of all ages.
MOLDED CRANBERRY-ORANGE SALAD
When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1 tablespoon cold water; let stand 1 minute. Add boiling water and raspberry gelatin; stir until gelatin is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in remaining cold water. Refrigerate until thickened, about 45 minutes., Pulse 2-1/3 cups cranberries, apples and orange in a food processor until chopped. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in sugar. Stir fruit mixture into thickened gelatin. Fold in walnuts, celery and remaining whole cranberries., Coat a 10-in. fluted tube pan, an 8-cup ring mold or two 4-cup molds with cooking spray; pour in gelatin mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight or until firm. Unmold onto a platter.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 154 calories, Fat 3g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 21mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
MOLDED CRANBERRY NUT SALAD
We try lots of cranberry recipes, and this one is always requested when we have family get-togethers at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's also been a favorite dish at every church potluck I've taken it to! -Eleanor Arthur, Seattle, Washington
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 10-12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Soften unflavored gelatin in 1/2 cup water; set aside. In 3-qt. saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar and wine or cranberry juice; heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add lemon gelatin and softened unflavored gelatin; stir until dissolved. Stir in remaining water. Chill until mixture is partially set. Fold in celery and walnuts. Pour into greased 8-cup mold; cover and chill until set. Meanwhile, combine sour cream and mayonnaise; refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, unmold gelatin and top each serving with dollop of dressing. Garnish with celery leaves.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 377 calories, Fat 19g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 134mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (40g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
DOUBLE-CRANBERRY MOLDED SALAD
Provided by Michael McLaughlin
Categories Salad Food Processor Side Thanksgiving Cranberry Celery Fall Chill Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Pour 1 cup cranberry juice into small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over. Let stand until gelatin softens, about 20 minutes.
- Combine cranberries and sugar in processor. Blend, using on/off turns, until cranberries are finely chopped. Transfer berry mixture to heavy large saucepan; add remaining 2 1/2 cups cranberry juice and lemon juice. Bring berry mixture to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium, cover pan partially and simmer until cranberry pieces are tender, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Add gelatin mixture and stir until gelatin dissolves. Cool to lukewarm, about 30 minutes. Mix in celery.
- Rinse 8- to 9-cup decorative mold with cold water and drain well. Spoon cranberry mixture into mold. Cover and refrigerate until cold and firm, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days.
- Turn mold over onto platter. Soak kitchen towel in very hot water; wring out. Wrap hot towel around mold. Let stand 1 minute. Remove towel. Hold mold and platter together and shake gently until cranberry salad falls onto platter. Repeat with hot towel if necessary to unmold salad. Chill until ready to serve.
CRANBERRY/ORANGE MOLDED SALAD
This colorful side dish will complement virtually any meal. The cinnamon and cloves combined with the cranberry sauce and orange sections give this salad an interesting, zesty taste. It's particularly nice at holidays, when its bright color adds a festive touch to your table!
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 8-10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cranberry sauce, cinnamon and cloves. Chill until partially set. Add the orange sections. Pour into an oiled 6-cup mold. Chill until set, about 3 hours. Unmold; serve on a lettuce-lined platter if desired.
Nutrition Facts :
MOLDED CRANBERRY FRUIT SALAD
Instead of putting a bowl of plain cranberry sauce on the holiday table, I like to whip up this festive fruity salad. It adds pretty color to the meal. -Virginia Rexroat, Jenks, Oklahoma
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a bowl, dissolve gelatin in water. Stir in all remaining ingredients. Process in small batches in a blender until coarsely chopped. Pour into a 13x9-in. dish or a 3-qt. serving bowl. Chill until set, about 2-3 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 47 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 46mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
MOLDED CRANBERRY GELATIN SALAD
To create this pretty salad mold, Jill combines the extra spiced cranberry sauce with fresh fruit, and some celery and nuts for crunch. "This dish is great with leftover turkey sandwiches," she remarks.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 35m
Yield 8-10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over the cranberry juice; let stand for 1 minute. Cook over low heat, stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Add the cranberries, apple, orange, grapes, walnuts and celery if desired., Pour into an 8-cup ring mold coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate until set. Unmold onto a serving plate.
Nutrition Facts :
MOLDED CRANBERRY SALAD
For 75 years, our parish, Christ Church, has served special luncheons. This fresh and fruity salad is one of my favorite recipes when cooking for a large group.-Shea Szachara, Binghamton, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 100 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Break up and stir in cranberry sauce until blended. Stir in cold water. Chill until partially set. , Fold in pineapple with liquid and oranges. Coat five 13-in. x 9-in. pans with cooking spray; pour about 11-1/2 cups gelatin mixture into each. Chill until firm, about 4 hours.
Nutrition Facts :
MOLDED CRANBERRY SALAD
I'm not much into jello salads, but I really like this one alot! Probably because I love cranberries and oranges and well, everything is better with cream lol
Provided by Wendy Rusch
Categories Fruit Sides
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Bring orange juice to boiling in a medium saucepan, remove from heat. Add jello, stirring until dissolved. Stir in cranberry sauce. Chill until partially set (the consistency of unbeaten egg whites)
- 2. Beat whipping cream in a chilled small mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream and pear into jello mixture. Chill until mixture mounds when dropped from a spoon.
- 3. Spoon jello mixture into a lightly sprayed 4 cup ring mold. Chill for at least 6 hrs or until firm
- 4. To serve, dip mold into warm water for a few seconds to loosen edges. Center a plate upside down over the mold. Hold the mold and plate together and invert them. Shake the mold gently until salad loosens, carefully lift off mold. Garnish with orange slices if desired.
Tips:
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. Frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch, but they will not have the same vibrant color and taste as fresh cranberries.
- Do not overcook the cranberries. They should be cooked until they are just beginning to burst, about 5 minutes. Overcooked cranberries will be mushy and lose their flavor.
- Let the salad cool completely before serving. This will help it to set and firm up.
- Garnish the salad with fresh mint or rosemary for a festive touch.
Conclusion:
Molded cranberry salad is a classic holiday dish that is both delicious and beautiful. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Whether you like it tart or sweet, creamy or tangy, there is a molded cranberry salad recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a festive and delicious holiday dish, give molded cranberry salad a try.
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