Cranberry fluff salads, or jello salads, are a quintessential side dish during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations in the United States. This keto-friendly cranberry fluff jello salad recipe offers a delicious and guilt-free twist on the classic, perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle. This recipe cleverly repurposes leftover cranberry sauce, homemade jello, and homemade marshmallows, transforming them into a delightful dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
This Keto Jello Salad is a low-carb rendition of a beloved dessert. At just 90 calories and 1g net carbs per slice, it's a sweet treat that won't derail your dietary goals. Moreover, it takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.
Ingredients and Flavors
The recipe calls for sugar-free Jello. While cherry Jello is a great option, you can experiment with any flavor that suits your taste. Popular brands that offer sugar-free Jello include Jell-O (the original), Royal, Starburst, and GramZero.
For those concerned about artificial sweeteners in Jello, it's worth noting that naturally sweetened Jello options are becoming increasingly available.
Making the Keto Cranberry Jello Salad
Here's a breakdown of the steps involved in creating this delightful salad:
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Step 1: Preparing the Cranberry Base
In a large saucepan, combine cranberries and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until the cranberries pop, which should take around 10 minutes.
Step 2: Dissolving the Jello
Mix in the Jello, orange zest, and sweetener, stirring until everything is completely dissolved.
Step 3: Cooling and Thickening
Add ice and stir until dissolved. Place the saucepan in the refrigerator for 45-60 minutes, or until the Jello has thickened but not set. Remember to stir the mixture every 15 minutes to prevent the edges from setting prematurely. The mixture is ready when you can suspend pecans and cranberries in the liquid.
Step 4: Adding the Final Touches
Stir in pecans, and you're done!
Jello Mold Instructions
For an extra touch of elegance, consider using a Jello mold. To determine the correct amount of liquid, measure how much water fills the mold. Then, calculate the amount of Jello needed, subtracting 1 cup for the cranberries and pecans. Use a ratio of 1 cup of water per 1 package of Jello, and ½ cup of ice for every cup of Jello liquid. Don't worry if you have a little more or less liquid; simply discard the excess or accept a slightly shorter Jello ring.
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Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese Topping
For those who enjoy a tangy twist, consider adding a cream cheese topping. This complements the sweet-tart flavor of the cranberry Jello salad beautifully.
Serving and Enjoying
This Keto Jello Salad is a fantastic addition to any party or gathering. Its delicious flavor and attractive presentation make it a hit with both keto and non-keto eaters alike. Garnish with homemade whipped cream, fresh cranberries, orange zest, and mint leaves for an extra festive touch.
Tips and Variations
- Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, use regular Jello mixes and whipped toppings instead of sugar-free alternatives.
- Frozen Cranberry Salad: For a refreshing twist, turn the cranberry salad into a frozen treat by incorporating whipped topping and other fruits and nuts.
- Fruit Additions: If you want to add small pieces of fruit, use a combination of boiling water and cold water to dissolve the gelatin. For larger pieces of fruit, allow the Jello to set for 15-30 minutes before mixing them in to prevent sinking.
Complementary Dishes
Cranberry sauce is traditionally served with cornbread dressing and roasted turkey or ham. This cranberry Jello salad can be served alongside turkey tenderloins or boneless turkey breast roast and turkey gravy.
Cranberry Jell-O Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 (3-ounce) packages Cranberry Jello
- Boiling water
- Cold water
- Orange juice (optional)
- Crushed pineapple (undrained)
- Whole berry cranberry sauce
- Chopped walnuts (toasted)
- Whipped cream, fresh cranberries, orange zest, and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a nonstick skillet until browned and aromatic. Transfer to a clean bowl to cool.
- Add boiling water to a large liquid measuring cup, then mix in the Jell-O. Stir until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple and cranberry sauce.
- Pour the Jell-O mixture over the pineapple and cranberry sauce, and stir to combine.
- Add in the cooled walnuts, and stir to mix everything together.
- Transfer the Jell-O mixture to a serving dish.
- Cover with cling wrap, and let it set in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Garnish with dollops of whipped cream, a little orange zest, and fresh cranberries before serving.
The Beauty of Cranberry Jell-O Salad
This Jell-O salad is not only delicious and refreshing but also visually appealing. The combination of fruit flavors, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the festive garnishes make it a standout dish. Its tart and sweet balance is perfect for complementing savory meals.
Cranberry Jello Salad: A Year-Round Delight
While often associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas, this cranberry Jello salad can be enjoyed any time of the year. Its simplicity, versatility, and delightful flavor make it a welcome addition to any occasion.
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