Nothing quite says festive and comforting like this Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of tart and sweet, with just enough crunch to keep things interesting—trust me, it's a crowd-pleaser at every family gathering I’ve ever brought it to.

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 remember the first time I made this Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe—my mom handed it down decades ago, and it's such a nostalgic dish for me. It’s simple, yet that combination of fruity, nutty, and creamy layers creates something really special you won’t want to miss.

Bright, Balanced Flavors: The tart cranberry pairs perfectly with the sweetness of pineapple and raspberry jello, giving your taste buds a delightful dance.
Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly but still impressive.
Great Texture Contrast: Crunchy pecans and crisp apple bits add a pleasant surprise with every bite.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It needs chilling to set, making it ideal for preparing in advance for parties or holidays.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this salad lies in combining familiar ingredients that balance tart, sweet, and nutty flavors while providing intriguing textures. Here’s a quick look at why each component deserves a spot in your shopping cart.

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: The base flavor with a fruity punch, it dissolves easily and brings that classic jello texture everyone remembers.
Boiling Water: Essential for fully dissolving the jello powder and activating the gelatin.
Crushed Pineapple (canned): Adds natural sweetness and moisture—make sure it’s canned to ensure the gelatin sets properly.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Gives the salad that signature tartness and those occasional bursts of cranberry goodness.
Honeycrisp Apple: Chopped finely for crispness and a subtle sweet crunch.
Chopped Pecans: For a nutty depth and satisfying texture contrast.
Cranberry Juice: Adds extra tang and liquid to help suspend all the ingredients evenly.

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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

One of my favorite parts about this Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe is how flexible it is. I love tweaking it based on what I have on hand or the season! You’ll enjoy making it completely yours.

Variation: I sometimes swap pecans for walnuts or even chopped almonds when I’m out of nuts, and it works just as great—adding a different flavor twist without losing crunch.
Dietary Adjustment: For a lighter version, try using sugar-free raspberry jello or increasing fresh fruit for natural sweetness instead of cranberry sauce.
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, I toss in fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries for an added burst of freshness.

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 Like a Pro

Start by sprinkling the raspberry jello powder into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the boiling water and whisk vigorously until the powder is completely dissolved. This step is key for a smooth texture—no gritty bits allowed! I usually take my time here to ensure everything is perfectly combined.

Step 2: Sweeten It Up with Pineapple

Add the entire can of crushed pineapple along with its juice. Stir gently but thoroughly to mix it into the jello base. The pineapple juice not only keeps the mix moist but adds a natural sweetness that beautifully balances the cranberry.

Step 3: Break Up That Cranberry Sauce

Next, add the whole berry cranberry sauce. If the cranberries seem clumpy, I like to break them up a bit with a spoon before stirring it all in—this helps distribute those lovely tart bites evenly throughout the salad.

Step 4: Add the Crunch — Apples and Pecans

Chop your Honeycrisp apple into small pieces (skin off if you prefer) and toss them in along with the chopped pecans. Then pour in the cranberry juice—this keeps everything juicy and adds depth to the flavor, making sure the nuts and apple pieces don’t dry out or clump in one spot.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Pour the entire mixture into a 9x13-inch dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The chilling is crucial—it lets the jello firm up and the flavors meld beautifully. I like to cover it loosely with plastic wrap to avoid any fridge smells sneaking in.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference. These tips will help you nail the texture and flavor every time.

Perfect Jello Dissolution: Make sure your water is boiling hot and whisk the jello powder until it’s completely smooth—no granules left behind.
Use Canned Pineapple Only: Fresh pineapple contains enzymes that prevent gelatin from setting, so stick with canned for the best results.
Chop Fresh Ingredients Finely: Cutting apples and pecans into smaller pieces means every bite has a bit of everything without big chunks overwhelming the salad.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Rushing the chilling stage will make your salad watery and less flavorful; a full 2 hours or overnight is ideal.

How to Serve Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe

cranberry jello salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top this salad with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream right before serving—it adds a delightful creaminess that softens the tartness perfectly. Sometimes, I even sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or a handful of fresh cranberries on top for visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with savory mains like baked ham, roast turkey, or even grilled chicken. It’s a classic side that balances out rich proteins and creamy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve this in a clear glass trifle bowl to show off all the colorful layers—it’s almost as pretty as it tastes! Another fun idea is to spoon it into individual clear parfait cups for an elegant touch during parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salad covered tightly in the original dish or transfer it to an airtight container, keeping it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It stays fresh, but I recommend eating it sooner rather than later for the best texture.

Freezing

Since this salad is jello-based with fresh apples and nuts, freezing isn’t ideal—it can change the texture and cause the ingredients to become watery and mushy upon thawing. I usually advise making smaller batches if you want to avoid waste.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled and isn’t intended for reheating. If you have leftovers, just enjoy them cold right from the fridge—no reheating needed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Fresh pineapple contains enzymes that prevent the gelatin from setting properly, so it's best to stick with canned crushed pineapple for this recipe to ensure it firms up as expected.

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

You should chill the salad in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow it to fully set and for the flavors to meld beautifully. For even better texture and flavor, chilling overnight works wonders.

Can I prepare Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! This salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Prepare it the day before your event, chill it overnight, and it will be perfectly set and flavorful when you're ready to serve.

What can I substitute if I don't have pecans for this recipe?

You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even toasted sunflower seeds. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture but maintains the crunch that complements the creamy salad.

Final Thoughts

I adore this Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Pecans Recipe because it brings back warm memories and creates new ones every time I serve it. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a sweet hug from the inside out. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s as easy to love as it is fun to eat.