Search
by Ingredient

Molded Cranberry Salad

Empty starEmpty starEmpty starEmpty starEmpty star

Submitted by hfuest

Low-calorie molded cranberry salad with ginger ale, apple, celery, and orange zest set in unflavored gelatin. A lighter take on the classic holiday Jello salad.

YIELD

4 servings

PREP

10 min

COOK

5 min

READY

4 hrs

This cranberry gelatin salad is a lighter spin on the classic holiday mold. Diet ginger ale replaces sugary fruit juice as the liquid base, and unflavored gelatin lets you control the sweetness instead of relying on flavored Jello.

The cranberries simmer briefly in the ginger ale with lemon juice and grated orange zest, which softens them just enough to release their tart, ruby-red juices. Once the gelatin dissolves in, chill the mixture until it’s partially set (think the consistency of raw egg whites) before folding in the chopped celery and apple. Stir them in too early and they sink to the bottom. Too late and the gelatin is too firm to incorporate anything.

The celery and apple add crunch that contrasts with the smooth, wobbly gelatin. It’s a texture thing that makes each bite more interesting than a plain cranberry jelly.

Pro Tips

  • Rinse the mold with cold water before filling. This creates a thin film that makes unmolding much easier.
  • To unmold cleanly, dip the outside of the mold in warm (not hot) water for about 10 seconds, then invert onto a plate.
  • Check the “partially set” stage by tilting the bowl. The gelatin should move like thick syrup, not liquid.
  • Use a tart, firm apple like Granny Smith. Soft apples turn mushy in the gelatin.

Variations

  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans along with the celery for a nuttier texture.
  • Use regular ginger ale and sugar instead of diet versions if low-calorie isn’t a concern.
  • Fold in a handful of halved red grapes for extra sweetness and color.

Ingredients

½ 7.5
TABLESPOON ML GELATIN, UNFLAVORED
unflavored *
1 237
CUP ML GINGER ALE
diet *
1 237
CUP ML CRANBERRY
coarsely chopped
½ 7.5
TABLESPOON ML LEMON JUICE
fresh
1 5
TEASPOON ML ORANGE ZEST
grated
2 ½ 13
TEASPOONS ML ARTIFICAL SWEETENER
or sugar *
¼ 59
CUP ML CELERY
finely chopped
¼ 0.3
MEDIUM MEDIUM APPLES
chopped

Directions

Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons ginger ale; let stand 5 minutes to soften.

Combine remaining ginger ale, cranberries, lemon juice and orange peel in a saucepan.

Bring quickly to a boil. Remove from heat. Add softened gelatin and sweetener; stir until gelatin dissolves.

Chill until partially set.

Stir in celery and apple.

Spoon into a rinsed mold. Refrigerate at least 4 hours until set.

* not incl. in nutrient facts Arrow up button

Comments


 

 

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 44g (1.6 oz)
Amount per Serving
Calories 19 0% from fat
 % Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 6mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Sugars g
Protein 0g
Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 10%
Calcium 1% Iron 1%
* based on a 2,000 calorie diet How is this calculated?
Low Fat, Fat-Free, Low in Saturated Fat, Low Cholesterol, Cholesterol-Free, Trans-fat Free, Low Carb, Very low in sodium, Low Sodium
 

Email this recipe