This holiday cranberry sauce has it all—chunky cranberries, a balance of tart and sweet, and a blend of textures that make it a star on the holiday table. Pineapple brings a bright contrast, celery adds an unexpected crunch, and walnuts lend a satisfying bite. Most importantly, it’s homemade with love, not pulled from a can.
Why You Will Love this Perfect Cranberry Sauce
- Perfect Balance of Tart and Sweet: This recipe blends fresh cranberries with a hint of pineapple, balancing tartness and sweetness for a flavor that’s both bright and refreshing.
- Unique Texture in Every Bite: Crunchy celery and chopped walnuts add a satisfying texture, giving a delightful contrast to the sauce’s smooth base and making each bite a bit more exciting.
- Vibrant Color and Presentation: The deep red cranberries bring a festive pop of color to the table, making your holiday spread look even more inviting and appealing.
- Quick and Simple Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this sauce requires minimal effort for maximum flavor, ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
First things First – Mise en Place
To successfully prepare this Cranberry Sauce recipe, or any recipe for that matter, it’s important to have good organization. In cooking, this is known as “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its place.” Before you begin cooking, take a moment to read and understand the entire recipe. Then, gather your tools, measure and prep all the ingredients. This helps streamline the cooking process and ensures you’re ready for each step with no surprises. Making things far less stressful in the kitchen!
What You’ll Need to Make this Cranberry Sauce
- Fresh Cranberries – The star of the show, these add a bright, tart flavor that defines the sauce.
- Raspberry Jell-O Mix – Adds a hint of sweetness and a subtle raspberry flavor that complements the cranberries, while helping to set the sauce to a semi-firm texture.
- Crushed Pineapple – Pineapple adds a touch of tropical sweetness that balances the tart cranberries. Remember to save the juice for later in the recipe.
- Granulated Sugar – Helps to tame the tartness of the cranberries and jello, creating a well-rounded sweetness in each bite.
- Chopped Walnuts (these are optional) – For a nutty crunch that adds contrast to the soft cranberries, enhancing both flavor and texture.
- Diced Celery – Adds a unique crunch and freshness, providing an unexpected textural contrast that lightens the dish.
- Kosher Salt – Just a pinch to enhance and balance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Cranberry Salad
- Drain the pineapple in a colander or sieve over a medium sized mixing bowl. Then, pour the pineapple juice in a measuring cup and add water to make 2 cups.
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water and place in a 3-quart saucepan. Add the pineapple juice and water, the sugar, and the salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook until berries begin to pop. The berries can make a bit of a mess when they pop so you may wish to cover with a splatter shield to make clean-up easier.
- When the berries begin to pop, stir in the jello mix using a wooden spoon. Use the spoon to gentle press the berries against the side of the pan. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the majority of the berries are popped – about 12 minutes.
- Add the celery, pineapple and the nuts (remember the nuts are optional). Stir to combine.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. Refrigerate at least four hours. If storing overnight, cover with plastic wrap after the cranberry sauce has cooled.
How to Keep Your Cranberry Salad Fresh for Later
Refrigerator – Up to 1 month
If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator using an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Freezer
I don’t recommend freezing leftover Cranberry Salad.
PrintHoliday Cranberry Sauce
Ditch the canned stuff! This fresh, homemade cranberry salad transforms ordinary into extraordinary, with juicy cranberries, bright pineapple, and the perfect crunch from celery and walnuts—a true holiday upgrade
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 (2-ounce) servings 1x
- Category: Side, Holiday
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh Cranberries
- 3 ounce Raspberry Jell-O package
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple over a medium sized mixing bowl using a colander or sieve. Place the pineapple juice in a measuring cup and add water to make 2 cups.
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water and place in a 3-quart saucepan. Add the pineapple juice and water, the sugar, and the salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until berries begin to pop. (You may wish to cover with a splatter shield to avoid a mess on the stovetop).
- When the berries begin to pop, stir in the jello mix using a wooden spoon. Use the spoon to gentle press the berries against the side of the pan. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the majority of the berries are popped – about 12 minutes.
- Add the celery, pineapple and the nuts. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. Refrigerate at least four hours. If storing overnight, cover with plastic wrap after the cranberry sauce has cooled.
