My Grandma’s 4-Ingredient Vintage Jell-O Salad Is Perfect for the Holidays

What is old is new again, or so I keep hearing.

We’re in a retro revolution and I’m not complaining. My grandma has no shortage of retro salad recipes, and it’s a good excuse to make one for friends and family.

If you want to put a blast from the past on your dining table this holiday season, here’s a great place to start. One of my grandma’s simplest vintage salads—cranberry-raspberry Jello-O Salad—is also one of her best.

How to Make My Grandma’s Cranberry-Raspberry Jell-O Salad

My grandma’s cranberry-raspberry Jell-O salad uses only 4 ingredients: gelatin mix, a can of whole cranberries, pecans, and sour cream (plus water to make the Jell-O, of course).

This recipe is great to make ahead of time since it comes together in a cinch and can be placed in the fridge to set. 

If you are looking to upgrade this salad with other ingredients, serve with a dollop of Cool Whip, add in pineapple chunks or orange slices, substitute pecans for walnuts, or try a different gelatin mix.  

Ingredients:

• 1 package raspberry-flavored gelatin mix (such as Jell-O)
• 1 can whole cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Combine boiling water and canned cranberries with raspberry Jell-O mix. Stir until mixed together.
2. When the Jell-O is partly set, fold in pecans and sour cream.
3. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

More Retro Salads to Try