Best Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese

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## **Instructions**

### **1. Make the Jello Base:**
– In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve the **cranberry flavored jello** in **1 cup of boiling water**. Stir until completely dissolved.
– Let the jello cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about **30 minutes**, or until it begins to thicken slightly but is not fully set.

### **2. Prepare the Salad Mix:**
– Once the jello has thickened, stir in the **cranberry sauce** and **pineapple chunks**. This will give the salad a vibrant color and a burst of fruity flavor.
– Add **whipped topping** and **chopped walnuts** (if using), and gently fold everything together until well combined.
– Pour the mixture into a **9×13-inch baking dish** or serving bowl and refrigerate for at least **2-3 hours**, or until fully set.

### **3. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:**
– While the jello is setting, prepare the cream cheese layer. In a medium bowl, beat the softened **cream cheese** with **powdered sugar** until smooth and creamy.
– Add the **whipped topping** and **vanilla extract**, and continue to mix until fluffy and well combined.

### **4. Assemble the Salad:**
– Once the jello has fully set, spread the **cream cheese mixture** evenly over the top of the jello salad layer.
– Refrigerate again for another **hour**, allowing the layers to firm up and meld together.

### **5. Serve & Enjoy:**
– Before serving, garnish with extra **walnuts** or a few **fresh cranberries** for a festive touch.
– Serve chilled, and enjoy this delightful, refreshing holiday treat!

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## **Why You’ll Love Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese**

✔️ **Perfectly Balanced Flavor** – The sweet and tangy jello combined with the creamy, rich cream cheese layer creates a delightful contrast.
✔️ **Beautiful & Festive** – With its vibrant red color, this dish is a showstopper for holiday gatherings.
✔️ **Easy to Make** – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make it an accessible recipe for anyone, even beginners.
✔️ **Crowd-Pleasing** – The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress your guests and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

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## **Tips for the Best Cranberry Jello Salad**

✅ **Use Homemade Cranberry Sauce** – If you have time, making homemade cranberry sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to this dish.
✅ **Let the Layers Set** – Be patient with the refrigeration time to allow both the jello and cream cheese layers to set properly.
✅ **Add Fruit** – For a more tropical twist, try adding chopped **oranges** or **kiwi** to the salad for added color and flavor.
✅ **Make Ahead** – This salad can be made a day or two in advance, making it perfect for holiday meal prep.

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### **Final Thoughts**

This **Cranberry Jello Salad with Cream Cheese** is a **refreshing and indulgent** dish that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang to any holiday meal. With its colorful presentation, smooth texture, and delightful taste, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple on your festive menu. Whether served as a side dish or a light dessert, this jello salad is a guaranteed hit. Try it today, and enjoy a little extra holiday cheer on your table! 🍽️🍒