This light and refreshing molded salad is a classic holiday side dish that balances the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of ginger ale and apple. The addition of crisp celery adds a wonderful textural contrast, while the gelatin base sets into a firm, easy-to-slice mold. It’s a low-calorie option that brings a bright, zesty flavor profile to any table. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or as a light lunch accompaniment, this salad requires minimal effort but delivers impressive results. The combination of fresh lemon juice and orange zest elevates the natural fruit flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser that is both nostalgic and fresh.
Molded Cranberry Salad
Description
This light and refreshing molded salad is a classic holiday side dish that balances the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of ginger ale and apple. The addition of crisp celery adds a wonderful textural contrast, while the gelatin base sets into a firm, easy-to-slice mold. It&# 226;ÂÂs a low-calorie option that brings a bright, zesty flavor profile to any table. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or as a light lunch accompaniment, this salad requires minimal effort but delivers impressive results. The combination of fresh lemon juice and orange zest elevates the natural fruit flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser that is both nostalgic and fresh.Ingredients
Directions
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Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 2 tablespoons of the diet ginger ale in a small saucepan.
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Let the gelatin stand for 5 minutes to soften.
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Combine the remaining ginger ale, chopped cranberries, fresh lemon juice, and grated orange peel in the saucepan.
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Bring the mixture quickly to a boil over medium heat.
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Remove the saucepan from heat immediately.
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Add the softened gelatin mixture and the sweetener; stir until the gelatin and sweetener are completely dissolved.
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Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until it is partially set (about 30-45 minutes).
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Stir in the finely chopped celery and chopped apple.
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Spoon the mixture into a rinsed mold.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely set.
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Unmold onto a serving plate and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 46.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.4g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 30.9mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 8.7g3%
- Dietary Fiber 2.6g11%
- Sugars 4.2g
- Protein 3.7g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To easily unmold the salad, dip the bottom of the mold briefly in warm water for 10-15 seconds before inverting it onto a plate.
You can substitute regular ginger ale for diet ginger ale for a sweeter result, but you may need to reduce the added sweetener.
Each serving is approximately 1/2 cup and counts as 1/2 Fruit & Veg. Choice.