How long does a cranberry jello salad mold need to set?

Plan on at least 24 hours in the refrigerator. That is why Tuesday works so well for a Thursday dinner.

Can I make cranberry jello salad in a bowl instead of a mold?

Yes, the steps are the same. You will spoon it out instead of slicing it.

No, use canned. Fresh pineapple keeps jello from setting.

Leftover cranberry jello salad keeps in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

I used a vintage Tupperware jello mold that holds 1.3 liters, or about 5 1/2 cups. Any mold close to that size should work.

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Pour the pineapple juice into a measuring cup and add water to make 2 cups of liquid.
Pour the liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Stir in the Jell-O until it dissolves.
Pour the hot jello into your mold and refrigerate for 25 to 30 minutes, checking every 15 minutes, until it just starts to set.
Gently stir in the pineapple tidbits, cranberry sauce, celery, and pecans.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
Set the mold on your serving tray, then very gently loosen the middle part of the mold so it releases.

Use canned pineapple, not fresh. Fresh pineapple keeps jello from setting.

Homemade cranberry sauce: 1 package fresh cranberries, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sugar. Use 14 oz.

Make it on Tuesday to serve on Thursday.

I used a vintage Tupperware jello mold that holds 1.3 liters, about 5 1/2 cups.