easy cranberry salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy cranberry salad recipe

Cranberry salad is a staple in our household, especially during the holidays. My kids love it, and I love how easy it is to make.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress my family and friends. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet orange zest, and crunchy pecans is a match made in heaven.

It’s perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even just a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

I like to add some chopped fresh mint for an extra burst of flavor. My kids love helping me mix it all together – they get to use the big wooden spoon and add their own special touches.

It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and teach them about different flavors and textures.

Easy Cranberry Salad

4.9 from 862 votes

A simple and refreshing cranberry salad made with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and crunchy walnuts. This no-cook dish comes together in minutes and is perfect for holiday gatherings or a quick side salad.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time10 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the cranberries under cold water and drain well.
2Place them in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped, about 5 to 7 pulses, ensuring some small chunks remain for texture.
3Transfer the chopped cranberries to a large mixing bowl.
4Stir in the granulated sugar until evenly combined, then fold in the chopped walnuts.
5Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve slightly.
6In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes.
7Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute more.
8Gently fold the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture using a spatula until no white streaks remain.
9Transfer the salad to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

🔧Equipment

Food processor
Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer or whisk
Spatula
Serving dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 40mg🧂Sodium: 15mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with 2 cups of thawed whipped topping. You can also add 1/2 cup of miniature marshmallows for extra sweetness.

Watch Video Of How Easy Cranberry Salad Works

This easy cranberry salad is always a good idea for any occasion because it is quick to make and fits right in at family dinners or holiday feasts. I love that I can prepare it ahead of time and it still tastes fresh and bright.

It works perfectly for large gatherings because it pairs well with roasted meats or even sandwiches. For serving I like to spoon it into a pretty bowl and top with a few extra cranberries or nuts.

If you have leftovers just cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate. It is great the next day as a side or even as a topping for toast or crackers.

I never worry about this dish because it is forgiving and always a hit with my family and friends.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Salad

1. What is the origin of cranberry salad?

Cranberry salad has its roots in traditional American cuisine, specifically in the New England region where cranberries were abundant.

2. What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The key ingredients include fresh or frozen cranberries, orange zest, chopped pecans, granulated sugar, and a splash of orange juice.

3. How do I store leftover cranberry salad?

You can store leftover cranberry salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

4. Can I make cranberry salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make cranberry salad ahead of time – simply prepare all the ingredients and mix them together just before serving.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly; however, if you’re using honey as a sweetener instead of granulated sugar, please note that honey is not always considered vegetarian due to debates surrounding its production process.

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