Cranberry Salad

This cranberry salad is a simple, comforting dish that brings a little brightness to everyday meals. It’s gently sweet, lightly tangy, and easy to put together without much effort. People love it because it works in so many real-life moments, from busy evenings to relaxed family meals and chilly nights when you want something fresh on the table. Cranberry salad fits right in as a side or a small centerpiece, and it doesn’t demand last-minute stress. I usually mix everything in one bowl and let it chill while I finish the rest of dinner, which makes it feel calm and manageable.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is cozy in a quiet, familiar way. The flavors are balanced, the texture is soft with a little crunch, and the ingredients are easy to find without stretching the budget. It’s weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and easy to adjust based on what’s already in your kitchen. You can make it ahead, enjoy leftovers the next day, and even serve it in smaller portions when you want something light. Cranberry salad also feels freezer-friendly and flexible, which makes it a good choice for planning ahead. It’s the kind of dish people save because it’s simple, reliable, and comforting without feeling heavy or complicated.

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Ingredients

Tip: Fresh cranberries give the best texture, but frozen ones work well if thawed and drained.

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • ½ cup chopped apples
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup whipped topping
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Rinse the cranberries well and pulse them lightly until chopped but not mushy. They should look coarse and slightly juicy. Drain the pineapple completely so the salad stays thick instead of watery later.

See also  Cesar Salad Recipe

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place the chopped cranberries in a bowl and stir in the sugar. Let the mixture sit until it looks glossy and slightly softened, with a gentle sweet-tart smell that signals the berries are breaking down.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add pineapple, apples, celery, and walnuts to the cranberry mixture. Stir slowly so everything blends evenly. The bowl should look colorful and textured, with each ingredient clearly visible but lightly coated.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Fold in the whipped topping until the salad turns pale pink and creamy. Cover and chill until cold and set. The texture should feel light and spoonable, not runny, when ready to serve.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe saves time because most of the work happens in one bowl and ahead of serving. It chills while you focus on other dishes, and leftovers stay good for days. For Pinterest cooks who plan meals in advance, it’s reassuring, low-effort, and easy to return to later.

Tips & Tricks

  • Drain fruit thoroughly: Extra liquid from pineapple or apples can thin the salad. Take a minute to press out excess juice so the final texture stays creamy and holds together when served.
  • Don’t over-process cranberries: Chopping them too finely can make the salad mushy. A coarse chop keeps the texture interesting and prevents the berries from releasing too much liquid too quickly.
  • Sweeten gradually: Cranberries vary in tartness. Start with the listed sugar amount, then taste after resting. Adding sugar slowly helps avoid an overly sweet result.
  • Chill before serving: Skipping the chilling step can leave flavors flat. Resting time allows everything to blend, creating a smoother taste and a more settled texture.
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Variations

  • Meaty version: Add small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier salad. Keep the portions modest so the dish still feels light and balanced rather than heavy.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace walnuts with toasted sunflower seeds for crunch. This keeps the salad nut-free while still adding texture and a gentle roasted flavor.
  • Ingredient swap: Use pears instead of apples for a softer bite. Pears blend easily and add sweetness without overpowering the cranberries.
  • Flavor or herb boost: Add a small pinch of orange zest or chopped mint. These additions brighten the salad without changing its cozy, familiar feel.

Serving Suggestions

  • Holiday-style side: Serve alongside roasted chicken or baked vegetables. The fresh flavor balances warm, savory dishes and adds color to the plate.
  • Casual family meals: Spoon into small bowls as a light side with everyday dinners. It feels special without requiring extra effort or planning.
  • Potluck-ready dish: Present in a clear bowl so the color shows through. It travels well and looks inviting even after chilling.
  • Simple lunch plate: Pair with sandwiches or wraps for an easy, refreshing contrast that keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir gently before serving to refresh the texture and redistribute any settled ingredients.
  • Reheating: This salad is best served cold. Reheating is not recommended, as warmth can change the texture and cause separation.
  • Freezing: Freezing is not ideal due to the creamy base. Thawing can make the salad watery and uneven in texture.
  • Make-ahead tips: Prepare the salad a day in advance and keep it covered. This allows flavors to blend fully and makes serving stress-free later.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Rest Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
See also  Brussel Sprout Salad

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains approximately 180–220 calories, depending on portion size. Protein ranges from 2–4 grams per serving. Cranberries provide vitamin C, while nuts add small amounts of healthy fats. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and quantities used.

FAQs

Yes, it tastes better after chilling.

Not draining fruit well enough.

Yes, use lightly sweetened cream.

Too much liquid from fruit.

Up to three days refrigerated.

Conclusion

This cranberry salad is simple, comforting, and easy to return to whenever you need a dependable side. It welcomes small changes, works with many meals, and fits naturally into everyday cooking. You can keep it classic or adjust it gently to suit your table. Cranberry salad feels familiar without being boring, and it’s the kind of recipe you’ll be glad to have saved for later. Serve it chilled, share it freely, and enjoy how quietly reliable it is.

Cranberry Salad Save
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Cranberry Salad

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Salad Recipes
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

300

kcal

A creamy, lightly sweet salad with fresh cranberries, fruit, and gentle crunch. Easy to make ahead and perfect for everyday meals or shared tables.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

  • ½ cup chopped apples

  • ½ cup chopped celery

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

  • 1 cup whipped topping

Directions

  • Rinse and chop cranberries coarsely.
  • Mix cranberries with sugar and let rest.
  • Add pineapple, apples, celery, and walnuts.
  • Stir gently to combine.
  • Fold in whipped topping.
  • Cover and chill before serving.

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