Christmas Cranberry Salad: 7 Reasons It’ll Steal the Show Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas Cranberry Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings festive flavors to your holiday table. With a delightful mix of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and creamy whipped topping, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 cup whipped cream or yogurt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any stems to ensure a clean, fresh base.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, diced apples, chopped walnuts, and chopped celery.
- Step 3: Add the sugar, orange juice, and raisins to the bowl with the fruit and nuts.
- Step 4: Gently toss all the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Step 5: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Step 6: Just before serving, fold in the whipped cream or yogurt to add creaminess and a smooth texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a tangier twist, substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday spice flavor.
- Toast the walnuts lightly to enhance their crunch and flavor.
- Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates to vary the sweetness.
- Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener alternative.
Storage
Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to add the whipped cream or yogurt right before serving to keep the texture light and fresh. If prepared in advance, keep the creamy topping separate and fold it in just before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cranberry mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the whipped cream or yogurt just before serving to keep the salad fresh and creamy.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While dried cranberries can be used, fresh cranberries provide the best texture and tartness for this salad. If using dried, reduce the amount of raisins to balance the sweetness.
Print
Christmas Cranberry Salad: 7 Reasons It’ll Steal the Show Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Cranberry Salad is a festive and refreshing dish that combines tart fresh cranberries with sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy whipped topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a standout side or dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Fruits & Nuts
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Dressing & Toppings
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 cup whipped cream or yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and remove any stems to ensure a clean base for the salad.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cranberries, diced apples, chopped walnuts, and celery for a crunchy and fresh combination.
- Add Sweeteners and Raisins: Pour in the sugar, orange juice, and raisins, then gently stir to evenly distribute the sweetness and citrus flavor throughout the mixture.
- Toss Ingredients: Carefully toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is combined without bruising the fruit or crushing the nuts.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator, allowing the salad to chill for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and the cranberries soften slightly.
- Fold in Cream or Yogurt: Right before serving, gently fold in the whipped cream or yogurt to give the salad a creamy texture and balance the tart and sweet flavors.
Notes
- For a healthier option, choose low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste preference, especially if using sweetened yogurt.
- Walnuts can be toasted lightly to enhance their flavor.
- This salad can be made a day ahead; just add cream or yogurt before serving.
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas Salad, Cranberry Salad, Holiday Side Dish, Festive Salad, No Cook Salad, Cranberries, Holiday Recipe
