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
Scale
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
