Oh, there’s just something magical about making a Christmas Cranberry Salad! The burst of tart cranberries mixed with the sweetness of sugar and the crunch of walnuts creates a unique flavor and texture that makes this dish a star at any holiday gathering. I remember the first time I brought this salad to my family’s Christmas dinner. Everyone was raving about it, and it quickly became a cherished tradition! It’s not just a salad; it’s like a beautiful holiday memory on a plate. With its vibrant colors and delightful taste, this salad brings a festive touch to the table that everyone loves. Trust me, once you serve this, it’ll be a hit!

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this festive salad shine! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and stems removed
1 cup sugar (packed for sweetness)
1 cup chopped apples (I love using a tart variety for a nice contrast!)
1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans, if you prefer a slightly different flavor)
1 cup celery, chopped (for that crunchy texture)
1 cup mini marshmallows (they add a fun, sweet pop!)
1 cup whipped cream (freshly whipped is best for that airy texture)

Make sure you have everything on hand before you start, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a holiday masterpiece!

How to Prepare Christmas Cranberry Salad

Preparing this delicious Christmas Cranberry Salad is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share the step-by-step process with you! Let’s dive right in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cranberries

First things first, rinse those fresh cranberries under cool water, and don’t forget to remove any stems. Give them a gentle rub to ensure they’re clean and ready to shine in your salad. This step is super important since we want the freshest cranberries to bring that zingy flavor!

Mixing Ingredients

Once your cranberries are ready, toss them into a medium bowl with that packed cup of sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 2 hours. This waiting time is crucial because it allows the sugar to draw out the natural juices from the cranberries, creating a sweet and tangy syrup that makes the salad extra special. You’ll see it transform!

Combining and Chilling

Now, it’s time to add in the chopped apples, walnuts, and celery to the cranberry-sugar mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly. Next, gently fold in the mini marshmallows and that luscious whipped cream. This is where the magic happens! The whipped cream adds a dreamy texture that balances the tartness of the cranberries. Finally, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps all those fantastic flavors meld together. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for a serving of this delightful Christmas Cranberry Salad. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a festive treat that balances sweetness with nutrition, making it a wonderful addition to your holiday spread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Bright, festive colors that make your table come alive!
Delicious blend of sweet and tart flavors that everyone enjoys.
Loaded with fresh ingredients, making it a healthier holiday option.
Can be made ahead of time, so you can stress less and enjoy more!

Tips for Success with Christmas Cranberry Salad

To make sure your Christmas Cranberry Salad is the star of the show, here are my top tips! First, use fresh cranberries—frozen ones just won’t give you that zesty punch. If your cranberries are too tart, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking; a little sweetness goes a long way! Also, make sure to let the cranberry-sugar mixture sit long enough to develop that sweet syrup; don’t rush this step! When folding in the whipped cream, be gentle to keep that light, airy texture. Lastly, chilling the salad is essential to let those flavors mingle, so don’t skip it! Your guests will thank you!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

When it comes to making the Christmas Cranberry Salad, feel free to get creative with your ingredients! If you can’t find fresh cranberries, you can use frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and rinse them first. For the nuts, walnuts add a great crunch, but pecans work just as well if you’re looking for a milder flavor. If you want to lighten things up, you can swap out the whipped cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. And don’t hesitate to try different apple varieties—Granny Smith gives a nice tartness, but Fuji adds sweetness! Enjoy experimenting!

Variations of Christmas Cranberry Salad

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of fun ways to mix up your Christmas Cranberry Salad! For a citrusy twist, add some orange zest or a splash of fresh orange juice to brighten the flavors. You can also swap out the walnuts for slivered almonds or pecans for a different nutty texture. If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, toss in a handful of spinach or kale—trust me, it blends right in! And for a festive flair, sprinkle some pomegranate seeds on top before serving. These little changes can add a delightful spin to an already amazing dish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Christmas Cranberry Salad is super easy! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days when the flavors are vibrant! Now, reheating isn’t necessary since this salad is best served chilled. If you do end up with leftovers, just give it a good stir before serving again. That way, everything stays beautifully mixed and ready to impress!

Christmas Cranberry Salad: 7 Ways to Spark Joy

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive salad featuring fresh cranberries and a mix of vibrant ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped apples
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup whipped cream

Instructions

Rinse cranberries and remove any stems.
In a medium bowl, combine cranberries and sugar. Let sit for 2 hours.
Add chopped apples, walnuts, and celery.
Fold in mini marshmallows and whipped cream.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Adjust sugar to taste based on tartness of cranberries.
Can substitute walnuts with pecans if desired.
Use fresh whipped cream for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Christmas Cranberry Salad

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