Step into the world of Holiday Cranberry Salad, where sweet meets tart in a beautiful blend of flavors that dances on your palate. Picture this: fresh cranberries burst with a slight tang, while crisp apples and juicy oranges bring a burst of sweetness, all harmonized by the nutty crunch of pecans. This salad is perfect for busy weeknights; it brings comfort without overwhelming your schedule. In less than an hour, you can have a delightful dish that’s both nourishing and a feast for the eyes!
This vibrant salad strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and healthy eating. With each spoonful, you can feel good knowing you are treating your body well while indulging in something oh-so-delicious. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, leaving you time for the other joys of the season!
Serving Versatility
One of the best things about Holiday Cranberry Salad is its versatility. It can be served in several delightful ways. Enjoy it on its own for a refreshing snack, or pair it with rice for a filling meal. Toss it into wraps for a picnic, serve it over noodles for a unique twist, or enjoy it low-carb if that’s your preference. The possibilities are endless!
Full Recipe Section
Ingredients:
- 2 (12 ounce each) packages fresh cranberries, washed and drained
- 1 large red apple, unpeeled
- 2 oranges, peeled
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 (3 ounces each) boxes strawberry gelatin (GF option: use a gluten-free brand of gelatin)
- 4 cups water
- 1 to 1-1/2 cup slightly chopped pecans
Directions:
- Grind cranberries, apples, and oranges into small segments; pour into a large mixing bowl, and stir together.
- Add sugar to the mixture; allow to set for at least 10 minutes.
- Place gelatin in a separate glass mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of hot water to the gelatin, and stir until dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
- Add the cooled gelatin to the cranberry mixture, and combine all ingredients well.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Place in 1-gallon container with a lid on it.
- Refrigerate for at least 12 hours (if you stir the mixture 2-3 times while the salad sets, it will help ingredients blend together better).
- Scoop salad into a serving bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate leftovers.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes + 12 hours chilling
Servings: 10-12 servings
Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This salad comes together in no time!
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Simple and accessible flavors that don’t break the bank.
- Big, cozy flavor: A mouthwatering mix that feels like a warm hug.
- Nutritional value: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this dish nourishes your body.
- Customizability: Feel free to change up the fruits or nuts based on what you have!
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note
This Holiday Cranberry Salad draws inspiration from traditional holiday dishes but adds a light, modern twist. Mixing fresh fruits with gelatin creates a delightful texture and allows the flavors to shine through, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it over a bed of spring greens for a fresh salad.
- Mix into whole-grain rice for a satisfying main dish.
- Wrap it in a tortilla with lettuce and turkey for a wholesome lunch.
- Pair it with grilled chicken for a complete meal!
Pro Tips for Success
- When chopping the fruit, keep the pieces small to help blend flavors.
- Stir the salad gently while it sets to keep the ingredients well combined.
- Taste before serving! You can always add a bit more sugar or fruit to suit your palate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is needed! If you plan to freeze it, know that the texture may change upon thawing.
As you gather in your kitchen this season, I hope you find joy in making this vibrant Holiday Cranberry Salad! It’s so easy to customize and make your own that I encourage you to experiment.
If you try it, share your thoughts! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
Final Thoughts:
Cooking is a journey, and I’m so thankful to share mine with you. May your kitchen be filled with laughter and love as you create memories with this delightful recipe.
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Holiday Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 packages (12 ounce each) fresh cranberries, washed and drained
- 1 large red apple, unpeeled
- 2 oranges, peeled
Gelatin Mixture
- 3 boxes (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin Use a gluten-free brand for GF option.
- 4 cups water Hot water to dissolve gelatin.
- 3 cups granulated sugar
Nuts
- 1 to 1-1/2 cups slightly chopped pecans
Instructions
Preparation
- Grind cranberries, apples, and oranges into small segments; pour into a large mixing bowl, and stir together.
- Add sugar to the mixture; allow to set for at least 10 minutes.
- Place gelatin in a separate glass mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of hot water to the gelatin, and stir until dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
- Add the cooled gelatin to the cranberry mixture, and combine all ingredients well.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Place in a 1-gallon container with a lid on it.
- Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, stirring 2-3 times while it sets to help ingredients blend together better.
- Scoop salad into a serving bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate leftovers.