Cranberry Salad
This delightful cranberry salad brings a refreshing burst of flavor to any holiday table. With tart cranberries, juicy grapes, and sweet marshmallows, it’s the perfect blend of textures and tastes, making it a must-have for festive gatherings.
Star Ingredients in This Cranberry Salad
- Fresh or thawed frozen cranberries – The star of the show, cranberries add a tart punch and vibrant color.
- Green grapes, halved – Their juicy sweetness complements the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
- Miniature marshmallows – These add a fluffy, sweet contrast, balancing out the tart fruits.
- Medium apple, chopped – Crisp and slightly sweet, apples add a lovely crunch to the salad.
- Granulated sugar – Enhances the sweetness and mellows the tartness of the cranberries.
- Salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Heavy whipping cream – Whipped to perfection, it adds a rich and creamy texture to the salad.
- Chopped walnuts – These bring a nutty crunch, adding depth to the salad’s texture.
How to Make This Festive Cranberry Salad
Begin by mixing the cranberries, grapes, marshmallows, apple, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This mixture is left to chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
While waiting, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the chilled fruit mixture along with the chopped walnuts. Serve this salad chilled for a refreshing treat.
Recipe Tips
For the best results, ensure the whipped cream is folded gently into the fruit mixture to maintain its light and airy texture.
You can also experiment by adding different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to bring new flavors to the dish. If you’re using fresh cranberries, consider giving them a quick pulse in a food processor for a finer texture.
This salad is even better when prepared a day ahead, allowing the ingredients to blend together harmoniously.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover cranberry salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The whipped cream might lose some of its volume, so give the salad a gentle stir before serving. For an extra burst of freshness, consider adding a few freshly chopped nuts just before serving to bring back the salad’s original texture.