Oh, the joy of holiday cooking! One of my absolute favorite things about this time of year is whipping up vibrant dishes that brighten up any festive table. And let me tell you, nothing does it quite like my Christmas Cranberry Salad! It’s refreshing, bursting with flavors, and just screams celebration. Picture this: tart cranberries, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts all coming together in a delightful mix. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy that complements rich holiday meals beautifully. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll want it on your holiday menu every year. Let’s dive into this festive treat together!
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Salad
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making this festive salad shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: Rinse them well and pick through to remove any stems.
- 1 cup diced apples: I love using crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that extra crunch!
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Toast them lightly for even more flavor if you like!
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adjust to your taste; you can add more or less depending on how sweet you want it.
- 1/4 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works in a pinch!
- 1/4 cup chopped celery: This adds a nice crunch and freshness.
- 1/4 cup raisins: These bring a lovely sweetness to the mix.
- 1 cup whipped cream or yogurt: For folding in at the end, giving it that creamy finish!
How to Prepare Christmas Cranberry Salad
Making this Christmas Cranberry Salad is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be a hit at your holiday gathering! First, rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and take a moment to remove any stems or blemished berries—this ensures only the best flavors make it into the salad.
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cranberries, diced apples, chopped walnuts, and celery. This is where the magic begins! Then, sprinkle in the sugar, pour in the orange juice, and toss in the raisins. Gently mix everything together, but be careful not to crush the cranberries; we want them to maintain their fabulous shape and tartness!
Once everything is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, fold in the whipped cream or yogurt to give it that luscious, creamy finish. And voilà! You’ve got a stunning salad that’s ready to impress your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, festive flavors that capture the essence of the holidays.
- Quick and easy preparation; perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes.
- Can be made ahead of time, saving you stress on the big day.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas Cranberry Salad turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, taste as you go—feel free to adjust the sugar to suit your sweetness preference. If you want a little extra zing, a splash of lemon juice can brighten it up! Also, be gentle when mixing; you want to keep those cranberries whole for that delightful burst of flavor. And don’t skip the chilling time! It’s essential for letting the flavors mingle. Oh, and remember, if you make it a day ahead, just fold in the whipped cream or yogurt right before serving for the freshest taste!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Cranberry Salad
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for a serving of this festive Christmas Cranberry Salad. Each cup contains approximately 150 calories, with 6 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 22 grams of carbohydrates. Don’t forget, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a fresh and fruity dish during the holiday season without compromising on flavor!
FAQ About Christmas Cranberry Salad
Can I use frozen cranberries? Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using. Fresh cranberries are great, but frozen will work in a pinch.
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! In fact, it tastes even better if you make it a day in advance. Just hold off on folding in the whipped cream or yogurt until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for walnuts? If you have nut allergies or just prefer something different, try pecans or sunflower seeds for a nice crunch!
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this Christmas Cranberry Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for everyone at your holiday table.
Can I add other fruits? Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced pears or even a handful of pomegranate seeds for extra color and flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas Cranberry Salad is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier! Now, reheating isn’t necessary for this salad—it’s best enjoyed chilled. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the ingredients, and you’re all set for a delightful treat anytime!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cranberry Salad
This Christmas Cranberry Salad is a wonderful companion to many holiday dishes! Serve it alongside a succulent glazed ham or a herb-roasted turkey for a delightful contrast. It also pairs beautifully with a creamy goat cheese appetizer or a savory cheese platter. And don’t forget to sip on a festive drink like spiced cider or a sparkling cranberry punch to round out the meal. Your guests will love the combination!
Print
Christmas Cranberry Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Delight
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad featuring cranberries, apples, and nuts, perfect for the holiday season.
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
- Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems.
- In a large bowl, combine cranberries, apples, walnuts, and celery.
- Add sugar, orange juice, and raisins to the mixture.
- Toss everything gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving, fold in whipped cream or yogurt.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference.
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- Can be made a day ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Christmas Cranberry Salad