Oh, the magic of Christmas! One of my favorite traditions is gathering around the table with family and friends, and you can bet my Christmas Cranberry Salad is always a star attraction! This refreshing salad is bursting with seasonal flavors, featuring tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and sweet, fluffy marshmallows, all wrapped up in a luscious whipped cream dressing. It’s not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s a vibrant splash of color on the holiday table, too! And the best part? It comes together in a snap! Just a bit of stovetop action to pop those cranberries, and then it’s all about mixing and chilling. Trust me, this salad will become your go-to for holiday gatherings, bringing joy and cheer to every bite!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked through
1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on your taste preference)
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted for extra flavor
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup whipped cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, rinse and pick through those fresh cranberries. You want to remove any that are mushy or blemished—no one wants a sour surprise in their salad!
Next, grab a saucepan and combine your cranberries and sugar. Heat them over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You’ll hear those little beauties start to pop—this is the magic moment! Keep cooking until most of the cranberries have burst open, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
Once they’ve popped, take the saucepan off the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. This step is super important because you don’t want to melt your whipped cream later!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cranberry mixture with the chopped pecans, miniature marshmallows, whipped cream (or Greek yogurt if you’re feeling lighter), and pineapple chunks. Give everything a gentle fold to mix it well without squishing the marshmallows.
Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows all those flavors to mingle beautifully, making every bite a holiday delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Taste: The tartness of cranberries paired with the sweetness of marshmallows and cream creates a delightful balance that brightens any holiday meal.
Super Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad comes together in no time—perfect for busy holiday prep!
Colorful Addition: The vibrant red of cranberries and the creamy white whipped topping make this salad not just delicious but also a beautiful centerpiece on your festive table.
Great Make-Ahead Option: You can whip it up a day in advance, letting the flavors develop while you focus on other dishes. It’s a real time-saver!
Versatile Pairing: This salad complements a wide variety of holiday dishes, from savory roasts to sweet desserts, making it a versatile choice for any festive gathering.
Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, this salad has a way of bringing everyone together! It’s loved by kids and adults alike, making it a sure hit at your holiday gatherings.

Tips for Success

Choose Fresh Cranberries: Make sure your cranberries are firm and bright. If you find any that are soft, toss them out! Fresh cranberries are key to that lovely tart flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on how tart your cranberries are, you might want to tweak the sugar a bit. I often start with less and add more after tasting the mixture—trust your palate!
Chill Time is Crucial: Don’t skimp on the chilling time! This salad really benefits from a good couple of hours in the fridge. It helps the flavors meld together beautifully, and who doesn’t love a refreshing dish served cold?
Mix Gently: When combining the ingredients, be gentle! You want to keep those marshmallows fluffy and intact. A light folding motion works best to combine everything without squishing them.
Experiment with Textures: If you want to add a bit of crunch, consider tossing in some chopped apples or even a sprinkle of coconut. They add a fun twist and extra texture to the salad!
Presentation Matters: Serve your salad in a pretty bowl or even in individual cups for a festive touch. A sprinkle of extra pecans or cranberries on top makes it look extra special!

Variations

Fruit Frenzy: Feel free to mix things up by adding different fruits! Diced apples, pears, or even mandarin oranges can add a delightful twist to your Christmas Cranberry Salad.
Nuts Galore: Swap out pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. You could even try candied nuts for a sweet crunch!
Alternative Dressings: Instead of whipped cream, try using a tangy yogurt-based dressing. Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey can give you a creamy yet lighter version.
Add Some Spice: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring warmth to the salad, giving it a cozy holiday feel. Just a pinch can elevate those flavors beautifully!
Colorful Additions: For a pop of color, toss in some pomegranate seeds or even diced strawberries. They’ll not only look gorgeous but will also add a burst of sweetness.
Coconut Delight: If you love coconut, consider adding some shredded coconut to the mix. It adds a fun texture and a tropical twist that pairs surprisingly well with cranberries!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Christmas Cranberry Salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days, but trust me, it’s so delicious, it probably won’t last that long!

When you’re ready to serve it again, there’s no need to reheat—this salad is best enjoyed chilled! If it seems a little thick after sitting in the fridge, just give it a gentle stir to fluff it back up. You can even add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence before serving. Enjoy the festive flavors all over again!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful Christmas Cranberry Salad! Keep in mind these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each scrumptious serving. Here’s a breakdown of typical nutritional data for one cup of this salad:

Calories: Approximately 250
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

This salad packs a punch of flavor while still being a lovely addition to your holiday table. Enjoy the festive season with this delicious treat, knowing it’s not just tasty but also a fun part of your holiday nutrition!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in your Christmas Cranberry Salad. Fresh cranberries do have that lovely tartness, but frozen ones will work in a pinch!

How far in advance can I make this salad?
Great question! I often make my Christmas Cranberry Salad a day in advance. It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a while, as the flavors have time to blend beautifully!

Can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version of your Christmas Cranberry Salad, simply substitute the whipped cream with a plant-based alternative, like coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping. You can also use a vegan yogurt for a creamy texture!

What can I serve this salad with?
This salad pairs wonderfully with holiday ham, turkey, or even as a light dessert after a big meal. It adds a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes, making it a perfect complement to your festive feast!

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative! You can add diced apples, other nuts, or even shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture. Just remember to keep the balance so that the cranberries still shine!

Christmas Cranberry Salad: 5 Reasons to Love It

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop and Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing salad featuring cranberries, pecans, and a sweet dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup whipped cream
1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Instructions

Rinse and pick through the cranberries.
In a saucepan, combine cranberries and sugar over medium heat until cranberries pop.
Cool the mixture to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine cranberries, pecans, marshmallows, whipped cream, and pineapple.
Mix well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Adjust sugar based on your taste preference.
Can be made a day in advance.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Christmas, Cranberry, Salad, Holiday, Festive

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