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Cranberry Salad Recipe

4.9 from 114 reviews

A refreshing and tangy cranberry salad combining chopped fresh cranberries, tart apple, sweet pineapple, mini marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and creamy whipped topping. Perfect as a festive side dish or dessert during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 medium tart apple, chopped
  • 8 ounces canned crushed pineapple

Other

  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • 8 ounces whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Chop cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to a food processor or blender and process until they are finely chopped, creating a coarse cranberry base for the salad.
  2. Mix with sugar: Place the chopped cranberries into a large glass mixing bowl and add the sugar. Toss the mixture to fully coat the cranberries in sugar, enhancing their natural tartness with sweetness.
  3. Chill the cranberry mixture: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for 2 hours. This chilling step allows the cranberries to macerate with the sugar, softening their texture and melding flavors.
  4. Combine remaining ingredients: After chilling, add the chopped tart apple, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, and whipped topping to the cranberry mixture. Stir all ingredients well until thoroughly combined, creating a creamy, textured salad.
  5. Serve or store: Serve the cranberry salad immediately for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy later.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh cranberries as canned or dried varieties will alter the texture.
  • Substitute the tart apple with Granny Smith for a similar zingy taste.
  • Chilling the cranberry and sugar mixture is essential for a softer texture and deeper flavor fusion.
  • Add more pecans or marshmallows based on personal preference for crunch or sweetness.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead but is best consumed within 3 days for freshness.

Keywords: Cranberry salad, holiday salad, cranberry dessert, easy cranberry recipe, festive side dish, fruit salad with marshmallows