Cranberry Salad Recipe
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.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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