24 Hour Cranberry Salad

Prep: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry salad with marshmallows, apples, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing, fruit-forward side dish.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. raw cranberries
  • 3 c. miniature marshmallows
  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 2 c. apples, diced
  • 1/2 c. seedless green grapes
  • 1/2 c. pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1/2 c. nuts
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Mix cranberries, marshmallows, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cover and chill overnight.
  2. Add diced apples, green grapes, pineapple chunks, and nuts to the mixture. Mix well and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a brighter flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest to the cranberry mixture. You can substitute walnuts or pecans for the nuts, depending on your preference. If you're looking for a lighter option, use sugar substitutes or reduce the sugar amount slightly. Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best taste, as frozen cranberries can become mushy.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a delightful addition to holiday meals or potlucks, providing a refreshing contrast to rich dishes. It pairs beautifully with Cold Lemon Chicken or Roasted Red Potatoes With Skin On. For a fun twist, consider serving it in individual cups or bowls for easy portions at gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and enhance over time, making it even more delicious. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the salad can become unappetizing once thawed. Serve it chilled for the best experience.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 24 Hour Cranberry Salad contains roughly 816 calories, with 12g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (82% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 548mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

816 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.3g 25% DV
Total Fat 21.6g 28% DV
Carbs 149.5g 54% DV
Fiber 8g 29% DV
Sugar 52.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 547.8mg 24% DV
Potassium 831.8mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 452.9mcg 50% DV
Vitamin C 47.2mg 52% DV
Vitamin D 3.2mcg 16% DV
Calcium 346.8mg 27% DV
Iron 14.8mg 82% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it's best made a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop. Just follow the chilling instructions and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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