Aunt Davies Cranberry Salad
A vibrant and refreshing cranberry salad with sweet-tart flavors, crunchy pecans, and citrus notes, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind the cranberries in a blender. Add 2 cups of sugar and set aside.
- Prepare the cherry gelatin as directed on the package and refrigerate until thickened.
- Mix all ingredients, including the thickened gelatin and cranberries, together in a large bowl.
- Refrigerate the salad until chilled and ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, consider using fresh cranberries instead of frozen ones. If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute or decrease the amount slightly. To enhance texture, try adding walnuts instead of pecans. If you prefer a lighter version, consider using a low-calorie gelatin. This salad pairs beautifully with Herb Parmesan Bread for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing salad as a side dish at holiday gatherings or family dinners. It's a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or a hearty main like Wiener-Kraut Bake (Low Calorie - 210 Calories). Garnish with additional chopped pecans or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time. If you find the salad has thickened too much, simply stir in a bit of water or additional crushed pineapple to adjust the consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Davies Cranberry Salad contains roughly 494 calories, with 5g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. The flavors will deepen and become even more delicious after sitting overnight.
What can I substitute for cherry gelatin?
You can substitute cherry gelatin with any fruit-flavored gelatin, such as raspberry or strawberry, depending on your preference. Just ensure it complements the flavors of the other ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
This recipe is not vegan due to the gelatin, which is derived from animal products. However, you can use a plant-based gelatin alternative to make it suitable for vegan recipes.
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).