Chunky Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant, chunky cranberry sauce blended with fresh fruit, nuts, and crisp celery, perfect for holiday tables or festive gatherings seeking a sweet-tart flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core the apple and chop it coarsely.
- Toss the chopped apple with lemon juice in a small bowl, draining off any excess juice.
- Combine the apples, drained and chopped pears, sliced celery, and chopped pecans in a mixing bowl.
- Cover the mixture and chill until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, drain any juice from the fruit mixture.
- Stir the cranberry sauce into the fruit mixture, breaking it into pieces.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a handful of dried cranberries or a splash of orange juice to enhance the flavor. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. Make sure to chop the apple and pears evenly for a consistent texture. If you want more sweetness, feel free to add a bit of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chunky cranberry sauce as a refreshing side to roasted meats, especially turkey or pork. It also pairs beautifully with fresh salads or as a topping for yogurt. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Edith'S Jello or as part of a holiday buffet to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chunky cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This sauce is best served fresh, but the flavors can deepen after a day in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 416 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 6g 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 use fresh cranberries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries to make your own sauce. Just cook them with sugar and a bit of water until they burst, then mix them into your fruit mixture. This will add a vibrant flavor and freshness to the dish.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already naturally vegan, but be sure to check your canned cranberry sauce for any non-vegan ingredients. Additionally, you can use agave syrup instead of honey if you want to keep it plant-based.
What can I serve this with for a brunch?
This chunky cranberry sauce works wonderfully as a topping for pancakes or waffles. You can also serve it alongside cream cheese on a bagel for a delightful brunch option. Consider pairing it with a fresh fruit salad for a bright, refreshing meal.
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).