Cranberry Dessert Salad
A vibrant, fruity dessert salad combining cranberries, bananas, and pecans with a creamy milk mixture, topped with wafers and Cool Whip, perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers in an 8 x 8-inch dish to form the first layer.
- Mix Eagle Brand milk, lemon juice, vanilla, and chopped pecans together and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine cranberries, diced banana, and sugar.
- Spread the cranberry mixture over the wafer layer.
- Pour the milk mixture over the cranberry layer.
- Cover the top with Cool Whip.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed wafers on top.
- Chill the dessert for several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using crushed graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for the crust. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can work; just ensure they are thawed and drained. Adjust the sweetness by adding less sugar if your bananas are particularly ripe. For added texture, try swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert salad as a refreshing end to a meal, especially alongside savory dishes like Chuck'S Fried Cornbread. It also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm spice note.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dessert is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. If the layers start to separate, gently stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Dessert Salad contains roughly 611 calories, with 5g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 7g 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
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cranberry Dessert Salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients. It's a delightful addition to any vegetarian recipes collection and is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
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).