Cranberry Dream Salad
A creamy, fruity salad with tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or a refreshing dessert option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a blender, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer the whipped cream to a large mixing bowl.
- Add well-drained crushed pineapple to the bowl.
- In the blender, liquify the cranberry sauce until smooth.
- Add mayonnaise, sugar, and quartered cream cheese to the blender and process until well blended.
- Pour the blended cranberry mixture into the bowl with the pineapple and whipped cream.
- Add the walnuts and pulse briefly to chop them into the mixture.
- Gently fold everything together until evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or tray and freeze until firm.
- To serve, let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Turn out on lettuce leaves and slice to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using a low-fat cream cheese or a whipped topping instead of heavy cream. If you prefer a sweeter salad, adjust the sugar to taste. You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version. Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Dream Salad is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing side dish. It pairs beautifully with Genevieve'S Hot Milk Sponge Cake for dessert. Serve it on a bed of fresh lettuce for an elegant presentation. Consider adding a sprinkle of additional walnuts on top for extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. To enjoy later, let the salad thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer a softer texture, you can also leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Dream Salad contains roughly 801 calories, with 13g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 the salad a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the freezer and allow it to thaw before serving. This makes it a convenient option for parties or holiday meals.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This will change the flavor slightly, but it will still yield a creamy texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make this salad vegan, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for a vegan cream cheese alternative. Also, ensure your cranberry sauce and mayonnaise are vegan-friendly.
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).