Cranberry Salad Deluxe
A refreshing cranberry salad with crunchy walnuts, crisp celery, sweet apples, and pineapple, perfect for festive gatherings or a vibrant side dish year-round.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the cranberry sauce in a saucepan. Add salt and sugar.
- Soak the Knox gelatine in cold water until softened, then add it to the hot cranberry mixture and stir until dissolved.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly until nearly set.
- Add walnuts, chopped celery, chopped apple, and drained crushed pineapple to the mixture.
- Pour into a mold or serving dish and chill until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the cranberry mixture. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the Knox gelatin with agar-agar. Chopped pecans can replace walnuts for a different texture. Make sure to allow the mixture to cool sufficiently before adding fruits to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cranberry Salad Deluxe as a refreshing side dish at your holiday gatherings or alongside roasted meats. It pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving turkey or ham. For a delightful twist, consider serving it with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on top for a dessert-like experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad can be served cold straight from the fridge, but if it gets too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Salad Deluxe contains roughly 171 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 882mg per serving (38% 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 use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
While fresh cranberries can be used, you'll need to cook them down with sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency before following the recipe. This will add a tart flavor, so adjust the sugar to your taste.
How can I make this recipe more festive?
Add diced orange segments or pomegranate seeds for vibrant color and additional flavor. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the festive feel, making it a perfect accompaniment to holiday meals.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely! This salad is a great potluck dish as it can be made ahead of time and served cold. Just ensure it's well-chilled before transporting, and consider bringing extra walnuts for topping when serving.
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).