Cranberry Whipped Cream Salad
Cranberry Whipped Cream Salad is a festive, fruity dessert combining tart cranberry sauce, sweet mandarin oranges, and crushed pineapple, all layered with fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation will delight guests of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserving the syrup.
- Add enough boiling water to the syrup to make 1 cup.
- Dissolve the raspberry gelatin in the hot liquid.
- Stir in the cranberry sauce and grated orange peel.
- Chill until the mixture is partially set.
- Fold in the drained mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the fruit mixture.
- Pour into a 6-cup mold and chill until set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the whipped cream. You can substitute the raspberry gelatin with strawberry or cherry if desired. If you're short on time, using store-bought whipped cream like Cool Whip is a great shortcut. This salad can also be made with fresh fruit instead of canned for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Whipped Cream Salad makes a delightful side dish for holiday meals or a light dessert. Serve it alongside savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham for a perfect balance. It pairs beautifully with Amaretto Fruit Dip for added flavor. Garnish with additional orange peel or fresh mint for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose its firmness over time but will still taste delicious. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped cream will change upon thawing. Simply serve cold directly from the fridge for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Whipped Cream Salad contains roughly 141 calories, with 1g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). 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
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they will need to be cooked and sweetened before adding them to the salad. Canned cranberry sauce provides the right sweetness and texture, making it a simpler option for this recipe.
How can I make this salad more festive for the holidays?
You can elevate the salad by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Additionally, incorporating seasonal spices like nutmeg or using colored gelatin can give it a more holiday-themed appearance. Fresh pomegranate seeds can also be a beautiful and tasty garnish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cranberry Whipped Cream Salad is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients. However, always check the gelatin brand used, as some gelatins are derived from animal products. Opt for a vegetarian gelatin alternative if needed.
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).