Cream-Cranberry Salad
A creamy, fruity dessert combining cranberry, pineapple, and nuts, perfect for festive occasions or a refreshing treat for a crowd. Easily prepared and served frozen.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup milk, and Dream Whip together in a bowl.
- Add salad dressing and sugar to the mixture and blend well.
- Fold in cranberry sauce, chopped nuts, and crushed pineapple.
- Pour the mixture into a mold or loaf pans and freeze for at least 6 hours.
- Allow the salad to thaw slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the Dream Whip with whipped heavy cream if desired. If you prefer a sweeter salad, adjust the sugar to taste. For added flavor, consider using flavored salad dressing, such as a poppy seed or honey mustard variety, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Cream-Cranberry Salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a festive side at holiday gatherings. It also makes a delightful addition to brunch spreads. For presentation, consider garnishing with additional nuts or fresh cranberries. Serve it alongside dishes like the Old Pecan Street Special for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. To enjoy, transfer the salad to the refrigerator a few hours before serving to allow it to thaw gradually. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture; serving it slightly chilled is best for a refreshing experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream-Cranberry Salad contains roughly 918 calories, with 13g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 469mg per serving (20% 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
How do I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
You can easily adjust the sweetness to your preference by varying the amount of sugar added. Start with the recommended 2 tablespoons and taste the mixture before folding in the other ingredients. If you prefer a sweeter salad, gradually add more sugar until you achieve your desired level of sweetness.
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).