Delicious Cranberry Salad

Prep: 10 min

A refreshing cranberry salad with sweet apples and marshmallows, topped with whipped cream and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. cranberries (raw), ground up
  • 3 apples (raw)
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 c. whipped cream
  • 1/2 (10 oz.) pkg. marshmallows
  • chopped nuts (if desired)

Instructions

  1. Ground up the cranberries.
  2. Mix the ground cranberries with the apples.
  3. Add sugar to the mixture.
  4. Let the mixture stand for 30 minutes.
  5. Add whipped cream, marshmallows, and chopped nuts, then mix everything together.
  6. Pour into a glass baking dish or casserole and freeze.
  7. Remove from freezer 30 minutes before serving.
  8. Cut into squares and serve on lettuce leaves.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter salad, consider increasing the sugar to 1 1/4 cups, especially if your cranberries are particularly tart. You can also substitute the apples with pears for a different flavor profile. If you want a lighter version, use low-fat whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative. Adding a splash of orange juice can enhance the overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry salad is delicious served on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves, which adds a nice crunch. Pair it with roasted turkey or ham for a festive meal, or serve it alongside our French Onion Soup as a refreshing contrast. It also makes an excellent addition to a holiday potluck or family gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. To reheat, let the salad thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. If you prefer it slightly chilled, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Delicious Cranberry Salad contains roughly 1168 calories, with 17g protein, 228g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (122% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 770mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

1168 kcal 58% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.8g 34% DV
Total Fat 25.7g 33% DV
Carbs 227.5g 83% DV
Fiber 14g 50% DV
Sugar 96.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 770.4mg 33% DV
Potassium 1026.6mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 678mcg 75% DV
Vitamin C 68.8mg 76% DV
Vitamin D 4.9mcg 24% DV
Calcium 509.1mg 39% DV
Iron 21.9mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before grinding. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still impart great flavor.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this cranberry salad vegan, substitute the whipped cream with a plant-based whipped topping, and ensure that the marshmallows are vegan-friendly. You can find many brands that offer vegan marshmallows.

Is it possible to prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be made a day or two in advance. Just follow the recipe and store it in the freezer. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture and flavor.

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).

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