Holiday Cranberries

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A festive and tangy cranberry salad with crunchy walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings. Sweet, tart, and nutty flavors make it a delightful seasonal treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. cranberries
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Place water, sugar, and cranberries in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil and continue boiling until cranberries pop.
  3. Cool the mixture.
  4. Add chopped walnuts and mix together.
  5. Keep a few cranberries and walnuts aside for top decoration.
  6. Refrigerate until ready to serve or overnight.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you want a nut-free version, you can substitute sunflower seeds for walnuts. To enhance the dish, add a splash of orange juice or zest while cooking the cranberries for extra freshness. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This recipe is perfect for the holidays and pairs beautifully with Country Church Pudding.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish chilled as a refreshing side or topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream or yogurt. It also complements savory dishes, making it a great addition to a holiday feast. For a festive touch, garnish with the reserved cranberries and walnuts before serving. This dish can be a delightful contrast to rich entrees, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will deepen over time. If you want to serve it warm again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving as it may change the texture of the cranberries.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Cranberries contains roughly 316 calories, with 6g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

316 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.5g 11% DV
Total Fat 20g 26% DV
Carbs 35.5g 13% DV
Fiber 5.3g 19% DV
Sugar 18.9g 38% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 6.1mg
Potassium 255.7mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.8mcg
Vitamin C 16.8mg 19% DV
Calcium 43.2mg 3% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Tree nuts

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?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking. They may take slightly longer to pop, so increase the boiling time by a few minutes if needed. The flavor will still be delicious and vibrant.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cranberries?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of sugar to suit your taste. Start with 1 cup of sugar and taste the mixture before adding more if desired. You can also incorporate natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but this may alter the texture slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegans as it contains no animal products. You can enjoy it as a part of your vegan holiday spread. It's a fresh, tart option that adds variety to your table, especially alongside other vegan recipes.

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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