Holiday Salad(Easy And Simple)

Prep: 1440 min Cuisine: American

A festive, sweet-tart salad featuring cranberries, pineapple, marshmallows, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and enjoyed by those who love a creamy, fruity treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. cranberries, ground
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1 c. crushed pineapple
  • 1 c. chopped nuts
  • 3 c. mini marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Mix together ground cranberries and sugar and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Next day, add crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, marshmallows, and Cool Whip.

Tips & Substitutions

For a refreshing twist, consider adding diced apples or mandarin oranges to the mix. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the Cool Whip with a vegan whipped topping. Be sure to mix the cranberries and sugar thoroughly to ensure even sweetness. This salad can also be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Holiday Salad as a festive side dish during gatherings or alongside a main course like Barbecued Hawaiian Chicken. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes, providing a sweet contrast. For an extra touch, garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coconut flakes before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad is best served cold, so there's no need to reheat it. If the marshmallows absorb too much liquid over time, you can add a bit more Cool Whip before serving to restore creaminess.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Salad(Easy And Simple) contains roughly 1221 calories, with 16g protein, 250g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (113% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 655mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

1221 kcal 61% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.1g 32% DV
Total Fat 23.3g 30% DV
Carbs 249.6g 91% DV
Fiber 14.8g 53% DV
Sugar 86.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 654.6mg 28% DV
Potassium 1168.7mg 25% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 604.8mcg 67% DV
Vitamin C 78.4mg 87% DV
Vitamin D 4.3mcg 22% DV
Calcium 483.2mg 37% DV
Iron 20.3mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before grinding. This will help maintain the desired texture and prevent excess moisture in the salad.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the Cool Whip with a vegan whipped topping and ensure the marshmallows are gelatin-free. This way, you can enjoy a delightful vegan version of this classic salad.

How can I make the salad less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute. Additionally, incorporating more chopped nuts or diced fruit can balance the flavors and add texture without overwhelming 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).

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