Lela'S Cranberry Waldorf
A vibrant cranberry salad with crunchy apples, grapes, walnuts, and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for holiday gatherings and festive occasions that delight the palate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind cranberries and combine with marshmallows and sugar. Cover and chill overnight.
- Add diced apples, grapes, walnuts and salt. Fold in whipped cream.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the texture, try to use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you want a lighter version, substitute the whipping cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat whipped topping. For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can work as a suitable substitute.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing side at summer barbecues. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, particularly turkey or chicken. For an elegant touch, serve it in individual cups and garnish with additional walnuts or a sprig of mint. You can also browse more American recipes for complementary dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, but the texture may change slightly. To enjoy it cold, serve directly from the fridge. Avoid freezing, as the whipped cream may separate upon thawing and compromise the dish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lela'S Cranberry Waldorf contains roughly 796 calories, with 15g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg per serving (53% 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
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Lela's Cranberry Waldorf can be prepared a day in advance. Just follow the instructions and chill it overnight. The flavors will deepen and improve as it sits. Make sure to gently fold in the whipped cream right before serving to maintain its light and airy texture.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or want to avoid walnuts, consider using seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for a similar crunch. Additionally, you could use pecans or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor, keeping in mind that they will alter the taste slightly.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, Lela's Cranberry Waldorf is a vegetarian recipe as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients other than the whipping cream. For a vegan option, use a dairy-free whipped cream alternative. This dish is both delicious and suitable for various dietary preferences.
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).