Lillian'S Cranberry Salad
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry salad with cherries and orange, perfect for festive occasions or as a refreshing side dish for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a food processor, grind the pie cherries, orange (including peel), and cranberries until finely chopped.
- Place the ground mixture in a large bowl.
- Add sugar and mix well to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Lillian's Cranberry Salad, consider using a mix of fresh cranberries and frozen ones for a more complex taste. If you want a less sweet version, reduce the sugar by half and substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. For a twist, you can add chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the mixture. This salad can also be made ahead of time for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Lillian's Cranberry Salad makes a vibrant addition to holiday meals, pairing beautifully with dishes like roast turkey or glazed ham. Serve it alongside Aunt Joan's Marinade for a delightful contrast of flavors. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. It also works great as a side at potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the salad over time. If you want to serve it chilled again, simply allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, or give it a gentle stir to refresh the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lillian'S Cranberry Salad contains roughly 1391 calories, with 16g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh cranberries instead of canned?
Yes, fresh cranberries can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to rinse and sort them, removing any that are soft or damaged. Fresh cranberries may yield a slightly different texture, but they will provide a fresher taste overall.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare Lillian's Cranberry Salad up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious when it's time to serve.
What can I substitute for Jell-O?
If you want to avoid Jell-O, you can use agar-agar or a fruit-flavored gelatin alternative. Just be sure to follow the package instructions to achieve the right consistency. For a healthier option, consider making a fruit puree to achieve a similar effect without added sugars.
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).