Mary'S Cranberry Salad
A creamy, tangy cranberry salad with pineapple and pecans, perfect for festive gatherings or as a cool side dish that combines sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sugar until smooth.
- Add the cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and pecans to the mixture and combine well.
- Fold in the whipped Dream Whip until evenly incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and freeze until firm.
- For a larger mold, double the recipe.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. If fresh cranberries are available, consider making your own cranberry sauce for a more vibrant flavor. This salad can also be made ahead of time, which makes it a great addition to holiday gatherings alongside dishes like Chocolate-Candy Jumbo Christmas Cheesecake.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry salad is a delightful side dish for holiday meals, enhancing the flavors of roasted meats or vegetarian recipes. Serve it chilled, garnished with additional pecans or a sprinkle of coconut for added texture. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Colada Punch, making it a refreshing addition to festive gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. If you prefer to keep it for just a few days, it can stay in the fridge for up to a week. Avoid refreezing once thawed to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Cranberry Salad contains roughly 952 calories, with 3g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 527mg per serving (23% 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 use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries! Cook them down with sugar and a little water until they burst to create your own sauce. This will give your salad a fresher taste, but ensure it cools completely before mixing it into the salad.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar or omitting it entirely, especially if your cranberry sauce is sweetened. Taste the mixture before folding in the whipped Dream Whip to find your ideal balance.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based mayonnaise. Ensure that the Dream Whip is replaced with a suitable vegan whipped topping to maintain the texture while making it vegan-friendly.
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).