Merry Cranberry Salad
A vibrant and tangy cranberry salad with chopped cranberries, pineapple, walnuts, and whipped cream, perfect for festive occasions and loved by those who enjoy sweet-tart flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except whipped cream well.
- Fold in whipped cream gently until combined.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg when mixing the ingredients. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar to a cup. For a nut-free version, you can substitute the walnuts with sunflower seeds. This salad can also be made ahead of time; just keep the whipped cream separate until serving to maintain its fluffiness.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a side dish for holiday meals, especially alongside roasted meats or as part of a buffet. It pairs beautifully with Favorite Cheese Balls for a festive appetizer spread. For a complete meal, serve it with a light protein like grilled chicken or fish. Garnish with additional walnuts or cranberries for a colorful touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Merry Cranberry Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped cream will change. When ready to serve leftovers, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients, and consider adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for a nice presentation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Cranberry Salad contains roughly 1016 calories, with 15g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 17g 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 make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, Merry Cranberry Salad can be prepared a day ahead. Just mix all ingredients except for the whipped cream and refrigerate. Fold in the whipped cream right before serving to keep it fluffy and fresh.
Is it possible to use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing. This will help avoid excess moisture in the salad, which can affect the texture.
Can I substitute cream cheese for another ingredient?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.
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).