Penny'S Cranberry Marshmallow Salad
A delightful holiday salad combining tangy cranberries, sweet marshmallows, crunchy walnuts, and fresh fruit, perfect for festive gatherings and dessert tables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the ground cranberries, mini marshmallows, and sugar in a bowl and chill overnight.
- The next day, add diced apples, salt, walnuts, whipping cream, and green grapes to the mixture.
- Mix well and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter salad, consider adding a touch more sugar or using honey instead. If you want a creamier texture, substitute half of the whipping cream with Greek yogurt. The balance of tart cranberries and sweet marshmallows makes this dish reminiscent of other American recipes. For added flavor, try incorporating a splash of orange juice or zest.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at holiday gatherings or family meals. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a light dessert. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of additional walnuts on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some texture due to the marshmallows, but the flavors will continue to meld beautifully. Avoid freezing, as the cream and fruit may separate upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penny'S Cranberry Marshmallow Salad contains roughly 991 calories, with 18g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1368mg per serving (59% 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 frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries; just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture. Ground them when fully thawed to maintain the salad's texture.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it up to the mixing stage and chill it overnight for the best flavor and texture.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
Feel free to experiment with other fruits like diced pears, mandarin oranges, or even pomegranate seeds for added color and flavor. Just remember to balance the sweetness with the cranberries.
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).