Raw Cranberry Salad
A vibrant and tangy cranberry salad featuring fresh raw cranberries and oranges, sweetened with sugar and accented by the crunch of pecans or walnuts. This refreshing dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a bright, fruity side that appeals to both sweet and savory palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- One day ahead, put cranberries and both oranges (use peeling from one) through a meat grinder or blender.
- Add sugar and let stand overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding chopped apples or pears to the mixture. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar to 1 cup. You can also substitute the pecans or walnuts with slivered almonds for a different crunch. To ensure the gelatin sets properly, make sure your boiling water is truly boiling before mixing it with the jello.
Serving Suggestions
This Raw Cranberry Salad makes a refreshing side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Joe'S Slovakian Double Applesauce Cake for dessert. Consider serving it alongside roasted meats or as a topping for a creamy yogurt for a light snack. Garnish with additional nuts or a sprinkle of grated orange zest for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing this salad as it may become watery upon thawing. If you need to refresh the salad before serving, gently stir to recombine any separated ingredients without compromising its integrity.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raw Cranberry Salad contains roughly 452 calories, with 4g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 10g 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 frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
While fresh cranberries are recommended for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just remember to thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before using to avoid a watery salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this Raw Cranberry Salad vegan, simply replace the unflavored gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based gelatin substitute. Follow the package instructions for proper measurement and preparation, ensuring to mix it with the appropriate amount of water.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar content by using a sugar substitute or natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Start with half the amount of sugar and adjust to taste, as cranberries can be quite tart on their own.
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).