Ah, Christmas Cranberry Salad! This vibrant dish has been a staple at my family gatherings for as long as I can remember. The moment I mix those tart cranberries with the sweetness of marshmallows and the crunch of walnuts, it feels like the holidays are truly here! I can still picture my grandma in her festive apron, smiling as she whipped up this salad while we decorated the tree. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. Trust me, this colorful salad will brighten up your holiday table and leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Christmas Cranberry Salad a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups fresh cranberries – make sure they’re bright and firm!
1 cup sugar – this sweetens the tart cranberries just perfectly.
1 cup chopped walnuts – for that delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
1 cup celery, chopped – adds a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness.
1 cup miniature marshmallows – they give a fun, chewy texture.
1 cup whipped cream – for a luscious finish that ties it all together.

Feel free to adjust any of these ingredients to fit your taste—this salad is all about making it your own!

How to Prepare Christmas Cranberry Salad

Preparing this Christmas Cranberry Salad is a breeze, and the best part? It all comes together in just a few simple steps! Make sure you allow some time for the cranberries to marinate in sugar—trust me, it makes a world of difference. Here’s how to whip up this festive delight:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by rinsing the 2 cups of fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or bad berries, as we want only the best for this salad!
In a large bowl, combine the rinsed cranberries with 1 cup of sugar. Give it a good stir, then let it sit for 2 hours. This allows the cranberries to soak up that sweet goodness and soften a bit.
After the cranberries have marinated, add in 1 cup of chopped walnuts, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1 cup of miniature marshmallows. Mix everything gently to combine these wonderful flavors!
Next, fold in 1 cup of whipped cream until everything is well combined and coated. Be gentle here; we want to keep that fluffy texture!
Finally, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it extra refreshing!

And there you have it! A vibrant, delicious Christmas Cranberry Salad that’s bound to impress your guests. Enjoy the process and don’t forget to sneak a little taste along the way—it’s too good to resist!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, for a typical serving of this Christmas Cranberry Salad (about 1 cup), you can expect roughly 220 calories, 10g of fat, 2g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Enjoy this festive treat guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flair: The vibrant colors of cranberries and marshmallows make this salad a showstopper on any holiday table!
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish without breaking a sweat.
Deliciously Unique: The combination of tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and sweet marshmallows creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, making your holiday prep a breeze.
Kid-Approved: The fun textures and sweet flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Tips for Success

Want to take your Christmas Cranberry Salad to the next level? Here are my top tips for a perfect dish!

Sweetness Level: Don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar! If you prefer a tangier salad, reduce the sugar a bit or add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
Nut Variations: If walnuts aren’t your thing, pecans or almonds work wonderfully too! Just toast them lightly for an extra depth of flavor.
Fruit Additions: Consider adding diced apples or pears for a fruity crunch. They pair beautifully with the cranberries!
Whipped Cream Substitute: For a lighter option, swap the whipped cream with Greek yogurt. It’ll still be creamy but with a healthier twist.
Presentation: Serve it in a festive bowl and sprinkle some extra nuts or cranberries on top for a beautiful finishing touch!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Christmas Cranberry Salad! Here are some delightful ideas to get you started:

Nutty Alternatives: Swap out walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even pistachios for a unique crunch!
Fruity Additions: Toss in some diced apples, pears, or even mandarin oranges for an extra burst of sweetness and flavor.
Flavor Twists: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry mixture for a warm, festive spice that complements the tartness.
Berry Bliss: Mix in some blueberries or raspberries for a colorful twist and added texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream for a dairy-free version that’s still creamy and delicious!

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas Cranberry Salad is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast! It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or ham, adding a refreshing contrast to rich flavors. You can also enjoy it alongside a warm, cheesy casserole or even as a light side with grilled chicken. Trust me, it’s a festive match made in heaven!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining Christmas Cranberry Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, it’s best served chilled, so no reheating needed! If you want to prepare it ahead of time, make it a day in advance for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Christmas Cranberry Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Festive Dish

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive salad featuring cranberries and nuts.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup whipped cream

Instructions

Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems.
Mix cranberries and sugar in a bowl. Let sit for 2 hours.
Add walnuts, celery, and marshmallows to the cranberry mixture.
Fold in whipped cream until well combined.
Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference.
Use pecans instead of walnuts if desired.
Can be made a day in advance.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Christmas Cranberry Salad

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