Celebrate with Festive Cranberry Orange Salad Delight

When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing quite like the zingy burst of a Festive Cranberry Orange Salad. This salad is not just a dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavor that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the sweet-tartness of fresh cranberries mingling with zesty oranges, all topped off with crunchy nuts and a drizzle of honey. It’s like a party in a bowl, and everyone’s invited!

I remember the first time I made this salad for my family gathering. Grandma took one bite and exclaimed it was the best thing since sliced bread—or at least since her famous apple pie! It quickly became our holiday staple, gracing our table during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even casual Sunday dinners. The anticipation of those bright flavors always brings a smile to my face.

Sharing this recipe with friends always leads to rave reviews, especially when they discover how simple it is to prepare.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cranberries: Opt for firm cranberries without blemishes for the best flavor; they are tart but full of health benefits.

• Oranges: Use juicy oranges; navel oranges are great for their sweetness and easy peeling.

• Honey: Choose pure honey for natural sweetness; it enhances the flavors beautifully without being overly sugary.

• Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts add crunch; feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

• Mint Leaves: Fresh mint adds a refreshing note that brightens the entire salad; try to use fresh rather than dried.

• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brings out the citrus flavor more than bottled juice ever could.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Festive Cranberry Orange Salad

Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water until clean. Peel the oranges and segment them into bite-sized pieces while enjoying their citrusy aroma.

Mingle the Flavors: In a large mixing bowl, combine cranberries and orange segments. Add chopped pecans or walnuts, allowing their nutty scent to fill the air.

Add Sweetness: Drizzle honey over your fruit mixture along with freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir gently until everything is coated in that sweet citrus goodness.

Finish with Freshness: Tear fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them over the salad before giving it another gentle toss. The mint will add an extra layer of refreshing flavor.

Chill and Serve!: Let your salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those delightful flavors to meld together beautifully.

This Festive Cranberry Orange Salad is not just visually stunning but also offers an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds). Enjoy every vibrant bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping all your ingredients first: chop cranberries, zest oranges, and mix the dressing. This ensures smooth assembly and vibrant flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. Customize to suit your taste!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No reheating required—this salad is best enjoyed chilled.

Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about those holiday dinners where this salad was always the star. Friends would rave while I pretended it took hours of work!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries for this festive cranberry orange salad?

Yes, but fresh cranberries yield better texture and flavor.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It can stay fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for oranges in this recipe?

You could use mandarins or clementines for a sweeter twist.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Festive Cranberry Orange Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Bright and refreshing, this Festive Cranberry Orange Salad is the perfect holiday dish that bursts with flavor! The sweet-tart cranberries blend beautifully with juicy oranges, crunchy nuts, and a hint of honey. This vibrant salad not only adds color to your table but also tantalizes your taste buds, making it a go-to favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it’s sure to impress family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups fresh cranberries (about 200g)
• 2 large navel oranges, segmented
• 3 tbsp honey
• ½ cup pecans or walnuts (60g), chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (60ml)

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Instructions

1. Rinse cranberries under cold water until clean and set aside.
2. Peel the oranges and segment them into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine cranberries, orange segments, and chopped nuts.
4. Drizzle honey and orange juice over the mixture; stir gently until coated.
5. Add torn mint leaves and toss lightly.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg