Delicious Cranberry Salad Recipe for Your Next Gathering

Cranberry salad is not just a side dish; it’s an explosion of flavor and texture that dances on your taste buds. Imagine biting into crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and zesty cranberries, all enveloped in a creamy dressing that makes your heart sing with joy. This delightful concoction doesn’t just sit on the plate; it practically demands to be the star of the show at your next gathering.

Whenever I whip up cranberry salad, it’s like throwing a small party in my kitchen. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas fill the air, transforming mundane moments into festive occasions. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a Wednesday that needs some pizzazz, this salad brings warmth and joy to any table. You can practically hear it saying, “Hey there! Let’s celebrate life!”

I once made this cranberry salad for a family barbecue, and let me tell you, my cousin Bob declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” High praise from someone who considers ketchup a vegetable!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Fresh Cranberries: Opt for firm berries; they should be bright red for the best flavor.

• Honeycrisp Apples: These apples add a sweet crunch; feel free to swap them for your favorite variety.

• Pecans: Toasted pecans bring out a rich nutty flavor that complements the sweet ingredients perfectly.

• Greek Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt for creaminess without excess sugar—your waistline will thank you!

• Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances sweetness while providing depth of flavor.

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up all the flavors and keeps the apples from browning.

• Salt: Just a pinch of salt elevates all the other flavors; don’t skip this step!

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

How to Make Cranberry Salad

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing fresh cranberries under cold water until clean. Trim any stems or leaves off and set aside to dry while you chop other ingredients.

Chop the Apples: Dice Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces and toss with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning. The tartness balances well against the sweet cranberries.

Mingle Those Mix-Ins: In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, cranberries, and toasted pecans. Gently fold them together so you don’t squish those beautiful berries!

Create the Dressing: In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This dressing is like a hug in a bowl!

Toss It All Together: Pour the dressing over your fruit mixture and gently stir until everything is coated evenly. Taste-test here; maybe add more maple syrup if you have a sweet tooth!

Chill Before Serving: Let your cranberry salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully—plus, it gives you time to clean up!

Enjoy every colorful bite of this cranberry salad as it turns any gathering into a feast! It’s not just food; it’s an experience that delights all senses.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the perfect cranberry salad, start by mixing your dressing first, then toss in the cranberries and other ingredients. This ensures even coating and enhances flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your cranberry salad with nuts, seeds, or even a sprinkle of cheese. These additions can add delightful crunch and richness to your dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cranberry salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy it cold straight from the fridge for maximum freshness.

Sharing this recipe takes me back to a Thanksgiving where my cousin insisted on adding marshmallows. Let’s just say it was memorable—and not in a good way!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries for this cranberry salad?

You can use frozen cranberries, but thaw them first for best texture and flavor.

How long can I store leftover cranberry salad?

Leftover cranberry salad can last up to three days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

What can I add to enhance the flavor of my cranberry salad?

Add citrus zest or a splash of orange juice for an extra burst of freshness and zing.

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

📖 Recipe Card

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Cranberry Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Cranberry salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples, crunchy pecans, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this salad dazzles with its colorful presentation and delightful flavors. Whether for Thanksgiving or a casual summer gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that brings joy to your table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, diced
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Rinse cranberries under cold water and set aside to dry.
2. Dice Honeycrisp apples and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, cranberries, and toasted pecans.
4. In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour dressing over fruit mixture and gently stir to coat.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg