Creamy Cranberry Salad

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Creamy Cranberry Salad is the kind of dish that brings instant cheer to any table — vibrant, sweet, and tart, all wrapped in a luscious creaminess that feels indulgent yet refreshingly light. With pops of ruby-red cranberries, chunks of juicy pineapple, bits of crisp apple, and soft, fluffy marshmallows, this salad is a celebration of textures and flavors. It’s a festive favorite during the holidays, but it’s honestly too delicious to save for just once a year.

Whether you’re planning a cheerful brunch, looking for a unique potluck addition, or just craving something cool and creamy with a fruity punch, this salad delivers. The beauty of it lies not only in its bold colors and zesty tang but in how easy it is to whip together with a handful of everyday ingredients. One bite and you’ll see why this retro-style dish never goes out of style.

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Ingredients for Creamy Cranberry Salad

• 2 cups fresh cranberries, finely chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped apple (sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream or whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)

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Step 1: Prep the Cranberries

Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries thoroughly. Add them to a food processor and pulse until they’re finely chopped — not puréed, just small pieces. Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl, sprinkle the sugar over them, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This helps soften the cranberries and mellow out their tartness.

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Step 2: Prepare the Fruits

While the cranberries chill, dice your apple into small chunks (no need to peel unless preferred) and drain the crushed pineapple to remove excess liquid. The goal is to keep the salad from turning watery, so give the pineapple a good squeeze in a sieve or paper towel.

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Step 3: Whip the Cream

If you’re using heavy cream, whip it with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. For a shortcut, a tub of whipped topping will work just as well. You want the cream to be fluffy but firm enough to hold everything together.

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Step 4: Combine and Fold

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened cranberries (with their juice), chopped apple, pineapple, and mini marshmallows. Gently fold in the whipped cream or topping. Stir in chopped nuts if using. Mix just until everything is evenly coated and distributed.

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Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This gives the marshmallows time to soften and all the flavors to mingle. When ready, give it a light stir and serve it chilled in a big bowl or individual cups for a fun presentation.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Creamy Cranberry Salad fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 24–48 hours when the fruit is still firm and the texture is at its peak. Avoid freezing, as the whipped cream and fresh fruit don’t thaw well and can become watery or grainy.

If you plan to make it ahead for a party, prepare the cranberry-sugar mixture the night before, and then assemble the rest a few hours before serving to maintain the fluffiness and brightness of the ingredients.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)

• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 20mg
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 2g

Note: Values may vary slightly based on exact ingredients used and portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh cranberries are best for this salad due to their tart, crisp nature. Canned cranberries are too soft and sweet, which may alter the texture and flavor balance.

2. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! Thaw them completely before chopping. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar.

3. What can I use instead of whipped cream?

You can substitute with Greek yogurt or dairy-free whipped topping if you’re looking for a healthier or vegan version.

4. Is this salad dessert or a side dish?

It’s both! While sweet, it pairs wonderfully with savory mains at holiday meals, or can be served as a light dessert.

5. How do I keep the apples from browning?

Toss the diced apples in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad to preserve their color.

6. Can I make this salad nut-free?

Absolutely. Just leave out the walnuts or pecans — the salad will still be creamy and delicious without them.

7. Can I make it a day ahead?

Yes, in fact, it tastes even better when chilled overnight. Just stir gently before serving.

8. What other fruits can I add?

Try adding mandarin oranges, halved grapes, or even diced pears for a twist. Just be sure to drain well to avoid excess moisture.

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