ADVERTISEMENT

Creamy Cranberry Salad

by

ADVERTISEMENT

This festive, creamy cranberry salad is a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a refreshing texture. It’s an ideal side dish or dessert for your holiday meals and easy to make with just a few ingredients!

Ingredients

  • 1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ¾ cup sugar (or to taste)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or whipped topping for a lighter version)
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberries:
    • Use a food processor or blender to chop the cranberries coarsely. If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse more, but leaving some chunks will add texture to the salad.
    • Place the chopped cranberries in a large bowl and mix with sugar. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the cranberries to release some juice and soften.
  2. Make the Creamy Base:
    • In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
    • Add the heavy cream and continue to beat until the mixture is fluffy and combined. Alternatively, you can use whipped topping for a lighter version.
  3. Combine Ingredients:
    • Add the sugared cranberries to the cream cheese mixture and stir gently to combine.
    • Fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped nuts (if using), along with the drained pineapple chunks if you want a tropical twist.
  4. Chill:
    • Refrigerate the salad for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, so the flavors can meld and the salad firms up.
  5. Serve:
    • Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a few whole cranberries before serving for a festive touch.

Tips:

  • Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. It’s even better after chilling overnight as the flavors continue to develop.
  • Customizable: You can add different fruits like diced apples or grapes for variety or adjust the sweetness to your preference.
  • Non-Dairy Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.

🎄 Enjoy your Creamy Cranberry Salad! It’s a sweet and tangy treat that brings a pop of color to your holiday spread.

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Comment