Thanksgiving just wouldn’t feel complete without a vibrant salad on the table, and this Thanksgiving cranberry salad truly takes the spotlight! It’s a refreshing burst of flavors that perfectly balances the richness of the holiday feast. I remember my first Thanksgiving helping my mom make this salad; the tartness of the cranberries mixed with the sweetness of the marshmallows always amazed me. It’s become a family favorite over the years, and every bite brings back those cherished memories. Not only is it delicious, but it also adds a pop of color to the holiday spread, making it a must-have on our Thanksgiving table!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: These little gems are the star of the show! Make sure to get fresh ones for that perfect tartness. If you see any squishy ones, toss them out!
- 1 cup sugar: This sweetens the deal and balances the tartness of the cranberries. Feel free to adjust this amount based on your taste—more or less, it’s totally up to you!
- 1 cup water: This is used to cook the cranberries. It helps them burst and release their juices, creating that lovely sauce we all love.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Adds a delightful crunch and freshness. I love the texture it brings to the salad—so refreshing!
- 1 cup chopped walnuts: These add a nutty flavor and a nice crunch. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans work beautifully too!
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: These sweet little bites bring a playful sweetness to the dish. They’re a childhood favorite of mine!
- 1 cup whipped cream: This is the finishing touch that makes it creamy and dreamy. You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, it’s going to be delicious!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad
Getting this Thanksgiving cranberry salad ready is super simple and oh-so-rewarding! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a vibrant, delicious salad that everyone will be asking for. Trust me, the combination of flavors is amazing, and the best part? It can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on your turkey or pumpkin pie! Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by rinsing 2 cups of fresh cranberries under cool water. Make sure to remove any stems or squishy ones—nobody wants those in their salad!
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst—this should take about 10 minutes.
- Once the cranberries have burst, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely. This step is super important, as you don’t want to melt the whipped cream later!
- After it’s cool, mix in 1 cup of chopped celery, 1 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Stir gently to combine all those delicious flavors!
- Now, fold in 1 cup of whipped cream carefully. You want to keep that airy texture, so be gentle!
- Finally, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a friendly note: the nutritional information provided for this Thanksgiving cranberry salad can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always recommend checking the labels of your products for the most accurate information. While I do my best to give a good estimate, remember that everyone’s kitchen and ingredients can differ. So don’t stress too much about the numbers; focus on enjoying this delicious salad with your loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet marshmallows creates a refreshing burst of flavor that compliments any holiday meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in no time, leaving you more time to focus on the main dishes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, which is a game-changer when planning your Thanksgiving feast.
- Colorful Addition: Its vibrant red and white colors add a festive touch to your table, making it a visual delight.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves it! This salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends, bringing smiles all around!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad
To ensure your Thanksgiving cranberry salad turns out perfectly, always start with fresh cranberries—trust me, they make all the difference! If you prefer a sweeter salad, feel free to adjust the sugar level to your taste; just remember, the balance of flavors is key. Don’t rush the cooling process; letting the cranberry mixture cool completely is crucial before adding the whipped cream to maintain that delightful fluffiness. And if you want to add a little twist, try incorporating some chopped apples or pears for extra texture and sweetness. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine!
Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad
This Thanksgiving cranberry salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, creating a harmonious meal experience. Try serving it alongside a savory roasted turkey or glazed ham for a delightful contrast of flavors. It’s also a perfect companion to creamy mashed potatoes or stuffing, adding a refreshing twist to your plate. For beverages, consider a crisp white wine or a sparkling cider to complement the salad’s tartness. And don’t forget to have some warm dinner rolls on the side—there’s nothing like sopping up those delicious flavors with fresh bread! Enjoy this festive spread!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this delightful Thanksgiving cranberry salad, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that fresh flavor intact! Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve it again, there’s no need to reheat—this salad is best enjoyed chilled! Just give it a quick stir to refresh the ingredients, and you’re good to go. If you anticipate leftovers, consider serving it in smaller portions to keep it fresh for longer! Enjoy every last bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? You can, but fresh cranberries really elevate the flavor! If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
What can I substitute for walnuts? If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans or even slivered almonds work wonderfully. You could also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
How can I adjust the sweetness? If you prefer a less sweet salad, simply reduce the sugar! Start with half the amount and taste as you go—it’s all about finding the balance you love.
Can I add other fruits? Absolutely! Chopped apples or pears add a lovely sweetness and crunch. Just remember to adjust the sugar accordingly if you add more fruits.
How long can I keep leftovers? This salad lasts up to 3 days in the fridge, but trust me, it’s so delicious it usually doesn’t last that long!
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Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad: 5 Irresistible Flavor Layers
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Thanksgiving cranberry salad with a blend of flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries and remove any stems.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
- Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst.
- Let the mixture cool completely.
- Mix in celery, walnuts, and marshmallows.
- Fold in whipped cream gently.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on your taste preference.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: thanksgiving cranberry salad
