Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without my vibrant Thanksgiving cranberry salad. This dish is a delightful burst of flavor and color that brings such a refreshing twist to the holiday table! I remember my first Thanksgiving making it—my family was skeptical at first, but when they took that first bite, their faces lit up! The tartness of the fresh cranberries, combined with the crunch of celery and the creaminess of whipped cream, creates a perfect balance. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! Trust me, this Thanksgiving cranberry salad is a must-have, and it will quickly become a cherished tradition in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad
- 2 cups fresh cranberries: These little gems are the star of the show! Look for firm, bright berries to get that perfect tart flavor.
- 1 cup sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of the cranberries beautifully. You can adjust this based on your taste preference, but I recommend starting with a full cup!
- 1 cup chopped celery: This adds a nice crunch and a fresh, crisp texture to the salad. Make sure to chop it finely for the best bite!
- 1 cup chopped walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring a lovely nutty flavor and extra crunch. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to swap them for pecans!
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: These fluffy little bites add a playful sweetness and a touch of nostalgia. They’re a must for that classic touch!
- 1 cup whipped cream: The creamy element that ties everything together! You can use store-bought or make your own—both work wonders.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad
Making this Thanksgiving cranberry salad is a breeze! I promise, it comes together in no time and is so rewarding. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a refreshing dish that will steal the spotlight on your holiday table!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, rinse your 2 cups of fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or bad berries—this is crucial for that crisp, tart flavor!
- Next, toss the cleaned cranberries into a blender. Add in 1 cup of sugar. Blend until the cranberries are finely chopped but not pureed—this gives the salad that lovely texture. Trust me, the smell is divine!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cranberries with 1 cup of chopped celery, 1 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. The colors are just gorgeous—so festive!
- Now, it’s time to fold in the star of the show—1 cup of whipped cream. Gently mix it in until everything is well combined. This is where it all comes together in a creamy, dreamy mixture!
- Finally, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time lets all those flavors meld beautifully. You can even make it a day ahead—talk about a time-saver!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad
This Thanksgiving cranberry salad is not only delicious but also packs a moderate nutritional punch! Each serving is estimated to provide the following values:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. But hey, it’s a holiday treat, and a little indulgence is part of the fun, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with my Thanksgiving cranberry salad! Here are just a few:
- Quick Preparation: You’ll have this salad ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for those last-minute holiday preparations!
- No Cooking Required: This is a no-cook recipe, so it’s as easy as mixing and chilling. Anyone can do it!
- Refreshing Flavor: The tartness of the cranberries combined with the sweetness of whipped cream is utterly refreshing—especially after a heavy Thanksgiving meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can whip it up a day in advance, saving you valuable time on the big day.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a perfect addition to your holiday feast!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this salad a Thanksgiving staple year after year!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad
To make sure your Thanksgiving cranberry salad turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness—if you prefer a tangier salad, start with a little less sugar and taste as you go. You can always add more! Also, if you want a bit of zing, consider mixing in a splash of orange juice or zest; it elevates the flavor wonderfully!
And remember, this salad is fantastic for make-ahead preparations! You can prepare it a day in advance, which allows those flavors to mingle beautifully. Just be sure to cover it tightly in the fridge to keep it fresh. Enjoy the process, and trust me, your guests will be raving about it!
Variations of Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad
One of the best things about my Thanksgiving cranberry salad is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to fit your taste or what you have on hand. For a different nutty flavor, try substituting the walnuts with chopped pecans or almonds—both add a delightful crunch!
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding diced apples or pears for a fruity twist. They bring a nice sweetness and additional texture to the salad. You could also mix in some fresh orange segments or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor. And for those who love a little spice, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can really elevate the dish. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving cranberry salad is a breeze! Once you’ve served it, any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it well to maintain that creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing any other fridge odors.
Now, let’s be real—this salad is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just pull it out of the fridge, give it a gentle stir if needed, and it’s ready to go! If you made it ahead of time, it’s a great way to enjoy those delicious flavors again without any extra fuss. Trust me, your guests will love it just as much on day two!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Thanksgiving cranberry salad? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before blending.
How long can I make this salad in advance?
You can make this Thanksgiving cranberry salad up to a day ahead of time! Just remember to keep it covered in the fridge to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to mix in diced apples, pears, or even some pomegranate seeds for a fun twist. It adds extra texture and sweetness!
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
It can be made vegan by swapping the whipped cream for a plant-based alternative. Just make sure to check the sugar as well, as some brands may use bone char in processing.
What’s the best way to serve it?
This salad is best served chilled, so make sure to keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to dig in. It’s a great side to balance out heavier Thanksgiving dishes!
Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing cranberry salad perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems.
- In a blender, blend cranberries with sugar until finely chopped.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped cranberries, celery, walnuts, and marshmallows.
- Fold in whipped cream until well mixed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if desired.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: thanksgiving cranberry salad
