Aunt Meda’s Cranberry Salad

🥗 Aunt Meda’s Cranberry Salad 🥗

Aunt Meda’s Cranberry Salad is a delightful, classic holiday dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of various fruits and a hint of creaminess. It’s a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners and can be prepared in advance, making it a popular choice for holiday gatherings.

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📜 History:
The exact origin of Aunt Meda’s Cranberry Salad is unclear, but it has become a beloved tradition in many families over the years. It’s a classic American holiday dish that has evolved and been passed down through generations.

📋 Components:
Here are the key components of Aunt Meda’s Cranberry Salad:

1. Cranberries: The star of the show, cranberries provide the tart and refreshing flavor to the salad.

2. Apples: Sweet and crisp apples add a fruity dimension to the dish. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice due to their tartness, but you can use other varieties too.

3. Oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest contribute a zesty and citrusy flavor.

4. Pineapple: Canned crushed pineapple adds sweetness and a tropical twist to the salad.

5. Marshmallows: Miniature marshmallows bring a touch of sweetness and a pleasant chewy texture.

6. Nuts: Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

7. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping adds a creamy and airy element to the salad.

📝 Steps to Prepare:

Here’s how to make Aunt Meda’s Cranberry Salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of fresh cranberries
• 2 apples, diced
• 2 oranges (juice and zest)
• 1 can of crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• Whipped cream (for garnish)
• 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Start by washing and draining the fresh cranberries.

2. Use a food processor to chop the cranberries until they’re finely chopped but not pureed.

3. In a large bowl, mix the chopped cranberries with the sugar and set it aside for about 15 minutes to allow the cranberries to macerate. Adjust the sugar to your taste, as cranberries can vary in tartness.

4. While the cranberries are macerating, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the apples, zest and juice the oranges, and chop the nuts.

5. After the cranberries have macerated, add the diced apples, orange zest, orange juice, crushed pineapple, miniature marshmallows, and chopped nuts to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.

6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld together.

7. Before serving, garnish the salad with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful finishing touch.

⏰ Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for Aunt Meda’s Cranberry Salad can vary depending on how quickly you can prepare the ingredients and how long you refrigerate it. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to prepare the ingredients and an additional 2-3 hours of refrigeration time. However, letting it sit in the fridge overnight is even better for flavor development.

Enjoy this delicious and colorful cranberry salad as a side dish to your holiday meals. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors that your family and guests are sure to love! 🍽️🎉

Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Meda’s Cranberry Salad. Please note that the exact values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used, but this provides a general idea:

📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 160-200 calories
• Total Fat: 3-5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
• Cholesterol: 5-10 mg
• Sodium: 10-20 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
• Sugars: 25-30 grams
• Protein: 1-2 grams
• Vitamin C: 20-30% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 2-4% DV
• Iron: 2-4% DV

🌟 Health Information:

• Cranberries are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C. They are known for their potential to support urinary tract health and provide essential nutrients.
• Apples are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants and are linked to heart health.
• Oranges are packed with vitamin C, providing a significant portion of your daily needs. They also contain fiber and are great for overall immune support.
• Pineapple adds natural sweetness and provides vitamin C and manganese.
• Marshmallows and whipped cream contribute to the overall taste and texture of the salad but are higher in sugar and fat. Consider using them in moderation if you’re watching your sugar or calorie intake.
• Nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, provide healthy fats, protein, and added crunch. They are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and may have heart-healthy benefits.

Keep in mind that the sugar content can vary based on your personal preferences and the type of canned pineapple used. If you’re concerned about sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of added sugar or use a sugar substitute.

Aunt Meda’s Cranberry Salad, with its combination of fruits and nuts, offers a mix of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and flavors. While it contains some added sugar and fats from marshmallows and whipped cream, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.