Cranberry Waldorf Salad 🥗

Overview:

This Cranberry Waldorf Salad is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for your Christmas or Thanksgiving table. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just 30 minutes of preparation time, and it’s sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. With crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and the unexpected twist of cranberry sauce, every bite bursts with freshness and festive cheer.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

Calories: 206.4 per serving
Fat Content: 6.5g
Saturated Fat Content: 1.2g
Cholesterol Content: 3mg
Sodium Content: 28.4mg
Carbohydrate Content: 38.7g
Fiber Content: 2.8g
Sugar Content: 33.5g
Protein Content: 1.9g

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Start by gathering your ingredients. Wash the apples, grapes, and celery under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels. Core the apples and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Remove the stems from the grapes if necessary. Chop the celery into small pieces. Measure out the walnuts, raisins, mayonnaise, sour cream, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and cranberry sauce.

2. Mix the Fruits:

   • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and raisins. Toss gently to mix them evenly.

3. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a separate small mixing bowl, prepare the dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and celery salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.

4. Incorporate the Cranberry Sauce:

   • Once the dressing is ready, fold in the whole berry cranberry sauce. This will add a tangy sweetness and a burst of festive color to the salad.

5. Combine and Chill:

   • Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture in the medium bowl. Gently toss until all the fruits are evenly coated with the dressing and cranberry sauce.

6. Chill Before Serving:

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill. This step is essential for enhancing the taste and texture of the salad.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Just before serving, give the salad a final toss to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed. Transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with a few extra walnuts or a sprig of fresh mint if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the delicious flavors of this festive Cranberry Waldorf Salad!

Tips and Variations:

• Make-Ahead Option: This salad can be made a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated until serving time. In fact, allowing it to chill for a while enhances the flavors.

• Nut-Free Variation: If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

• Creamy vs. Light Dressing: Adjust the ratio of mayonnaise to sour cream according to your preference. For a lighter dressing, increase the proportion of sour cream, or vice versa if you prefer a creamier texture.

• Add Some Spice: For a touch of warmth and complexity, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing. This will complement the sweet and tart flavors of the fruits and cranberry sauce beautifully.

• Serve with a Twist: While this salad is delicious on its own, you can get creative with how you serve it. Try spooning it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing salad wrap, or serve it alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a festive holiday meal.

• Double the Batch: If you’re serving a larger crowd or want leftovers for the next day, feel free to double or triple the recipe. It keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days and makes a tasty addition to lunchboxes or quick snacks.

This Cranberry Waldorf Salad is a versatile dish that’s equally at home on a holiday buffet or a casual weeknight dinner table. With its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the festive season with this delightful salad that celebrates the flavors of the holidays! 🎄🥗