Classic Cranberry Salad 🥗
Overview:
Cook Time: 12 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings: Depends on how much you love it!
Cuisine: Traditional, Holiday
Description:
My husband’s family has cherished this classic Cranberry Salad for generations, especially during festive holiday dinners. Imagine the days when the women of the family would painstakingly grind cranberries and oranges in old-fashioned food grinders! A messy labor of love, indeed. Thankfully, modern food processors have come to our rescue, making this recipe a breeze. The beauty of this salad? You can prepare it up to three days in advance, making it a lifesaver during the hustle and bustle of holiday meal prep. Simply store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Trust me, this salad is a time-honored tradition you’ll want to keep alive in your own family!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 328.3
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 82.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 70.2g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Sugar: 62g
- Protein: 2.6g
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen Cranberries | 2 cups |
| Red Gelatin | 2 packs |
| Boiling Water | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Navel Orange | 1 large |
| Red Seedless Grapes | 1 1/4 cups |
| Green Grapes | 3/4 cup |
| Pecans | 3/4 cup |
Keywords:
Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Thanksgiving, Weeknight
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin
- Dissolve Gelatin: Begin by dissolving the red gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prep the Cranberries
- Chop Cranberries: In your trusty food processor, chop the frozen cranberries until they are finely minced. This step is made easier by starting with frozen cranberries!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Mix it Up: Add the minced cranberries to the dissolved gelatin mixture. Stir in 2 cups of sugar until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Orange Magic
- Orange Bliss: Next, it’s time to work on the navel orange. In the food processor (yes, again!), chop the orange into small chunks until they are finely chopped.
Step 5: Add the Goodies
- Mix in the Goodness: Add the finely chopped orange pieces to the cranberry and gelatin mixture. Then, gently stir in the halved red seedless grapes and the green grapes.
Step 6: Final Touch
- Pecan Perfection: Finally, fold in the pecans to add a delightful crunch to the salad.
Step 7: Chill Out
- Set and Forget: Pour this delightful concoction into a decorative bowl or mold. Then, pop it into the refrigerator to chill overnight. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Taste Test (Optional)
- Adjust to Your Liking: Before serving, give the salad a taste. If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. This salad is all about personal preferences!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish and Serve: When you’re ready to dazzle your guests, remove the salad from the refrigerator. Optionally, garnish with a few whole cranberries, orange slices, or a sprinkle of pecans for an elegant touch. Serve chilled and watch it disappear before your eyes!
Pro Tips:
- For a tangier salad, you can reduce the amount of sugar used.
- Experiment with different types of grapes for varied flavors and colors.
- Make it your own by adding in other fruits like diced apples or pears.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers (if there are any!) covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Trust me, it tastes just as good the next day, if not better!
This Classic Cranberry Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful tradition passed down through generations. The tartness of the cranberries, the sweetness of the oranges, the burst of grapes, and the crunch of pecans all come together in a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to become a cherished favorite in your family as well! 😋🍊🥗
