The holidays are here. There are so many memories from all the years. The holidays are my favorite time. It kicks off with my birthday in November and gets better with each passing day. One of the reasons is the special food for the season. From savory to sweet (especially sweet), the food stands out. Traditional family recipes are the highlight and treasured delights of the holidays.
It is the season for fresh cranberries. My family’s holiday meals would not be complete without Cranberry Salad. It has been a part of our holiday celebrations for as long as I can remember. We serve it as a side dish during the main meal. It may be sweet but it is a salad. Besides, desserts are cakes and pies, right? I will admit it can also be a dessert or snack or both. Leftovers will call out from the fridge as a midnight snack so be warned.
The color of this dish is so pretty. It is pink with the specks of red cranberry in with the marshmallows and whipped cream. So festive! We always serve it in a big decorative glass or crystal bowl. It is really pretty next to Christmas red table decorations and linens.
The recipe makes a big bowl and is good for a crowd. The amount of servings depends…some people like my brother might want it all for themselves. It is a time for sharing though. I am glad I can share this recipe with you. I appreciate each and every one who takes time from their day to read my posts. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Happy Holidays to you and your family! What is one of your favorite traditional holiday dishes?
Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple in juice
- 10.5 ounces mini marshmallows
- 1 cup lightly toasted and finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
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Rinse cranberries. Crush 1/2 pound at a time in blender with some water. Drain excess liquid from crushed cranberries in a fine mesh sieve or colander. Place crushed cranberries in a container and stir in sugar. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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The next day, stir together pineapple (with juice) and marshmallows in a large bowl and let set on the counter for at least 2 hours. Stir every 1/2 hour. The pineapple will melt the marshmallows mostly but not completely.
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Stir in cranberries and nuts.
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In a separate large bowl, whip the cream using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into cranberry mixture. Best when served immediately. Refrigerate leftovers.
Recipe Notes
Time stated does not include chilling cranberries with sugar overnight.
amy @ fearless homemaker says
November 22, 2011 at 9:59 ami looooove salads like this but i rarely make them because my husband doesn’t like them. my family made them all the time for holidays growing up, so they’re serious comfort food for me. maybe i’ll sneak it into the menu last-minute this year as a little treat for me? =)
Renee says
November 22, 2011 at 3:45 pmOh yes! Make some for yourself…and other family members too. You should see the way my brother eats it. He usually has 3 bowls of it at dinner and takes the rest home.
Amberr Meadows says
November 26, 2011 at 11:14 amThat looks so delectable. Have you ever tried Pistachio salad? My grandmother used to make it every year. So yummy!
Renee says
November 26, 2011 at 12:31 pmI have not tried pistachio salad. My husband loves them so I’m sure he would like a salad with them in it. Now I just need the recipe.
Family Foodie says
October 31, 2012 at 9:57 pmI have been thinking about this fabulous salad and can’t wait to make it this Holiday Season!
Renee says
November 1, 2012 at 7:08 amWith the holidays approaching I have been thinking about this salad too. I hope you do try it and it will be a family favorite for you too.