Cranberry Apple Salad

Cranberry Apple Salad Recipe - A Tangy and Sweet Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cranberry Apple Salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Cranberry Apple Salad has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. The combination of cranberries and apples is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed in various forms, including salads, sauces, and desserts. This particular recipe adds a unique twist by incorporating gelatin and mayonnaise to create a creamy and flavorful salad that is both sweet and tangy.

Ingredients

2 cans of whole berry cranberry sauce
2 cups of boiling water
2 small packages of strawberry gelatin
2 tbsp of lemon juice
0.5 tsp of salt
1 cup of mayonnaise
2 cups of diced apples
0.5 cup of chopped walnuts

How to prepare

Melt the cranberry sauce over medium heat, then drain and reserve the liquid and berries.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry liquid, boiling water, and gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
Add lemon juice and salt to the mixture.
Chill the mixture until it slightly thickens and can mound on a spoon. Then, add mayonnaise and beat until smooth.
Gently fold in the cranberries, apple, and nuts. Pour the mixture into a 2 qt (1.89 liter) mold.
Refrigerate overnight to set.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding other fruits, such as grapes, oranges, or pears, for added flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or pistachios, to create a unique and delicious salad.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chill the gelatin mixture until it is slightly thickened before adding the mayonnaise. This will help the salad set properly and maintain its creamy texture.

- You can customize this recipe by adding other fruits or nuts, such as grapes, pecans, or almonds, for added flavor and texture.

- For a lighter version of this salad, you can use low-fat or light mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Apple Salad can be served as a side dish with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful Cranberry Apple Salad is to properly chill the gelatin mixture before adding the mayonnaise. This will help the salad set properly and maintain its creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whole cranberry sauce, you can use canned cranberries or cranberry jelly instead. You can also use different types of apples, such as Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp, for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Cranberry Apple Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish Cranberry Apple Salad with fresh mint leaves or additional chopped nuts for a beautiful and festive presentation. Serve it in a decorative bowl or mold for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry Apple Salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. It also complements other side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or stuffing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Cranberry Apple Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Apple Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Apple Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Apple Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry Apple Salad contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry Apple Salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cranberry Apple Salad is a nutritious and delicious side dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. It is a great addition to any meal and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Cranberry Apple Salad is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and tangy flavors, crunchy texture, and creamy dressing, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of fall in every bite!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and orange, and the smell of cinnamon and apples filled the air. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could tell she was working on something special.

"Margaret, what are you making today?" I asked, peering over her shoulder as she chopped apples and cranberries.

"Oh, just a little something I learned from my grandmother," she replied with a smile. "It's a Cranberry Apple Salad that's perfect for this time of year."

As she continued to work, Margaret shared the story of how her grandmother had passed down the recipe to her, and how it had become a family favorite. I was intrigued by the combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After Margaret had finished preparing the salad, she handed me a copy of the recipe written in her grandmother's delicate script. I thanked her profusely and promised to try it out at home.

When I got back to my own kitchen, I couldn't wait to get started. I gathered all the ingredients - fresh cranberries, crisp apples, walnuts, and a few other simple pantry staples. As I chopped and mixed, I thought about Margaret's grandmother and the love and care she must have put into perfecting this recipe.

The salad came together beautifully, with the bright red cranberries contrasting against the pale green apples and crunchy walnuts. I took a bite and was instantly transported back to Margaret's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of good friends.

I made the Cranberry Apple Salad for a family gathering that weekend, and it was a huge hit. My grandchildren begged me to make it again and again, and soon it became a staple at our holiday meals.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, each time passing on the story of how I learned it from Margaret and her grandmother. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here, writing this story, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the joy and connection this simple Cranberry Apple Salad has brought into my life. It's a reminder of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.

So here's to Margaret, her grandmother, and all the wonderful cooks who have inspired me over the years. May we continue to share our love of food and tradition with those we hold dear, creating new memories and passing down old recipes for generations to come.