Cranberry Sauce Salad

Cranberry Sauce Salad Recipe - A Classic Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 7 hours (setting time) | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Cranberry Sauce Salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time of year. This recipe combines the tartness of cranberry sauce with the creaminess of sour cream, creating a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Cranberry Sauce Salad has been a popular dish in American households for decades. It is often served during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, but can also be enjoyed as a light and refreshing dessert or side dish any time of year. The combination of cranberry sauce and sour cream creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 can of jellied cranberry sauce
1 cup of sour cream
2 packages of raspberry jell-o (3 oz (85 g) size)
2.75 cups of water (1.5 cups boiling)

How to prepare

Dissolve the packages of raspberry jello in boiling water.
Add 1.25 cups of cold water to help it set up.
Allow it to set until it reaches a syrupy consistency (you can refrigerate it if desired).
In the meantime, thoroughly blend cranberry sauce and sour cream using a blender.
Carefully blend the jello into the mixture (be cautious as it may fill up the blender).
Pour the mixture into dishes or molds.
Allow it to set for approximately 7 hours, or preferably make it a day ahead for best results.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the salad for added texture and flavor.
Use different flavors of jello, such as cherry or orange, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to allow the jello mixture to set up properly before blending it with the cranberry sauce and sour cream. This will ensure that the salad has the right consistency.

- Refrigerating the jello mixture before blending it with the other ingredients can help speed up the setting process.

- For best results, allow the salad to set for at least 7 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Sauce Salad can be served as a side dish with roasted turkey or ham, or as a light dessert after a heavy meal. It pairs well with other holiday dishes such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blend the cranberry sauce and sour cream thoroughly to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Allow the jello mixture to cool slightly before blending it with the other ingredients to prevent curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce for a more natural flavor.

- Substitute whipped cream for sour cream for a lighter and fluffier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Cranberry Sauce Salad can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to set up properly.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in individual molds or dishes for a more elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh cranberries or mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry Sauce Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, poultry, and seafood. It also complements other holiday side dishes such as sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green beans.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Cranberry Sauce Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- 150 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 0g

- Sugars: 20g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 2mg

- Calcium: 50mg

- Iron: 0.5mg

Alergens

Contains dairy (sour cream)

Summary

Cranberry Sauce Salad is a low-calorie dish that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of vitamin C and calcium, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Summary

Cranberry Sauce Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time of year. With its unique combination of flavors and creamy texture, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little cottage by the lake. Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.

As we sat at her kitchen table sipping on iced tea, Martha suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. She returned with a weathered old cookbook in hand and a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Have you ever tried my famous Cranberry Sauce Salad?" she asked me with a sly grin. I shook my head, not even knowing such a dish existed. Martha flipped through the pages of the cookbook until she found the recipe she was looking for. She handed me the book, pointing to the page with the handwritten notes scrawled in the margins.

"This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations," Martha explained. "My great-grandmother used to make it for special occasions, and now it's my turn to carry on the tradition."

I carefully studied the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement building within me. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, crunchy walnuts, and fluffy whipped cream sounded absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making this unique dish.

Martha and I spent the rest of the afternoon preparing the Cranberry Sauce Salad together. We chopped, stirred, and mixed, filling her kitchen with the delightful aromas of citrus and spice. As we worked, Martha shared stories of her family and the many memories attached to this beloved recipe.

Finally, we placed the finished salad in the refrigerator to set and chill. The vibrant red color of the cranberries mixed with the golden hues of the pineapple and nuts made for a stunning presentation. I knew this dish would be a hit at any gathering.

When the time came to taste our creation, Martha and I eagerly dug in with our spoons. The flavors exploded in my mouth – tangy, sweet, nutty, and creamy all at once. It was a perfect balance of textures and tastes, a true symphony of flavors.

From that day on, I was hooked. I made Cranberry Sauce Salad for every family gathering, potluck, and holiday celebration. Each time I prepared it, I felt connected to Martha and her family, to the generations who had come before me and shared this special dish.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own twist with a touch of cinnamon and a splash of orange liqueur. I passed it down to my children and grandchildren, teaching them the secrets of this cherished family recipe.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen preparing Cranberry Sauce Salad for yet another gathering, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day at Martha's cottage. This dish has become more than just a recipe – it's a link to the past, a way to honor the traditions of those who came before me.

As I take a bite of the salad, the memories flood back – the laughter, the stories, the love shared around the table. And in that moment, I feel grateful for the gift of this recipe, for the connections it has forged and the joy it has brought to so many.

The Cranberry Sauce Salad may be a simple dish, but to me, it represents so much more. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to preserve the stories of those we hold dear.

And as I continue to pass down this recipe to future generations, I know that the tradition will live on, just as strong and vibrant as the flavors in that first bite all those years ago.