If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances a burst of tartness with creamy sweetness and delightful texture, then this Creamy Cranberry Salad Recipe is going to steal your heart. It’s a nostalgic classic with a fresh twist, combining fresh cranberries, juicy pineapple, crunchy pecans, and velvety pudding-infused creaminess into one irresistible salad. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a casual get-together, this salad has the power to surprise and delight every palate while keeping things light and refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Cranberry Salad Recipe is carefully chosen to deliver the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The fresh cranberries provide zing and color, while the marshmallows add a soft sweetness. Greek yogurt and cool whip create a creamy base, balancing the tart and sweet elements, and pecans bring in that satisfyingly crunchy finish.
- 3 cups fresh cranberries: The star ingredient offering bright color and natural tartness.
- 1 cup water: For cooking the cranberries to soften their bite.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness to tame the tart cranberries perfectly.
- 2 cups marshmallows: Adds a soft, chewy texture and subtle sweetness to the salad.
- 2 cups pineapple bits (drained): Provides juicy bursts of tropical flavor and moisture.
- 1 ¼ cup chopped pecans: Crunchy nuts that give a toasty depth and a nice contrast.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds creamy tang and protein without overpowering flavors.
- ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes: A hint of tropical aroma and a delicate chew.
- ½ cup sour cream: Enhances creaminess with a little tang.
- ½ cup cool whip: Lightens the texture making the salad fluffy and airy.
- 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 ounce package): Thickens and sweetens the creamy dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (~½ of 1 lemon): Brightens flavors with fresh citrus zing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: A subtle spiced note for cozy depth.
How to Make Creamy Cranberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Cranberries
Start by placing the fresh cranberries, water, and granulated sugar into a saucepan over medium heat. As they cook, the cranberries will soften and pop, releasing their juices and creating a sweet-tart syrup. This step tempers the raw sharpness of the cranberries while keeping their vibrant color intact. Once the mixture thickens slightly, remove it from heat and allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base
While the cranberries cool, mix together your plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, cool whip, vanilla instant pudding mix, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This combination creates the luscious, velvety dressing that elevates the texture and ties together the sweet and tart elements beautifully. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Fold in the Solids
Once the cranberry mixture has cooled, gently fold it into your creamy base along with the marshmallows, pineapple bits, chopped pecans, and coconut flakes. The marshmallows soften slightly but add a chewy bite, while the pineapple bits bring juicy pops of flavor. Pecans and coconut flakes contribute texture and richness, making every bite interesting and delicious.
Step 4: Chill and Set
For the best flavor and texture, chill your creamy cranberry salad in the refrigerator for at least two hours, ideally longer. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to set to a perfect, scoopable consistency. Remember, the salad tastes even better with a bit of patience!
How to Serve Creamy Cranberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Creamy Cranberry Salad Recipe by topping it with a sprinkling of extra chopped pecans for crunch or some fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and freshness. A few extra coconut flakes scattered on top will also make the dish visually inviting and add a subtle texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs incredibly well with roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken, making it a perfect side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It also brightens up a simple sandwich or a buffet spread, adding a refreshing contrast to savory dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the Creamy Cranberry Salad Recipe in a hollowed-out pineapple or in elegant glass bowls so the layers show through. You could also spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a pretty, bite-sized appetizer or layer it in parfait glasses with extra pineapple and pecans for a beautiful layered dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy cranberry salad keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir gently before serving as some separation may occur, but the flavors will remain vibrant and fresh.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing as the creamy elements and texture can break down when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Serving it chilled preserves the texture and taste perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid added moisture affecting the salad’s texture.
Is there a non-dairy version of this salad?
Absolutely! Swap out the Greek yogurt, sour cream, and cool whip for dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt, cashew cream, and dairy-free whipped topping to keep the creaminess intact.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Yes, make it a day ahead and refrigerate. The flavors actually improve as they meld, but be sure to wait to add marshmallows until right before serving if you want them to stay fluffy.
How sweet is this salad? Can I reduce the sugar?
This salad has a balanced sweet-tart profile, but you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste—just remember the sugar also helps soften the cranberries and balances their natural tartness.
What other nuts can I use besides pecans?
Walnuts or sliced almonds are great alternatives that provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor if pecans aren’t your favorite or if you need to accommodate allergies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that brings together bright cranberries, tropical pineapple, and creamy textures into one festive bowl. This Creamy Cranberry Salad Recipe is a keeper for any season, whether you’re sharing it at a holiday party or simply craving a refreshing treat with a gentle sweetness. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delectable salad as much as I do—go ahead and give it a try, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Cranberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Cranberry Salad is a delightful and tangy fruit salad featuring fresh cranberries combined with a rich blend of Greek yogurt, sour cream, and whipped topping. Sweetened with sugar and vanilla pudding mix, and textured with marshmallows, pineapple bits, pecans, and coconut flakes, this salad offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity flavors ideal for holiday gatherings or refreshing dessert options.
Ingredients
Fruit and Nuts
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups pineapple bits (drained)
- 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans
- ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup Cool Whip (or other whipped topping)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about ½ of 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups marshmallows
- 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 ounce package)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Cook the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup water, and ¾ cup granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup Cool Whip, 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Once the cranberry mixture has cooled, fold it into the creamy base. Then add 2 cups marshmallows, 2 cups drained pineapple bits, 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans, and ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes. Gently mix everything until evenly combined.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled and flavors have melded together.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Spoon it into individual bowls or a large serving dish and enjoy this creamy, tangy, and sweet cranberry salad as a festive dessert or side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Make sure to cool the cranberry mixture completely before mixing it with yogurt and pudding to prevent curdling.
- This salad tastes best after chilling for several hours or overnight.
- Adjust the sugar quantity based on your sweetness preference or the tartness of the cranberries.
