Cranberry Waldorf Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors, making it a perfect side dish or dessert for any gathering. This colorful salad brings a refreshing twist to your table, combining crunchy apples and nuts with juicy cranberries and fluffy marshmallows. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply looking for a quick and easy recipe to impress your family and friends, this salad is sure to please everyone.

What You’ll Need for Cranberry Waldorf Salad

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Cranberry Waldorf Salad:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved (about 300 grams)
3/4 cup sugar (150 grams)
3 cups miniature marshmallows (about 300 grams)
2 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (about 75 grams, walnuts or pecans work great)
3/4 cup pineapple tidbits, drained (about 150 grams)
1 cup halved green grapes (about 150 grams)
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped (240 ml)

How to Make Cranberry Waldorf Salad

Follow these easy steps to whip up your own Cranberry Waldorf Salad:

Prep the Cranberries: In a large bowl, combine the halved cranberries and sugar. Let this mixture stand for 30 minutes to allow the cranberries to release their juices and become sweetened.
Mix the Ingredients: After the cranberries have macerated, add in the miniature marshmallows, chopped apples, chopped nuts, drained pineapple tidbits, and halved green grapes. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream into the cranberry mixture. Be careful not to deflate the cream; you want your salad to remain light and fluffy.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Cranberry Waldorf Salad

Serving your Cranberry Waldorf Salad is a breeze! You can place it in a large serving bowl and let everyone help themselves. For a more personal touch, consider plating individual servings in small dessert cups or bowls. This not only looks inviting but also makes it easier for guests to enjoy. Pair this salad with your favorite roasted meats, or serve it on its own as a light lunch dish.

If you’re planning a festive occasion, garnish the salad with a sprinkle of extra nuts or a few additional cranberries on top for a pop of color!

Expert Tips for Cranberry Waldorf Salad

Fruit Variations: Feel free to get creative with the fruit in this salad! Consider adding diced pears or using red grapes instead of green for a different flavor profile.
Nut Choices: If you have nut allergies to consider, you can easily substitute the nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just hold off on adding the whipped cream until a few hours before serving to maintain its fluffy texture.

Cranberry Waldorf Salad FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries if fresh or frozen ones are not available. Just soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften before adding.

How long will the salad last in the fridge?
Cranberry Waldorf Salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but it can be stored in the fridge covered for up to five days.

Can I substitute low-fat cream for the heavy cream?
You can use whipped topping or a low-fat cream alternative, but keep in mind that this may alter the creaminess and flavor of the salad.

This Cranberry Waldorf Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines sweet, tart, and creamy flavors, making it a must-try for any occasion. Enjoy making it and sharing it with your loved ones!

Print Recipe

Cranberry Waldorf Salad

A delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors, this Cranberry Waldorf Salad is perfect for any gathering, combining crunchy apples, nuts, juicy cranberries, and fluffy marshmallows.

Prep Time30

Total Time1 30

Course: Dessert, Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cranberry Salad, easy recipe, Fruit Salad, Holiday Side Dish, Waldorf Salad

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 220kcal

Ingredients

Fruits and Marshmallows

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved (about 300 grams)
3/4 cup sugar (150 grams)
3 cups miniature marshmallows (about 300 grams)
2 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
3/4 cup pineapple tidbits, drained (about 150 grams)
1 cup halved green grapes (about 150 grams)

Nuts and Cream

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) (about 75 grams)
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped (240 ml)

Instructions

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine the halved cranberries and sugar. Let this mixture stand for 30 minutes to allow the cranberries to release their juices and become sweetened.
After the cranberries have macerated, add in the miniature marshmallows, chopped apples, chopped nuts, drained pineapple tidbits, and halved green grapes. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream into the cranberry mixture. Be careful not to deflate the cream; you want your salad to remain light and fluffy.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving

Place the salad in a large serving bowl and let everyone help themselves or plate individual servings in small dessert cups or bowls.
Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of extra nuts or a few additional cranberries on top for a pop of color.

Notes

Feel free to get creative with the fruit in this salad! Consider adding diced pears or using red grapes. If you have nut allergies, substitute with sunflower seeds or omit them. Can be prepared a day in advance, just hold off on adding whipped cream until a few hours before serving.