Festive Frozen Cranberry Salad
Celebrate the holiday season with this delightful and refreshing Festive Frozen Cranberry Salad, a show-stopping dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious! Bursting with the tartness of fresh cranberries, sweet crushed pineapple, and fluffy mini marshmallows, this no-bake dessert pairs perfectly with the creamy goodness of whipped cream and cream cheese. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch, while a touch of vanilla ties all the flavors together. This make-ahead recipe is frozen to perfection, offering a cool, creamy texture that feels like a cross between a salad and a dessert. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes (plus freezing time), this crowd-pleasing treat is ideal for holiday dinners, potlucks, or festive gatherings. Serve it in elegant squares or individual molds for a stunning presentation that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Keywords: frozen cranberry salad, holiday dessert, make-ahead recipe, festive dish, no-bake recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh cranberries
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup Mini marshmallows
- 1 cup Whipping cream (cold, to whip)
- 4 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until they are finely chopped. Be careful not to puree them.
Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl and stir in the granulated sugar. Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit for 1 hour at room temperature. This allows the cranberries to macerate and soften slightly.
After an hour, fold the drained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts into the cranberry-sugar mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
In a separate large bowl, whip the cold whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until incorporated.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Combine the whipped cream mixture with the cranberry mixture. Fold gently until everything is well incorporated.
Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe dish or individual molds. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
Cover the dish or molds tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight, until firm.
To serve, remove the salad from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to slightly soften. Cut into squares or unmold individual portions onto plates. Serve immediately and enjoy this festive delight!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2883 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 168.3 g | 216% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.9 g | 420% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 406 mg | 135% | |
| Sodium | 499 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 348.2 g | 127% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.2 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 288.6 g | ||
| Protein | 24.7 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 376 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 1012 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
