Cranberry-Grape Delight Salad
This delightful Cranberry-Grape Salad has graced our Thanksgiving table for generations. It's a unique twist on traditional salads, featuring the perfect balance of tart fresh cranberries and sweet, juicy red grapes. The salad's texture is enhanced with the satisfying crunch of walnuts, creating a delicious contrast with the lightness of whipped cream. Best of all, it can be prepared up to two days in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday occasions. The versatility of this recipe allows for variation by adding optional pineapple tidbits for an extra burst of flavor. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, this salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh cranberries
2 cups (Coarsely chopped)
Sugar
1 cup (To mix with cranberries overnight)
Red grapes
1 cup (Cut in half, seeds removed if necessary)
Walnuts
1/2 cup (Broken (or more, to taste))
Heavy cream
1/2 cup (Whipped)
Instructions
1
Start by grinding the fresh cranberries using a food grinder with a coarse blade or chop them in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer the cranberries to a mixing bowl and stir in the sugar. Cover and allow the mixture to sit overnight to let the flavors meld.
2
The following morning, drain the cranberry mixture, gently pressing to remove excess juice. (Feel free to reserve the juice for a refreshing fruit punch!)
3
Carefully cut the red grapes in half. If using seeded grapes, remove the seeds. Add the halved grapes and broken walnuts to the well-drained cranberry mixture, mixing until well combined. This step can be done up to 48 hours in advance; simply refrigerate until ready to serve.
4
When you are ready to serve, gently fold in the whipped cream until evenly incorporated. Transfer the salad to a lettuce-lined serving bowl, and garnish with clusters of grapes on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry-Grape Delight Salad?
It is a traditional holiday salad that combines tart fresh cranberries, sweet red grapes, crunchy walnuts, and light whipped cream.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are 2 cups of fresh cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of red grapes, 1/2 cup of walnuts, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
How should I prepare the fresh cranberries?
You should grind them using a food grinder with a coarse blade or chop them in a food processor until they are coarsely chopped.
How long does the cranberry and sugar mixture need to sit?
The mixture should be covered and allowed to sit overnight to let the flavors meld together.
Should I drain the juice from the cranberries?
Yes, the following morning, you should drain the cranberry mixture and gently press it to remove any excess juice.
What can I do with the reserved cranberry juice?
The juice can be reserved and used to make a refreshing fruit punch.
How do I prepare the grapes for the salad?
Cut the red grapes in half and remove the seeds if you are using seeded grapes.
Can I use green grapes instead of red?
The recipe specifies red grapes for their sweet flavor and color, but you can use green grapes if preferred.
When should I add the walnuts?
Add the broken walnuts to the drained cranberry mixture along with the grapes the morning after the cranberries have soaked in sugar.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, the fruit and nut mixture can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance if kept refrigerated.
When is the whipped cream added?
Gently fold in the whipped cream just before you are ready to serve the salad.
How do I serve the Cranberry-Grape Delight Salad?
Transfer the salad to a lettuce-lined serving bowl and garnish the top with clusters of grapes.
Can I add pineapple to this recipe?
Yes, you can add optional pineapple tidbits for an extra burst of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely, it is described as a multigenerational holiday favorite specifically for Thanksgiving tables.
What makes the texture of this salad unique?
The texture is a contrast between the crunch of walnuts, the juiciness of grapes, and the lightness of whipped cream.
How many ingredients are in the base recipe?
There are five main ingredients: fresh cranberries, sugar, red grapes, walnuts, and heavy cream.
Can I use more walnuts than the recipe calls for?
Yes, you can add more than 1/2 cup of walnuts to suit your personal taste.
Is the salad served immediately after adding the cream?
Yes, for the best flavor and presentation, it should be served immediately once the cream is folded in.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, by using a vegan-friendly whipped topping or coconut cream, this salad can be adapted for a vegan diet.
What type of grinder blade should I use for cranberries?
A food grinder with a coarse blade is recommended for the best texture.
Why is sugar mixed with cranberries overnight?
The sugar helps macerate the tart cranberries, drawing out juice and softening their sharp flavor.
Is the salad served in a specific type of bowl?
It is traditionally served in a lettuce-lined serving bowl to enhance its presentation.
How much heavy cream is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of heavy cream, which must be whipped before use.
Can I use a food processor instead of a grinder?
Yes, a food processor is a valid alternative for chopping the cranberries coarsely.
How long can the base be refrigerated before adding cream?
The fruit and nut base can be safely refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
Are the walnuts toasted or raw?
The recipe calls for broken walnuts; while raw is standard, you can toast them if you prefer a deeper flavor.
Is this salad a dessert or a side dish?
It is typically served as a refreshing fruit salad side dish during holiday meals.
What is the garnish for the top of the salad?
Clusters of red grapes are used as a final garnish on top of the cream-folded salad.
Should I use fresh or frozen cranberries?
The recipe specifically recommends fresh cranberries for the best texture and results.
Is the lettuce for eating or just for decoration?
The lettuce lines the bowl primarily for presentation, but it is edible if desired.