Cranberry Pineapple Delight Salad
Cranberry Pineapple Delight Salad is a festive and refreshing addition to your holiday table, perfectly complementing your turkey and all the trimmings. This delightful dish combines the tartness of whole berry cranberry sauce with the sweetness of crushed pineapple and the creamy texture of whipped topping, resulting in a beautifully balanced frozen salad. With its vibrant colors and delightful crunch from the chopped pecans, this salad not only looks stunning but is also incredibly easy to prepare. Ideal for make-ahead convenience, just freeze overnight and it's ready to showcase at your holiday gathering. Serve it beautifully garnished on a lettuce leaf for a touch of elegance!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweetened condensed milk
1 (14 ounce can)
Reconstituted lemon juice
1/4 (cup)
Whole berry cranberry sauce
2 (16 ounce cans)
Crushed pineapple
1 (20 ounce can, drained)
Chopped pecans
1/2 (cup)
Whipped topping
1 (8 ounce carton)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and reconstituted lemon juice until well blended.
2
Add the whole berry cranberry sauce, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans, stirring gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
3
Fold in the whipped topping, taking care to maintain the light and airy texture.
4
Transfer the mixture into a 9x13 inch glass dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
5
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the freezer.
6
Allow the salad to freeze for several hours or overnight until it is frozen solid.
7
About 10 minutes before serving, remove the dish from the freezer and let it soften slightly.
8
Cut the frozen salad into 3-inch squares.
9
Serve each square atop a crisp lettuce leaf on individual salad plates for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
24g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
15g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Pineapple Delight Salad?
It is a festive, refreshing frozen salad that combines whole berry cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, pecans, and whipped topping for a creamy and crunchy holiday side dish.
How should I serve this salad?
Cut the frozen salad into 3-inch squares and serve each piece on a crisp lettuce leaf for an elegant presentation.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead dish as it needs to be frozen for several hours or overnight before serving.
How long does the salad need to freeze?
The salad should be placed in the freezer for several hours or overnight until it is frozen solid.
Should I let the salad sit out before cutting?
Yes, remove the dish from the freezer about 10 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly for easier cutting.
What size dish is recommended for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch glass dish is recommended to allow the mixture to spread evenly.
What type of cranberry sauce is used?
The recipe calls for two 16-ounce cans of whole berry cranberry sauce.
Do I need to drain the pineapple?
Yes, ensure the 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple is well-drained before adding it to the mixture.
Can I substitute the pecans?
You can use chopped walnuts as a substitute or omit the nuts entirely if there are allergy concerns.
How do I incorporate the whipped topping?
Gently fold in the whipped topping to maintain the light and airy texture of the salad.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is to combine the sweetened condensed milk and reconstituted lemon juice in a large mixing bowl until well blended.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this a low-protein dish?
Yes, with only 1.5g of protein per serving, it is considered a low-protein dish.
What is the fat content per serving?
The salad contains approximately 11g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each square?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
There is approximately 15g of sugar per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is about 1g of fiber per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a perfect complement to turkey and holiday trimmings.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 6 main ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, cranberry sauce, pineapple, pecans, and whipped topping.
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of reconstituted?
Yes, fresh lemon juice can be used as a high-quality substitute for reconstituted lemon juice.
What gives the salad its crunch?
The 1/2 cup of chopped pecans provides a delightful crunch to the creamy base.
How should I store leftovers?
Any leftovers should be covered and returned to the freezer immediately to maintain their shape and texture.
Is this recipe considered a dessert or a salad?
While called a salad, its sweet profile and frozen texture allow it to serve as either a side dish or a light dessert.
What is the role of the sweetened condensed milk?
It provides a creamy, sweet base that thickens when combined with the lemon juice.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
While you can use homemade whipped cream, stabilized whipped topping is usually preferred for frozen salads to maintain consistency.
How do I ensure the squares look neat?
Wait exactly 10 minutes after removing from the freezer; if it is too frozen it will crack, and if too soft it will lose its shape.
What type of lemon juice should I buy?
The recipe specifies reconstituted lemon juice, often found in a bottle in the baking or produce aisle.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe contains no meat products and is suitable for vegetarians.
Can I add other fruits like oranges?
While the original recipe focuses on cranberry and pineapple, some variations include mandarin oranges for extra citrus flavor.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It has a beautifully balanced texture that is creamy and light, yet firm enough to be sliced once frozen.