Festive Cranberry Apple Waldorf Salad
Elevate your holiday dining experience with this Festive Cranberry Apple Waldorf Salad, a refreshing and delightful addition to your holiday table. This vibrant dish beautifully complements traditional turkey or ham, bringing a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Packed with crunchy apples, crunchy celery, and tangy dried cranberries, it's a perfect medley of textures and tastes. For an added burst of flavor, consider folding in some seedless red grapes or walnuts for a nutty crunch. This recipe serves four, making it ideal for intimate gatherings, but feel free to double or triple the ingredients to cater to a larger crowd!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
apples
2 medium (chopped)
celery
2 ribs (chopped)
dried cranberries
1 cup
mayonnaise
2/3 cup
sugar
2 tablespoons
lemon juice
4 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped apples, chopped celery, and dried cranberries to create a colorful base.
2
In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
3
Drizzle the dressing over the apple-cranberry mixture, and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
4
Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Cranberry Apple Waldorf Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant holiday side dish featuring crunchy apples, celery, and tangy dried cranberries in a sweet and creamy dressing.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves four people, but it can be easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
What are the main ingredients for the salad base?
The salad base consists of 2 medium chopped apples, 2 ribs of chopped celery, and 1 cup of dried cranberries.
What is in the Waldorf salad dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together 2/3 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 4 teaspoons of lemon juice.
What dishes pair well with this salad?
This salad beautifully complements traditional holiday main courses such as turkey or ham.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, you can fold in walnuts for a nutty crunch to add more texture to the salad.
Are there any other fruit additions recommended?
Adding seedless red grapes is a great way to provide an extra burst of flavor and color.
How should I prepare the apples?
The apples should be medium-sized and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How should I prepare the celery?
You should use 2 celery ribs and chop them before adding them to the bowl.
Is this a good recipe for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving and other festive holiday meals.
Should I serve this salad immediately?
You can serve it immediately, or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice together in a separate small mixing bowl before adding it to the fruit.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a balance of sweet and tart flavors with a creamy and crunchy texture.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, chilling it for about 30 minutes before serving is recommended to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of cranberries are used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dried cranberries.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with only 6 main ingredients and simple mixing steps.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 4 teaspoons of lemon juice for the dressing.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 tablespoons of sugar.
What type of bowl should I use for mixing?
Start by combining the fruit and celery in a large serving bowl.
How do I combine the dressing and the fruit?
Drizzle the dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Does this salad contain grapes?
While not in the core ingredient list, the description suggests adding seedless red grapes for more flavor.
Is this a traditional fruit salad?
It is a variation of the classic Waldorf salad, specifically tailored for festive holiday occasions.
What size should the apples be?
The recipe suggests using 2 medium-sized apples.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of mayonnaise.
Is any cooking required?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves only chopping and mixing.
Why is lemon juice added to the dressing?
Lemon juice adds a tart flavor and helps keep the chopped apples from browning too quickly.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include holiday salad, waldorf salad, cranberry apple salad, festive recipes, and side dish.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
The recipe specifies dried cranberries which provide a specific sweetness and texture; fresh ones would be significantly more tart.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as it consists of fruits, vegetables, and a mayonnaise-based dressing.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the apples and celery crisp.