Festive Cranberry Delight with Creamy Whipped Topping
This delightful cranberry salad carries the cherished flavors of Christmas, just like my mom, Mitzi, used to make each holiday season. Bursting with the tartness of fresh cranberries, this dish is beautifully contrasted with the sweetness of marshmallows and oranges, making it a perfect festive treat. The addition of crunchy pecans and diced apples brings a delightful texture, while the star of the show is the luscious whipped cream topping, made rich with cream cheese, ensuring every bite is indulgent and memorable. Share this vibrant salad at your holiday table and create lasting memories with every spoonful!
8-10
Servings
280
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cranberries
1 lb (Fresh, rinsed)
Water
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Sugar
2 cups (N/A)
Orange Jell-O
1 (3 ounce) package (N/A)
Mini Marshmallows
1 cup (N/A)
Apple
1 cup (Diced)
Celery
1 cup (Chopped)
Pecans or Nuts of Choice
1 cup (Chopped)
Cream Cheese
3 ounces (Softened)
Whipping Cream
1 cup (Whipped)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil and cook until the cranberries pop open, about 10 minutes.
2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange Jell-O mix until fully dissolved. Then, fold in the mini marshmallows until well incorporated.
3
Add the diced apple, chopped celery, and pecans, mixing gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4
Pour the mixture into a 9x13 glass casserole dish and refrigerate until the salad sets, which usually takes about 4 hours or overnight for best results.
5
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the whipped cream and whisk until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
6
Once the cranberry salad has set, carefully spread the luscious whipped cream topping evenly over the salad before serving.
Nutrition Information
16
Fat
36
Carbs
2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry Delight with Creamy Whipped Topping?
It is a festive holiday cranberry salad featuring fresh cranberries, orange Jell-O, marshmallows, apples, celery, and pecans, topped with a rich cream cheese whipped topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 to 10 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the salad base?
The base consists of 1 lb fresh cranberries, water, sugar, orange Jell-O, mini marshmallows, diced apples, chopped celery, and pecans.
How long do the cranberries need to cook?
The cranberries should be cooked in a saucepan for about 10 minutes until they pop open.
What flavor of Jell-O is recommended for this recipe?
A 3-ounce package of Orange Jell-O is used to complement the tartness of the cranberries.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate before serving?
The mixture should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best results.
What ingredients make up the whipped topping?
The topping is made by combining 3 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of whipped cream.
What size dish should I use for this cranberry salad?
A 9x13 glass casserole dish is the ideal size for setting this salad.
Can I use nuts other than pecans?
Yes, while pecans are traditional, you can use any nuts of your choice for the desired crunch.
Is this recipe high in protein?
No, it contains approximately 2 grams of protein per serving, making it a low-protein dish.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
When should I add the whipped topping?
Wait until the cranberry salad has fully set in the refrigerator before spreading the whipped topping over the top.
Do I need to dissolve the Jell-O separately?
No, you stir the orange Jell-O mix directly into the hot cranberry mixture until it is fully dissolved.
Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Yes, softening the 3 ounces of cream cheese ensures a smooth, non-lumpy whipped topping.
What role does celery play in a fruit salad?
Chopped celery adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness of the fruit and marshmallows.
How much sugar is required?
This recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar to balance the natural tartness of the fresh cranberries.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, though fresh cranberries are recommended for the best texture.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 36 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
When should the marshmallows be added?
Fold the mini marshmallows into the mixture after dissolving the Jell-O but while the mixture is still warm so they incorporate well.
Is this dish suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is tagged as an excellent dish for both Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday tables.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving, largely from the cream cheese, whipped cream, and pecans.
Do I need to prepare the apples in a specific way?
The apples should be diced into small pieces (about 1 cup total) before being added to the mixture.
Can I use pre-whipped topping like Cool Whip?
While the recipe specifies using 1 cup of whipped cream mixed with cream cheese, you could substitute a similar volume of pre-whipped topping if needed.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
It is a gelatin-based salad that is firm but creamy, with crunchy bits of nuts, celery, and apples throughout.
Is there a specific way to stir in the ingredients?
Ingredients like diced apples, celery, and pecans should be folded in gently to ensure they are evenly distributed without breaking down too much.
How much water is needed for the base?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of water to boil with the cranberries and sugar.
Can I omit the pecans for a nut-free version?
Yes, you can omit the pecans or nuts if you have an allergy or prefer a smoother texture.
What makes the topping 'luscious'?
The combination of heavy whipped cream and tangy cream cheese creates a rich, fluffy, and decadent topping.
Should I peel the apples before dicing?
The recipe does not specify, but peeling is generally preferred for a softer texture in gelatin salads.
Is this dish considered a dessert or a side dish?
It is versatile and can be served either as a sweet side dish alongside turkey or as a light festive dessert.