Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
Hey there, welcome to my blog! Today, I’m so much excited to share with you a recipe – the Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad. This salad is always hit during Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
The freshness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the pineapple and marshmallows create a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, the addition of whipped cream and chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch to the mix. Try another popular and healthy salad recipe, called Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad Recipe.
While this recipe may take some time and effort to prepare, it’s absolutely worth it for the delicious results. So, let’s dive in and create this mouthwatering Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad!
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Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
Taste: This cranberry salad is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. The addition of pineapple and marshmallows adds a creamy sweetness to the salad, while the cranberries give it a tart and tangy kick.
Texture: This salad is the perfect mix of soft and crunchy textures. The marshmallows and whipped cream give it a creamy and fluffy texture, while the chopped pecans add a nice crunch.
Time: While this recipe does require some time to prepare, it is not difficult to make. Most of the time is spent chilling the salad in the fridge, which gives you plenty of time to prepare other dishes or spend time with your family.
Ease: This recipe is relatively easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The ingredients are easy to find and the instructions are straightforward.
Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries, rinsed – 1 package (12 oz.)
- White sugar – 2 cups
- Crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup) – 1 can (20 oz.)
- Mini marshmallows – 1 package (10 oz.)
- Cherry Jell-O – 1 package (3 oz.)
- Lemon Jell-O – 1 package (3 oz.)
- Hot water – 1.5 cups
- Chopped pecans – 1 cup
- Whipping cream – 1 pint
Ingredients Detail for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
Fresh cranberries: These tart berries are the star ingredient of the salad. They are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and add a burst of color and flavor to the dish.
White sugar: Used to sweeten the cranberries and balance out their tartness.
Crushed pineapple with juice: This adds sweetness, tang, and moisture to the salad. It is important to use crushed pineapple with juice, not syrup, as the syrup would make the salad too sweet.
Mini marshmallows: These add a chewy texture and more sweetness to the salad. They also help to balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
Cherry Jell-O and Lemon Jell-O: These flavored gelatin powders give the salad its signature color and flavor. The combination of cherry and lemon creates a sweet-tart taste that complements the cranberries and pineapple.
Hot water: Used to dissolve the Jell-O powders and create a gelatin mixture that will hold the salad together.
Chopped pecans: These nuts add crunch and a nutty flavor to the salad. They also provide some healthy fats and protein.
Whipping cream: This is whipped and folded into the salad mixture to give it a light and fluffy texture. It adds richness and a creamy flavor that balances out the sweetness and tartness of the other ingredients.
Tools That You Will Need
- Food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Hand mixer
Let’s try Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe Step by Step
Step-01: Chopping the cranberries in a food processor
Rinse the cranberries and pulse them in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
Step-02: Mixing cranberries, sugar, and pineapple
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, 2 cups of white sugar, and 1 can of crushed pineapple. Mix well.
Step-03: Adding marshmallows and refrigerating
Add 1 package of mini marshmallows to the cranberry mixture and stir until everything is combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Step-04: Dissolving jello in hot water
The next day, dissolve 1 package of cherry jello and 1 package of lemon jello in 1 1/2 cups of hot water. Set aside to cool.
Step-05: Chopping pecans
Chop 1 cup of pecans and set aside.
Step-06: Whipping the cream
In a another bowl, Whip 1 pint of whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
Step-07: Adding jello mixture and pecans
Stir the cooled jello mixture into the cranberry mixture. Add the chopped pecans and mix well.
Step-08: Adding whipped cream and refrigerating
Now add the whipped cream and give them a final mix, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Video Link: If you have any confusion, please check the video for better understanding or ley us know in the comment section.
Some Tips and Tricks about Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
- To make this recipe even easier, you can use a food processor to chop the cranberries instead of doing it by hand.
- Make sure to use fresh cranberries for this recipe, as they will give the salad a much better flavor than canned cranberries.
- For a more festive look, you can add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the top of the salad before serving.
- If you short on time, you can prepare the salad a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
What To Serve With Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad?
- This cranberry salad is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday gathering.
- Serve it alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef for a delicious and colorful addition to your holiday table.
- You can also enjoy this salad as a dessert by topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe is a perfect addition to any meal, especially during the holiday season. With its delicious combination of sweet and tart flavors, crunchy texture, and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress your family and guests. This recipe is not only easy to make but can also be customized to suit your taste by adding your favorite fruits or nuts. Additionally, the use of cream cheese and whipped cream provides a creamy and rich texture that perfectly complements the fruit. So why not give this recipe a try and add some zing to your holiday table? Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
1. May I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Unfortunately, no. This recipe calls for fresh cranberries, which have a different texture and flavor compared to dried cranberries. Using dried cranberries may result in a different taste and texture for the salad.
2. Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?
No, canned cranberry sauce won’t work in this recipe. The fresh cranberries are chopped and mixed with other ingredients to create a unique flavor and texture that canned cranberry sauce can’t replicate.
3. May I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Yes, you can use other nuts instead of pecans if you prefer. Walnuts or almonds can be a good alternative.
4. Can I use sugar substitutes instead of white sugar?
It’s best to stick with white sugar for this recipe. Using sugar substitutes may alter the taste and texture of the salad. If you have dietary restrictions, you can consult a nutritionist for alternative ingredients.
5. How long can I keep the cranberry salad in the refrigerator?
The cranberry salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
We appreciate you taking the time to read this article, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon for more culinary explorations. Stay Connected with celebrateandhavefun. Happy Cooking!
