Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad
Pioneer Woman Recipes

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe 

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is a refreshing, festive side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. This salad combines tart cranberries with a mix of sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and fluffy whipped cream or gelatin, creating a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make ahead, making it a hassle-free addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

What is Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad?

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is a sweet and tangy salad made with fresh or frozen cranberries, crushed pineapple, and sometimes apples, grapes, or nuts, topped with whipped cream or set with gelatin. This unique salad offers a mix of flavors and textures that make it an ideal holiday side dish.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

  • Bright and refreshing: The combination of fruits and cranberries makes this salad a fresh and tangy dish.
  • Easy to make ahead: It can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy holiday cooking days.
  • Versatile: Customize with your favorite fruits or nuts to suit your taste.
  • Perfect for holiday meals: It adds a beautiful, colorful presentation to your holiday spread.
  • Great flavor balance: The sweet, tart, and creamy elements come together for a deliciously balanced salad.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 (8 oz) can of crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 medium apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 cup whipped cream or 1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping
  • 1 package (3 oz) raspberry or cranberry-flavored gelatin (optional, if setting with gelatin)
  • 1 cup boiling water (for gelatin, if using)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad

Without Gelatin:

  1. Chop the cranberries: Pulse the cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped. Be careful not to over-process; the texture should be slightly chunky.
  2. Sweeten the cranberries: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl and stir in the sugar. Let it sit for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the sugar to dissolve.
  3. Combine fruits and nuts: Add the drained pineapple, diced apple, grapes (if using), and chopped nuts to the cranberry mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
  4. Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping until fully incorporated.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the salad to firm up slightly. Serve chilled.

With Gelatin:

  1. Prepare the gelatin: Dissolve the raspberry or cranberry-flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then let it cool slightly.
  2. Chop the cranberries: Pulse the cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped.
  3. Sweeten the cranberries: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl and mix in the sugar. Let sit for 1 hour.
  4. Add fruits and nuts: Stir in the drained pineapple, diced apple, grapes (if using), and chopped nuts.
  5. Combine with gelatin: Pour the cooled gelatin over the cranberry mixture and stir to combine.
  6. Chill until set: Pour the mixture into a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or until fully set.
Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad

  • Roast turkey or ham: The sweet and tart flavors complement holiday meats perfectly.
  • Stuffing: This refreshing salad balances rich stuffing flavors.
  • Mashed potatoes: Adds a sweet, fruity contrast to creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Cheese board: Serve alongside cheeses like brie or gouda for a unique addition.
  • Green salad: Add as a topping to a fresh green salad for extra flavor and texture.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad

  • Use fresh cranberries if possible: Fresh cranberries add the best flavor and, though frozen can be used if thawed.
  • Chill for optimal flavor: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.
  • Fold in whipped cream gently: If using whipped cream, fold it in carefully to keep it fluffy and light.
  • Adjust sweetness to taste: Cranberries are naturally tart, so you can add a bit more sugar if desired.
  • Use crunchy apples: A variety like Granny Smith adds a fresh, crisp texture that balances the softness of the other ingredients.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad

  • Cranberry Orange Salad: Add a tablespoon of fresh orange zest and substitute orange juice for some of the sugar to enhance the citrus flavor.
  • Cranberry Gelatin Salad: Prepare with raspberry or cranberry gelatin for a firmer, set version.
  • Cream Cheese Cranberry Salad: Blend 4 oz of softened cream cheese into the whipped cream for a richer, creamier texture.
  • Nut-Free Version: Skip the nuts if there are any allergies, or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds as a substitute.
  • Pomegranate Cranberry Salad: Add fresh pomegranate seeds for extra color and a burst of juicy flavor.

Storing Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad: Best Practices

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze (without whipped cream): If making the gelatin version, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Make ahead: This salad is best prepared a day ahead to allow the flavors to blend.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad: Best Practices

  • Serve chilled: Cranberry salad is meant to be enjoyed cold and does not need reheating.
  • Stir before serving: For the whipped cream version, give it a light stir before serving to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is a vibrant, festive dish that’s easy to make and full of refreshing flavors. Perfect for holiday meals, this salad pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and rich side dishes.

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Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe 

  • Author: Anabelle McLean
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is a sweet and tangy salad made with fresh or frozen cranberries, crushed pineapple, and sometimes apples, grapes, or nuts, topped with whipped cream or set with gelatin. This unique salad offers a mix of flavors and textures that make it an ideal holiday side dish.


Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 (8 oz) can of crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 medium apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 cup whipped cream or 1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping
  • 1 package (3 oz) raspberry or cranberry-flavored gelatin (optional, if set with gelatin)
  • 1 cup boiling water (for gelatin, if using)

Instructions

Without Gelatin:

  1. Chop the cranberries: Pulse the cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped. Be careful not to over-process; the texture should be slightly chunky.
  2. Sweeten the cranberries: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl and stir in the sugar. Let it sit for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the sugar to dissolve.
  3. Combine fruits and nuts: Add the drained pineapple, diced apple, grapes (if using), and chopped nuts to the cranberry mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
  4. Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping until fully incorporated.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the salad to firm up slightly. Serve chilled.

With Gelatin:

  1. Prepare the gelatin: Dissolve the raspberry or cranberry-flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then let it cool slightly.
  2. Chop the cranberries: Pulse the cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped.
  3. Sweeten the cranberries: Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl and mix in the sugar. Let sit for 1 hour.
  4. Add fruits and nuts: Stir in the drained pineapple, diced apple, grapes (if using), and chopped nuts.
  5. Combine with gelatin: Pour the cooled gelatin over the cranberry mixture and stir to combine.
  6. Chill until set: Pour the mixture into a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or until fully set.

AboutAnabelle McLean

Meet Anabelle McLean, a well-known writer and the brain behind Belles Best Bites. She’s all about making cooking fun and easy at home. Anabelle has been cooking for years and loves sharing her know-how. Her blog is full of simple yet fancy recipes that anyone can try. Belles Best Bites is a friendly place where you can learn a lot and feel good about your cooking. Trust in Anabelle’s guidance to transform your meals into memorable feasts.

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