Cranberry Waldorf Salad is a festive twist on the classic Waldorf salad, incorporating tart cranberries alongside traditional ingredients like apples, celery, and walnuts, all coated in a creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing and colorful salad that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or use dried cranberries if fresh isn’t available)
- 2 apples, cored and chopped (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (or pecans)
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
- If using fresh cranberries, chop them roughly or pulse them in a food processor a few times. You can also use dried cranberries for a sweeter, softer texture.
2. Prepare the Other Ingredients:
- Core and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. You can leave the skin on for added texture and color.
- Chop the celery into small pieces.
- Halve the grapes (if using) and chop the walnuts (or pecans).
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, chopped apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color (optional).
Enjoy your Cranberry Waldorf Salad—a refreshing, sweet, and tangy salad that’s sure to brighten up any table!