Brighten up your holiday table with this vibrant and refreshing festive cranberry salad. Combining tart cranberry with crisp apple, crunchy nuts and a hint of orange zest, this salad is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The addition of light honey-lime dressing ties everything together, making it not only a delightful side dish but also a stunning centerpiece for your festive spread. It¡¯s quick to prepare, can be made ahead and adds a burst of color and flavor to any holiday meal.
INGREDIENTS:
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? 2 cups fresh cranberries (about 1 bag)
? 1 large apple, diced (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
? 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
? 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
? 1/4 cup orange juice
? 2 tablespoons honey
? 1 tablespoon lime juice
? 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
? 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
? 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
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INSTRUCTIONS:
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1. Prepare the Cranberries: If using fresh cranberries, rinse them and remove any stems. To soften them slightly, you can briefly cook them: In a small
saucepan, simmer the cranberries with a splash of water for 2-3 minutes until they start to burst. Drain and let cool.
2. Toast the Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans or walnuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden. Remove
from heat and let cool.
3. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, diced apple, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries or cherries.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, lime juice, orange zest, and lime zest until well combined.
5. Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld
together.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving. This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing,
fruity treat.
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This Festive Cranberry Salad not only brings a burst of color to your holiday feast but also offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that perfectly complement any seasonal meal.
