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Cranberry Apple Pineapple Salad
Isabella

Cranberry Apple Pineapple Salad - Sweet Fruit Salad

Dive into this delightful Cranberry Apple Pineapple Salad, a sweet fruit salad that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and refreshing textures. This recipe is your go-to for a quick, impressive, and incredibly satisfying side dish or light dessert. It's not just a beautiful addition to any table; it's also remarkably easy to prepare, making it a favorite for potlucks, holidays, or a simple weeknight treat. Get ready to impress with this colorful and delicious creation!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries roughly chopped or halved
  • 3 medium-sized red apples such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp, cored and chopped into ½-inch pieces
  • 1 can crushed pineapple in juice (20-ounce), undrained
  • ½ cup chopped pecans lightly toasted (optional, but highly recommended)
  • ½ cup miniature marshmallows
  • ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Chopping board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Cranberries: If using fresh cranberries, rinse them thoroughly. You can chop them roughly or simply halve them, depending on your preferred texture. Place the prepared cranberries in a large mixing bowl.
    2 cups fresh cranberries
  2. Chop the Apples: Wash and core your chosen red apples. Cut them into consistent ½-inch pieces. There’s no need to peel them unless you prefer to, as the skin adds color and nutrients. Add the chopped apples to the bowl with the cranberries.
    3 medium-sized red apples
  3. Add Pineapple and Mix-ins: Open the can of crushed pineapple and add the entire contents, including the juice, to the mixing bowl. This juice is crucial for the salad’s moisture and flavor. If using, add the lightly toasted chopped pecans and miniature marshmallows to the bowl.
    1 can crushed pineapple in juice, ½ cup chopped pecans, ½ cup miniature marshmallows
  4. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Taste and adjust sugar if needed.
    ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. Combine and Chill: Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold all the ingredients together with a spatula until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the fruit.
  6. Chill for Best Flavor: Once thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to become perfectly refreshing.
  7. Serve: Give the salad a final gentle stir before serving. Enjoy your delightful Cranberry Apple Pineapple Salad chilled!

Notes

This Cranberry Apple Pineapple Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its sweet, tangy, and refreshing profile makes it an excellent accompaniment for holiday meals, BBQs, brunches, or even as a light dessert.
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