Cranberry Cream Cheese Salad

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Salad is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors that will brighten up any table. Perfect as a holiday side dish or dessert, this layered salad combines tangy cranberries, fluffy cream cheese, and a hint of sweetness for a refreshing treat everyone will love!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8-inch dish or similar serving dish
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet-tart base to the salad. Use canned or homemade cranberry sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy layer. Soften for easy blending.
• Whipped Topping: Lightens the cream cheese mixture and adds fluffiness.
• Crushed Pineapple: Brings a juicy burst of flavor and texture. Drain well to avoid a watery salad.
• Chopped Nuts: Optional, but pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer. Adjust based on your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

• In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth.
• Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping (like Cool Whip) until fully combined.

2. Layer the Dish

• Spread 1 can (14 oz) of whole-berry cranberry sauce evenly over the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish.
• Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the cranberry layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

3. Add Pineapple and Nuts

• Drain 1 cup of crushed pineapple thoroughly and sprinkle it over the cream cheese layer.
• Optional: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the pineapple for added texture.

4. Chill and Serve

• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set.
• Serve chilled as a refreshing side or dessert.

Recipe Tips

• Drain the Pineapple: Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess liquid from seeping into the salad.
• Smooth Layers: Use an offset spatula for smooth and even layers.
• Custom Toppings: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or dried cranberries for extra flair.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• As a holiday side dish alongside turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables
• With a dollop of whipped cream for a sweeter dessert presentation
• Paired with buttery rolls for a light and refreshing complement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills.

Can I use fresh cranberries?
Absolutely. Cook fresh cranberries with sugar and water to make a sauce before layering.

How long does it last in the fridge?
This salad stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
2. Spread cranberry sauce in the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish.
3. Layer the cream cheese mixture on top of the cranberry sauce.
4. Sprinkle drained pineapple and chopped nuts over the cream cheese layer.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Salad is a creamy, fruity delight that adds a pop of color and flavor to any meal!

Cranberry Cream Cheese Salad

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Salad is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors that will brighten up any table. Perfect as a holiday side dish or dessert, this layered salad combines tangy cranberries, fluffy cream cheese, and a hint of sweetness for a refreshing treat everyone will love!

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Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Mixing bowls 
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8x8-inch dish or similar serving dish
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 can 14 oz whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Instructions

 

• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
• Spread cranberry sauce in the bottom of an 8x8-inch dish.
• Layer the cream cheese mixture on top of the cranberry sauce.
• Sprinkle drained pineapple and chopped nuts over the cream cheese layer.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
• This Cranberry Cream Cheese Salad is a creamy, fruity delight that adds a pop of color and flavor to any meal!