Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad 🍂🍇

This Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad is a delightful blend of tart and sweet ingredients that will elevate your holiday table. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, this salad is not only a perfect side dish but also a light palate cleanser between the hearty courses of Thanksgiving dinner. The crunchy pecans add a lovely texture, while the dressing brings everything together beautifully! 🥗✨

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed)
• 1 cup diced apples (any variety you prefer)
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the dressing

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, diced apples, celery, pecans, and mini marshmallows (if using).

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

🥄 If you're using fresh cranberries, you can pulse them in a food processor for a few seconds to chop them roughly. Just be careful not to turn them into puree!

3. Pour the dressing over the cranberry mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

5. Before serving, give it another gentle toss and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

🌿 For added freshness, consider folding in a handful of spinach or arugula just before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds extra nutrients too!

Variations

• Nut-free: Omit the pecans and replace them with sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch without the nuts. 🌻
• More tropical: Add diced pineapple or mandarin oranges for a sweet, tropical twist! 🍍🍊
• Vegan: Use a plant-based yogurt and maple syrup for the dressing to keep it completely dairy-free.
• Cinnamon spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing for a warm, festive flavor.

This Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad is sure to be a delightful addition to your holiday feast, bringing a lovely balance of flavors and textures to your table. Enjoy! 🦃❤️