Fry's Cranberry Celebration Recipe

Jennifer Segal

16 May, 2024

Elevate your table with our Fry's Cranberry Celebration! A burst of festive flavors in every bite. Discover the perfect recipe for joyous gatherings.

Fry's Cranberry Celebration

Publisher: Recipe Volt
Cuisine: American
Category: Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 320 calories

About Ingredients Instructions Video Servings Tips Substitutes

The Fry's Cranberry Celebration is a delightful medley of flavors that adds a burst of festivity to any meal, especially around the holiday season. This vibrant salad combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of a homemade cranberry sauce, creating a perfect balance that tingles your taste buds.

The preparation is a breeze, with a short cook time for the cranberry sauce and simple chopping of celery, apples, and walnuts. The crispness of Honeycrisp apples adds a refreshing touch, while the chopped walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. Dried cranberries contribute an extra layer of sweetness, weaving together a tapestry of textures.

What truly elevates this salad is the creamy mayo and lemon juice dressing. The mayonnaise brings a rich, smooth texture, while the lemon juice adds a zesty kick, tying all the elements together. The salad is best enjoyed after refrigerating for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Whether served on a bed of lettuce leaves or as a side dish to complement a festive feast, the Fry's Cranberry Celebration not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adds a pop of color to the table. It has become a cherished recipe in my family, creating a sense of joy and togetherness with every bite. Try it for your next gathering, and watch it become a beloved favorite.

Recipe

Discover a symphony of flavors in our Fry's Cranberry Celebration recipe! Elevate your gatherings with this festive sensation. Unwrap the joy now!

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped apple (I prefer a crisp variety like Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Lettuce leaves for serving

Method Instructions

Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Let it cool.
While the cranberry sauce is cooling, chop celery, apple, and walnuts.
In a large bowl, mix together chopped celery, apple, walnuts, and dried cranberries.
Once the cranberry sauce has cooled, gently fold it into the bowl with the chopped ingredients.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice until well combined.
Add the mayo mix to the large bowl and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
Before serving, spoon the salad onto lettuce leaves for a festive presentation.

I love making this salad around the holidays. The burst of cranberry flavor, the crunch of walnuts, and the sweetness from the apples make it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the vibrant colors add a festive touch to any table. It's become a family favorite, and I'm always asked for the recipe. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

Fry's Cranberry Celebration

This is a video about Fry's Cranberry Celebration.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 56 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Fry's Cranberry Celebration, Fry's Cranberry Celebration Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving the Fry's Cranberry Celebration is a breeze, and you have a few options to make it visually appealing and convenient for your guests. Here's how you can present this festive salad:

On Lettuce Leaves: For an elegant touch, spoon the Fry's Cranberry Celebration onto individual lettuce leaves. This not only adds a decorative element but also makes it easy for guests to grab a portion without the need for additional utensils.
In a Decorative Bowl: Alternatively, you can present the salad in a decorative bowl. Ensure the bowl complements the vibrant colors of the salad, enhancing the overall visual appeal. This method is convenient for buffet-style serving or family-style meals.
As a Side Dish: Serve the Fry's Cranberry Celebration as a side dish alongside your main course. This works well for holiday dinners or any gathering where you want to offer a variety of flavorful options.
Garnish for Festivity: Consider garnishing the salad with a few whole cranberries, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, or a drizzle of additional cranberry sauce. These touches not only add flavor but also contribute to the festive presentation.
Individual Portions: If you're hosting a more formal event, you can prepare individual portions in small bowls or on salad plates. This ensures that each guest receives a perfectly portioned serving of the Fry's Cranberry Celebration.

No matter how you choose to serve it, be ready for compliments and inquiries for the recipe. The vibrant colors and harmonious flavors make this salad a standout addition to any meal. Enjoy the festivities and the delightful flavors of the Fry's Cranberry Celebration!

Tips

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Crisp and juicy apples, fresh cranberries, and good-quality walnuts will enhance the overall taste of the salad.
Balance the Sweet and Tart: Taste the cranberry sauce before adding it to the salad. Adjust the sugar if needed to balance the tartness of the cranberries. The goal is to achieve a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors.
Chill for Flavor Infusion: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This gives the ingredients time to meld, allowing the flavors to deepen and intensify.
Customize Ingredient Quantities: Feel free to customize ingredient quantities based on personal preferences. If you love the crunch of walnuts, add a bit more. Adjust mayo and lemon juice to suit your taste.
Presentation Matters: Consider the presentation when serving. Whether on lettuce leaves or in a decorative bowl, a visually appealing presentation enhances the dining experience.
Make-Ahead Option: The cranberry sauce and chopping can be done a day in advance. Mix everything together just before serving for a fresher taste. This makes it a convenient dish for busy occasions.
Experiment with Variations: Don't hesitate to experiment with variations. Adding a handful of pomegranate seeds or a sprinkle of feta cheese can introduce new dimensions to the salad.
Serving Temperature: While the salad benefits from chilling, take it out of the refrigerator a bit before serving if you prefer it closer to room temperature. This allows the flavors to be more pronounced.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh due to the texture of the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutes

Fresh Cranberries: Substitute frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Just thaw them before making the cranberry sauce.
Honeycrisp Apples: Use any crisp and sweet apple variety as a substitute. Fuji or Gala apples work well.
Walnuts: Pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives to walnuts, depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.
Dried Cranberries: If you don't have dried cranberries, try using raisins or chopped dried apricots for a similar chewy texture.
Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or a light sour cream can be used instead of mayonnaise for a healthier twist. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preference.
Lemon Juice: Substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a tangy element if you don't have lemon juice on hand.
Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar or maple syrup can be used as alternatives to granulated sugar in the cranberry sauce for a different flavor profile.
Lettuce Leaves: Serve the salad on a bed of spinach leaves or mixed greens if you prefer a different leafy base.
Cranberry Sauce: If making cranberry sauce seems too time-consuming, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce. Choose one with minimal added sugars for a healthier option.
Customized Additions: Feel free to add other ingredients based on your preferences. Sliced grapes, pomegranate seeds, or crumbled feta cheese can bring unique flavors to the salad.