Description
This vibrant Cranberry Salad with Fresh Orange and Pecans brightens any dinner table with its ruby red color and refreshing citrus aroma, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a healthy, delicious dish for weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 2 large navel oranges
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
- 0.25 tsp salt
Instructions
- Wash and Prep: Thoroughly wash cranberries and oranges under cool water. Using a fine grater, zest one orange (about 1 tablespoon) and set it aside. Carefully peel both oranges, removing all bitter white pith, then chop the flesh into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Cranberries: Place fresh cranberries into a food processor and pulse a few times until finely chopped but still textured (not puréed). (If cranberries look too watery, gently press with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.)
- Toast Pecans: Spread pecan halves in a dry 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Let them cool completely on a plate, then roughly chop them.
- Combine and Macerate: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cranberries, chopped oranges, orange zest, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly until the sugar begins to dissolve and coat the fruit.
- Add Pecans and Chill: Fold in the chopped toasted pecans. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing flavors to meld and deepen.
Notes
For best results, use organic ingredients. This salad stores beautifully and is great for meal prep. Don’t skip the chilling step as it allows flavors to meld. Toasting pecans is crucial for crunch and depth. Avoid over-processing cranberries to prevent a mushy texture. Pre-toasted pecans or a mini food processor can save time.
- Prep Time: 19 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Chilling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup (120 g)
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 9.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: fresh cranberry, orange pecan salad, healthy salad, holiday side dish, easy recipe, make ahead, fruit salad, vibrant, nutty