Grandma's Famous Cranberry Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my cranberry salad runny? ›

Mistake #2: Your Cranberry Sauce Is Too Runny

You may have added too much liquid to the cranberries. In addition to pectin, cranberries contain water, which means you only need to add a splash of liquid to get the cooking going. Add too much and you'll be stirring at the stove much longer than expected.

Yes, Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries work well in baked goods; however, there is a 1/4 cup (60 mL) difference in measurement. If a recipe calls for one cup of fresh cranberries you should use 3/4 cup (175 mL) of Craisins®.

Yes! Fresh cranberries freeze for up to a year and can often be substituted in recipes that call for fresh cranberries. When cooking with frozen cranberries, do not thaw before using.

Dried cranberries often add a sweet-tart contrast in savory salads and dishes. One can substitute them with fruits like dried apricots for sweetness or with tart black currants or raspberries. The chosen fruit should complement the other ingredients in the dish and align with the desired flavor profile.

Try reducing the sauce down even further so more of the liquid cooks off and the mixture thickens. If that doesn't work, add a thickener like gelatin, pectin or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch whisked into juice or water). Let the sauce cool before refrigerating to completely set.

Fresh, raw cranberries are the healthiest. If they're too sour for you, you can still enjoy sweetened versions as part of a healthy diet. Eat dried cranberries with low-sugar foods, such as plain yogurt, oatmeal, or nuts. If you prefer juice, you can sip a glass of 100% cranberry juice (not “juice co*cktail”).

If your recipe calls for fresh cranberries, swap in 3/4 cup of the dried version. Place the dried cranberries into a glass bowl. Pour boiling water over the cranberries until they are all completely covered. You can also substitute hot fruit juice instead of water for added flavor.

The bottom line. Raisins are the clear choice. They're slightly lower in calories and sugar, but offer more protein, potassium, and other good-for-you nutrients.

"Cranberries are safe to eat raw. However, usually they are cooked and have sugar added because of the bitter and sharp taste they have when raw," says Kelly West Keyser, a registered dietitian in Alabama.

The US Department of Health recommends consuming frozen fruits like berries and melons within 10 to 18 months of purchase.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen cranberries? ›

Cranberries are made up of nearly 90% water and are high in fibre, although cranberry juice has almost no fibre, so to get the most benefits we'd suggest adding them frozen to your cooking where you can. The main nutrients in 100g of unsweetened cranberries are: Calories: 46. Water: 87%

You'll probably want to use about 1 cup of fresh cranberries for every 1/2 cup of dried cranberries called for in the recipe. You can also look for recipes calling for fresh blueberries and use cranberries instead. Since they're similar in size, fresh blueberries and cranberries can be substituted one-for-one.

Rich in Antioxidants: Dried cranberries are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Supports Heart Health: These cranberries contain flavonoids and polyphenols, which have been linked to improved heart health and a reduced risk of cardiovascular problems.

Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools. To store, let cool completely, then transfer to a resealable container and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

The first thing you need to remember when it comes to making fruit salad is that you need to drain the fruit co*cktail. Draining the fruit co*cktail is important because unless it's drained of as much liquid or syrup as possible, your fruit salad may and will be thin and watery.

It's best to store fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These containers create the perfect level of moisture and humidity for cut fruit, helping the pieces stay fresher for longer. We also love using these reusable silicone bags to create individual portions that are easy to grab and go for lunch.

What to do if the cranberry sauce is too thin or loose. If you inadvertently added too much water, simply bring the cranberry sauce back to the stove top and bring it to a low boil, cooking it down just a bit to help thicken it up.