rich & creamy cranberry-pineapple salad
I like to experiment with salads. Craving something creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, I came up with this dreamy delight. Flavors of cranberry, pineapple, adding texture with celery, walnut, and tanginess flavor of cream cheese this was a hit with family and friends. It can be served right alongside anything from chicken, turkey, ham, roast, you name it. My guests ask "Is it a salad? or Dessert?" It's definitely both! (Note: Cook time is chill time)
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Creamy with so many textures and flavors, we really enjoyed this cranberry-pineapple salad. It's sweet but not overly sweet. Crushed pineapple with fresh cranberries is a fantastic flavor combination. Then, the celery and chopped walnuts add some crunch but also balance the sweetness. We served with sugared cranberries and it was just beautiful. This is fancy enough for a holiday table but easy enough for a summer cookout. You can't help but feel a little swanky noshing out of a fancy glass.
Ingredients
- 20 ounces canned crushed pineapple, drained thoroughly
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed, processed finely
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 - stalks celery, diced small
- 4 ounces marshmellow creme
- 8 ounces tub whipped topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, room temp
- 1/4 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confection sugar)
- 2/3 cup walnut pieces, or chopped walnuts
How To Make rich & creamy cranberry-pineapple salad
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Step 1Drain pineapple thoroughly. Strain and ring out any excess juices; set aside.
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Step 2In a food processor, add cranberries and chop fine. Add to drained pineapple. (If cranberries are frozen, place under warm water for 2 minutes to thaw.) Add 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar while processing.
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Step 3With a hand mixer, mix softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/4 cup milk and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
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Step 4Add 4 oz marshmallow creme to cream cheese. Stir until combined.
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Step 5In a bowl mix pineapple, cranberries, chopped walnuts, and chopped celery. Add to cream cheese mixture.
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Step 6Add in 8 oz whipped topping and fold into mixture.
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Step 7Chill cranberry-pineapple salad in refrigerator for 20-25 minutes to an hour to chill.
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Step 8To Serve: a) add to Texas sized muffin pan, sprayed with cooking spray. Level off and set in the freezer for 10 min to chill. Turn out muffin pan onto a cookie sheet, with a spatula place one at a time on bib or green lettuce leaf; or b) Line a martini glass with leaf lettuce, add salad to 1 cup measuring cup and turn onto lettuce in glass, top with extra cranberries if desired.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37tvTK53AmA&sns=em
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