Millionaire Cranberry Salad Recipe
Introduction
Millionaire Cranberry Salad is a festive and creamy dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, tangy treat. This salad combines tart cranberries with fluffy marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and a hint of cinnamon for a delightful flavor experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 cups pineapple tidbits (well drained)
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups coconut flakes
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely; the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of the cooled cranberry sauce with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), pineapple tidbits, miniature marshmallows, chopped pecans, and coconut flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Step 3: Cover the salad and let it sit for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften.
Tips & Variations
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor and added protein.
- Toast the coconut flakes lightly for a deeper, nuttier taste.
- For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or almonds in place of pecans.
- Adjust the sugar in the cranberry sauce depending on your preferred sweetness level.
Storage
Store the cranberry salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve when allowed to rest, but avoid storing for too long as the marshmallows may break down. Re-chill before serving and stir gently to refresh the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad should be made at least 4 hours ahead or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Can I substitute frozen cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are best, but frozen cranberries can be used if thawed and drained well before cooking.
PrintMillionaire Cranberry Salad Recipe
Millionaire Cranberry Salad is a festive, sweet-tart dessert salad featuring a luscious cranberry sauce blended with creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt, sweet pineapple tidbits, fluffy miniature marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and flaky coconut. This make-ahead salad is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that meld together after resting to create a refreshing and indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cranberry Sauce
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
Salad
- 2 cups sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 cups pineapple tidbits (well drained)
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups coconut flakes
- 1 ½ cups cooled cranberry mixture (from above)
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and the cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely; it will thicken as it cools.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt, pineapple tidbits, miniature marshmallows, chopped pecans, coconut flakes, and 1 ½ cups of the cooled cranberry sauce. Stir everything together well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to set into a creamy, flavorful dish. Serve chilled as a sweet side or dessert.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor and healthier option, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Drain pineapple tidbits well to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- The cranberry sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Letting the salad rest overnight improves flavor melding and texture.
- Optional: Toast pecans lightly for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Keywords: Cranberry salad, holiday salad, sweet salad, Christmas dessert, pineapple salad, pecan salad, coconut salad
