A Taste of Southern Holiday Tradition: Recreating a 1982 Cranberry Salad Gem
Step into the heart of the holiday season with this delightful Cranberry Salad recipe plucked straight from the pages of Southern Living’s December 1982 issue. This festive dish is a true gem, capturing the essence of Southern holiday tradition with its vibrant flavors and textures.
A symphony of sweet and tart:
Imagine the tangy zip of fresh cranberries bursting through the delicate sweetness of cherry gelatin. Each spoonful is a delightful dance on your taste buds, with pops of juicy orange segments and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts adding further layers of delight.
A retro twist that stands the test of time:
This Cranberry Salad isn’t just a delicious recipe; it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Using crushed pineapple and cherry gelatin, quintessentially 1980s, adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the dish. But don’t be fooled by its retro flair – the combination of flavors is timeless, and this salad will surely be a hit with holiday tables for generations to come.
More than just a salad:
This Cranberry Salad is the perfect side dish for your holiday feast. Its vibrant red hue adds a pop of color to the table, while its refreshing sweetness helps to cut through the richness of heavier holiday fare. It’s also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a starter, a dessert, or a festive snack.
So grab your mixing bowls and whisks, and get ready to whip up a taste of Southern holiday cheer with this vintage Cranberry Salad recipe. It’s sure to become a new tradition in your home, bringing back memories of Christmases past and creating new ones to cherish for years.
Tips for recreating this holiday classic:
- Use the freshest cranberries you can find for the best flavor.
- If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen cranberries will also work.
- Be sure to toast the walnuts for added depth of flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with your garnishes! A sprig of fresh rosemary, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of orange liqueur can all add a special touch.
With its charmingly retro vibes and burst of festive flavors, this Cranberry Salad will become a holiday favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the nostalgia and good times flow!
Holiday Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
- 3 pkg cherry flavored gelatin 3-ounce package
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 can crushed pineapple 15.25 ounce can
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, ground
- 2 small oranges, unpeeled and seeded
- 2 cups chopped walnuts
- lettuce leaves
- sugar coated cranberries
- orange twists
Method
- Dissolve gelatin and sugar in boiling water.
- Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set aside.
- Add water to pineapple juice to measure 1 cup.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- Stir juice mixture into gelatin mixture.
- Chill until consistency of unbeaten egg whites.
- Add cranberries, orange, celery, and walnuts to gelatin mixture; mix well.
- Pour into a lightly oiled 10-cup mold, chill until set.
- Unmold on lettuce leaves; garnish with frosted cranberries and orange twists.
