Description

Zesty Cranberry Orange Delight is a vibrant and refreshing holiday salad featuring tart fresh cranberries cooked with sweet orange juice and sugar, blended with creamy vanilla pudding and pineapple, and folded with whipped topping, nuts, and marshmallows for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal as a festive side dish or light dessert, this easy no-bake recipe brings delightful citrus zest and a burst of color to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Mixture

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
extra orange zest and fresh cranberries for garnish

Pudding and Mix-ins

1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup mini marshmallows

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Instructions

Cook Cranberries: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
Add Orange Zest & Cool: Remove from heat, stir in the orange zest, and allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding.
Mix Pudding and Pineapple: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cranberry mixture, instant vanilla pudding mix, and drained crushed pineapple. Stir until well blended.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the mixture until smooth and fluffy without deflating.
Add Nuts and Marshmallows: Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans and mini marshmallows carefully to combine.
Chill to Set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to set properly.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with extra fresh orange zest and arrange a few whole cranberries on top for a festive presentation.

Notes

Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the whipped topping to create a lighter, tangier version.
Toast the nuts lightly to enhance their flavor and add extra crunch.
This salad doubles beautifully as a holiday side dish or a light, refreshing dessert option.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Side Dish
Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 240
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 115 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg