This refreshing Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad combines crisp, sweet apples with tart cranberries in a perfect harmony of flavors. The colorful medley not only brightens your table but also packs a nutritious punch with 36.2mg of Vitamin C and 8g of fiber per serving.
While it requires 8 hours of prep time (mostly for chilling), the actual hands-on preparation takes just 3 minutes, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy households or special occasions.
Fresh Ingredients Needed
- Cranberries: 12 oz package of fresh ones
- Apples: 2 red and 1 yellow/green, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Mandarin Oranges: 11 oz can, properly drained
- Bananas: 2 ripe ones, neatly sliced
- Sweetener: 1 cup granulated sugar
- Lemon Juice: 2 teaspoons to maintain freshness
- Optional Toppings: Mini marshmallows, nuts, whipped cream
- Water: 1/2 cup for cooking cranberries
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Cranberry Preparation: Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Add cranberries and cook until they pop, about 1 minute more. Chill overnight.
- Fruit Assembly: In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, mandarin oranges, and banana slices. Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Final Mix: Drain excess juice from cranberries and add to fruit mixture. Gently fold in marshmallows and nuts if using.
- Serving: Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream if desired. Best served chilled!
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare cranberries and fruit mixture separately, refrigerate overnight, and combine just before serving.
Storage Tips
This fruit salad stays fresh in the fridge for 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container. For best results, add the marshmallows just before serving to keep them from getting soggy. The cooked cranberries by themselves will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Variations
Mix up this fruity treat based on what you love! Try pears instead of apples, or add some fresh grapes for extra sweetness. Not a fan of marshmallows? Leave them out or swap them for coconut flakes.
You can also try different nuts – pecans and walnuts both work great, or skip them for a nut-free version. For a tropical twist, try adding some diced pineapple!
Serving Suggestions
This colorful salad shines at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday brunches. Serve it in a clear glass bowl to show off all the pretty layers! For extra fancy presentation, put individual portions in small glass dishes and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
It’s lovely alongside breakfast items like waffles or pancakes, or as a light dessert after dinner.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for planning ahead! Cook your cranberries the day before and keep them in the fridge. You can also prep your other fruits (except bananas) and store them separately.
Add the bananas, marshmallows, and nuts just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture. A quick splash of lemon juice helps keep those apples and bananas looking fresh.
Apple Cranberry Fruit Salad
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 12 ounce fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 red apples chopped
- 1 apple yellow or green, chopped
- 11 ounce mandarin oranges drained
- 2 bananas sliced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1-2 cups mini marshmallows optional
- walnuts or pecans optional
- whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan combine the water and sugar. Add cranberries and cook on medium high, until you start to hear the cranberries pop. Cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- In a large bowl toss apples, mandarin oranges, and banana together. Add a little bit of lemon juice to keep the fruit from browning. Drain most of the juice from the cranberries. Add them to mixture along with marshmallows and nuts. Toss to combine. Dollop with fresh whipped cream, if desired.
- Make Ahead Tip: Cook cranberries as directed and refrigerate overnight. Combine the other fruits (not marshmallows) and refrigerate overnight, separately. Stir the two together before serving, adding marshmallows and topping with whipped cream if desired.
