Best 5 Trainor Family Cranberry Salad Recipes

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In the realm of holiday dishes, the Trainor Family Cranberry Salad stands as a jewel, a culinary delight that has graced many tables for generations. This classic salad is a harmonious blend of tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, tangy orange, and crunchy celery, all enveloped in a luscious homemade dressing. Its vibrant red hue is a feast for the eyes, while its burst of flavors dances on the palate, leaving an unforgettable impression.

This beloved salad is more than just a dish; it's a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together. Its versatility extends beyond the Thanksgiving table, making it a welcome guest at potlucks, picnics, and festive gatherings of all kinds. With variations ranging from a simple three-ingredient salad to a more elaborate version adorned with marshmallows and nuts, the Trainor Family Cranberry Salad offers a delightful array of tastes and textures to suit every palate.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

GRANDMA'S CRANBERRY SALAD



Grandma's Cranberry Salad image

I always love the punch of color that cranberries add to a meal, and this delicious cranberry salad recipe really does the berry justice. Not only did we love the perfect balance of sweet and tart, but the chopped pecans added a wonderful crunch that we'd never had before in a cranberry salad.

Provided by Leah Stacey

Categories     Fruit Sides

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 small package of cherry Jell-O (3oz box)
1 c hot water
1 c sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 c drained crushed pineapple (8oz can) (juice reserved)
1 c pineapple juice (use the reserved juice and add water to make 1 cup)
1 c ground cranberries
1 orange (ground)
1/2 c pecans, chopped

Steps:

  • 1. Boil the cup of water. Dissolve the Jell-o in the hot water in an 8-inch square pan mix well. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and pineapple juice. Stir to dissolve well. Note: You can substitute the 8x8 dish and use a 9x13 dish, it seems to gel up a bit better that way.
  • 2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix. Chill overnight.
  • 3. Grandma's Notes: Chop up the pecans first before getting the blender wet. Or you could just buy pre-chopped pecans and save a step. Use the blender or food processor to chop up cranberries, then orange, seeded, and partially peeled. The chopped peel gives it that special zing!

CREAMY CRANBERRY SALAD



Creamy Cranberry Salad image

One of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in holiday recipes: this fresh cranberry salad. The keys are tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. -Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, chopped
1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 medium apple, chopped
2/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix first 6 ingredients. Refrigerate, covered, overnight., To serve, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream and walnuts into cranberry mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 200 calories, Fat 12g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 32mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

TRAINOR FAMILY CRANBERRY SALAD



Trainor Family Cranberry Salad image

This is an awesome cranberry salad, easy to make and even easier to eat! My mother in law is an amazing cook and at Christmas or Thanksgiving the family demands her famous cranberry salad. Best prepared the night before the big feast!

Provided by CQQKEEE

Categories     Jell-O® Salad

Time 40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored Jell-O® mix
1 cup boiling water
¾ cup cold water
2 oranges - peeled, sectioned, and cut into bite-size pieces
1 lemon - peeled, seeded and chopped
3 medium tart apples, peeled and chopped
2 cups cranberries, coarsely chopped
¼ cup white sugar, or to taste

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the gelatin mix and boiling water until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in the cold water. Transfer to a gelatin mold, or keep in a bowl; cover and refrigerate.
  • Place the oranges, lemon, apples, and cranberries into a bowl. Sprinkle the sugar over the top. Set aside so the fruit has time to bleed.
  • When the gelatin is partially set, stir in the fruit. Chill until set, preferably overnight. It becomes tastier with age!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 82.9 calories, Carbohydrate 21.5 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 1.2 g, Sodium 29.6 mg, Sugar 17.2 g

TRAINOR FAMILY CRANBERRY SALAD



Trainor Family Cranberry Salad image

This is an awesome cranberry salad, easy to make and even easier to eat! My mother in law is an amazing cook and at Christmas or Thanksgiving the family demands her famous cranberry salad. Best prepared the night before the big feast!

Provided by CQQKEEE

Categories     Jell-O® Salad

Time 40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored Jell-O® mix
1 cup boiling water
¾ cup cold water
2 oranges - peeled, sectioned, and cut into bite-size pieces
1 lemon - peeled, seeded and chopped
3 medium tart apples, peeled and chopped
2 cups cranberries, coarsely chopped
¼ cup white sugar, or to taste

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the gelatin mix and boiling water until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in the cold water. Transfer to a gelatin mold, or keep in a bowl; cover and refrigerate.
  • Place the oranges, lemon, apples, and cranberries into a bowl. Sprinkle the sugar over the top. Set aside so the fruit has time to bleed.
  • When the gelatin is partially set, stir in the fruit. Chill until set, preferably overnight. It becomes tastier with age!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 82.9 calories, Carbohydrate 21.5 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 1.2 g, Sodium 29.6 mg, Sugar 17.2 g

TRAINOR FAMILY CRANBERRY SALAD



Trainor Family Cranberry Salad image

This is an awesome cranberry salad, easy to make and even easier to eat! My mother in law is an amazing cook and at Christmas or Thanksgiving the family demands her famous cranberry salad. Best prepared the night before the big feast!

Provided by CQQKEEE

Categories     Jell-O® Salad

Time 40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored Jell-O® mix
1 cup boiling water
¾ cup cold water
2 oranges - peeled, sectioned, and cut into bite-size pieces
1 lemon - peeled, seeded and chopped
3 medium tart apples, peeled and chopped
2 cups cranberries, coarsely chopped
¼ cup white sugar, or to taste

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the gelatin mix and boiling water until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in the cold water. Transfer to a gelatin mold, or keep in a bowl; cover and refrigerate.
  • Place the oranges, lemon, apples, and cranberries into a bowl. Sprinkle the sugar over the top. Set aside so the fruit has time to bleed.
  • When the gelatin is partially set, stir in the fruit. Chill until set, preferably overnight. It becomes tastier with age!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 82.9 calories, Carbohydrate 21.5 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 1.2 g, Sodium 29.6 mg, Sugar 17.2 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries have a tart and tangy flavor that is perfect for this salad. If you can't find fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries, but thaw them completely before using.
  • Chop the nuts finely: Finely chopped nuts will distribute their flavor evenly throughout the salad. You can use any type of nuts you like, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
  • Don't overmix the salad: Overmixing the salad will make it mushy. Gently stir until the ingredients are combined.
  • Chill the salad before serving: Chilling the salad for at least an hour before serving will allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve the salad with a dollop of whipped cream or sour cream: This will add a creamy richness to the salad.

Conclusion:

This Trainor Family Cranberry Salad is a delicious and festive side dish that is perfect for any holiday gathering. It is easy to make and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy hosts. The tartness of the cranberries is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the creaminess of the whipped cream or sour cream. This salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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