I’ve searched the internet for the tastiest easy cranberry salad recipes for Thanksgiving for you, which you’re going to love them! All of these fresh cranberry salad recipes make for the perfect delicious side dish for the holiday table.
by
Sarah Bell
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I’ve searched the internet for the tastiest easy cranberry salad recipes for Thanksgiving for you, which you’re going to love them! All of these fresh cranberry salad recipes make for the perfect delicious side dish for the holiday table. This is a collection of savory salads using fresh, seasonal vegetables. I love adding dried cranberries to salads when you want that pop of sweetness, or fresh cranberries to add a sour touch.
Contents:
What Are Cranberries?
Cranberries are small red berries and are related to blueberries, bilberries and huckleberries. There are around 5 species of cranberry in total that come from Northern America, Canada, Chile, Northern Europe and Britain. Cranberries are used in lots of different ways, including:
juice
traditional cranberry sauce
jam
dried cranberries
fresh whole cranberries
frozen cranberries
Cranberries naturally have a very tart and sour taste. Because of this they are often sweetened with sugar to balance out the tartness of the cranberries. I recommend that you buy dried cranberries that have been sweetened with fruit juice instead of refined sugar. And when buying cranberry juice just be mindful of checking the nutrition information and try to opt for a juice with minimal added sugars. Check your local health food store or bulk foods stores for these ingredients.
Cranberries are a popular food for the holiday season, particularly Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner. They are used in cranberry dessert salads including cranberry jello salad and cranberry fluff. However this post focuses on healthy salads using fresh ingredients.
Health Benefits of Cranberries
Cranberries are a highly nutritious food containing beneficial plant compounds. Some of these plant compounds are well known particularly for helping to treat Urinary Tract Infections. Some of the health-promoting plant compounds found in cranberries include:
Quercetin (an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound)
A-type proanthocyadins (the compound which helps to relieve urinary tract infections).
Cranberries are also a great source of the following nutrients:
Insoluble and soluble dietary fiber – important for digestive health.
Vitamin C – vitamin C is an incredible antioxidant and is necessary for healthy skin, muscles and bone and is very important for a well functioning immune system.
Manganese – important for metabolism, growth and the antioxidant system in the body.
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Copper
FAQ
Are cranberries good for you?
The short answer is yes. Fresh cranberries are a highly nutritious food and are an excellent source of fiber, Vitamin C, Quercetin and A-type proanthocyadins (the compound which helps to treat urinary tract infections). Because of the tart taste, many foods containing cranberries also contain a high amount of sugar, which isn’t good for you. Try to find cranberry products with minimal added sugars.
Are cranberries low FODMAP?
According to Monash University, cranberries are low FODMAP cranberries are low FODMAP if eating 50 grams and under. Dried cranberries are low FODMAP if eating 15 grams and under and cranberry juice is low FODMAP is eating 30 grams and under.
Are cranberries acidic?
Cranberries are acidic, however once digested fresh cranberries are alkaline. Dried cranberries are acidic once digested.
Are cranberries keto?
Fresh cranberries are keto as they are lower in sugar per 100 grams than a lot of other fruits. Though, dried cranberries are higher in sugar and are not keto.
Where do cranberries come from?
Cranberries are found in cranberry bogs in Northern Eastern America. Other countries they are found in include Canada, Northern Europe and Britain.
Easy Cranberry Salad Recipes for Thanksgiving
Below are some of my favorite cranberry salad recipes from across the web. They are fresh and vibrant, using simple ingredients. Cranberry salads are the perfect side dish for a holiday meal and are the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving turkey and homemade cranberry sauce. I love serving these salads on a beautiful serving dish in the centre of the table for the whole family to enjoy. For other Thanksgiving recipes you might also like to try my Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad, Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad or my Roasted Butternut Squash Salad.
Kale, Apple and Cranberry Salad with Maple Dressing
This delicious kale salad has crispy apples, tender kale, toasted pecans and sweet cranberries with an olive oil maple dressing – the perfect fall salad or side dish to a Thanksgiving meal.
Kale and Cabbage Salad with Ginger Citrus Dressing
This chopped kale salad is such a great recipe with hearty kale, crispy cabbage, crunchy toasted sunflower seeds, sweet cranberries & a ginger citrus dressing!
This salad is the perfect combination of tart cranberries, persimmon, farro, shallots, pecans, goats cheese and homemade vinaigrette. The perfect salad for fall!
This easy broccoli salad recipe is a classic party side dish! It’s made with cranberries, red onion, almonds, and a creamy homemade dressing.Recipe & Image: Love and Lemons
This Pear Salad will easily become a favorite fall recipe! It’s layered with fresh greens, sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, salty parmesan and tangy balsamic.Recipe & Image: Cooking Classy
With fall around the corner, it’s time to tuck into some warm autumn dishes that are as comforting as they are nutritious.Recipe & Image: Working Against Gravity
Green Salad with Goat Cheese, Apples, Cranberries and Pepitas
Fresh green salad recipe featuring sliced apple, toasted pepitas, dried cranberries and crumbled goat cheese dressed in a delicious Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Recipe & Image: Cookie and Katie
Gluten Free Stuffing Salad with Sweet Onion Dressing
Gluten Free Stuffing Salad with Warm Onion Dressing! A lightened up Thanksgiving side dish that’s quick to make. Dairy free, easy, and delicious!Recipe & Image: Cotter Crunch
This easy, colorful slaw is a great addition to the Thanksgiving buffet. It’s light, crunchy and a refreshing balance to roast turkey and rich side dishes.Recipe & Image: The Kitchen
This healthy buckwheat salad has vibrant flavors with tart dried cranberries, sweet and crunchy apples, and nutty buckwheat groats. Recipe & Image: Life Around the Table
Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad is generously drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, this healthy fall quinoa salad is a great side dish for the holidays.Recipe & Image: Foolproof Living
Chopped Kale Salad with Cranberries with Orange Vinaigrette
Chopped Kale Salad with Cranberries is tossed in a maple and orange vinaigrette and then topped with toasted pecans, pumpkin seeds, onions and goat cheese.Recipe & Image: Evolving Table
Beet, Carrot & Cranberry Salad, is a colorful stunner of a salad thanks to beautiful produce. Thankfully, it is easy to prepare and sure to bring a pop of color to your holiday table.Recipe & Image: Bijouxs
Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans
This simple Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans is a perfect everyday salad and a great holiday side dish! Tossed with a basic Balsamic dressing, this salad will add fresh greens, fruit, and nuts. Recipe & Image: Julia’s Album
You will love the textures and flavors of this simple and healthy fall chickpea salad. Enjoy for lunch or serve as a side dish for dinner.Recipe & Image: Two Peas & Their Pod
This hearty and healthy is salad made with sweet potatoes, lentils, kale, feta cheese, red onion and cranberries. The ultimate fall salad!Recipe & Image: Two Peas & Their Pod
An easy recipe for cranberry walnut chicken salad. This chicken salad recipe is not only quick to make but also easily customizable. Leftover turkey can be used instead of chicken!Recipe & Image: Happy Foods Tube
Fall Cobb Salad is a twist on the classic salad. Butternut squash, apples, pepitas, dried cranberries give this hearty salad plenty of fall flavor!Recipe & Image: Recipe Runner
Brussels Sprout Cranberry Salad with Apple Cider Tahini Dressing
Hearty fall salad with kale, roasted brussels sprouts, quinoa, cranberries, and pecans in a sweet and tangy oil-free apple cider tahini dressing.Recipe & Image: Flora & Vino
This Kale Orzo Salad is a festive combo of roasted veggies, pistachios, dried cranberries and lots of herbs dressed in a maple lime vinaigrette. Easy to prep in advance for meals and pretty enough to entertain with. Recipe & Image: Plant Based RD
This lightened-up turkey salad with celery, onion, dried cranberries and almonds is the perfect recipe to make with leftover turkey.Recipe & Image: Eating Bird Food
This vegan fall harvest salad has kale, maple roasted butternut squash, apples, cranberries, and pecans! It’s simple, healthy, and filling.Recipe & Image: Best Served Vegan
This roasted pumpkin, spinach & cranberry salad is the perfect meal for autumn & winter months when you’re craving a salad. The combination of the sticky maple roasted pumpkin with the tart & chewy dried cranberries, toasted pecans, smoky bacon & creamy blue cheese is addictive! Recipe & Image: Fresh Hunger
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad is a delicious fall salad packed with fresh sprouts, apples, cranberries, and crunchy seeds, tossed in a homemade vinaigrette. Recipe & Image: Ahead of Thyme
Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Beets Salad
Winter Vegetable Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Beets is a great recipe for a cold Winter night! It’s also a festive side dish for the holiday menu, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.Recipe & Image: Julia’s Album
I love salads but sometimes I want something a little different and this Fennel, Cranberry and Grapefruit Salad is a lovely substitute for salads with lettuce. The fennel and almonds give it some crunch and flavor while the grapefruit gives a bit of refreshing tartness.Recipe & Image Powered By Mom
I’m a Bachelor qualified Nutritionist turned healthy recipe developer and the creator of Our Nourishing Table.
I love creating easy to make, nutrient-filled recipes from quick dinner recipes and make-ahead breakfasts to healthy treats and luscious desserts (with a healthy spin of course).
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