Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe is fresh, sweet and slightly tangy. It is perfect for holidays and family dinners. Many people love Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It looks bright and festive on the table. If you want a simple side dish, this Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe is a great choice.
Today, I will show you How to make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad with easy Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad.
My Experience With This Recipe
The first time I made this salad was for a holiday dinner. I wanted something colorful and different. This salad was a big surprise.
It was sweet, creamy and slightly tart. The cranberries gave a fresh taste. The whipped topping made it soft and light.
My family asked for seconds. Even kids enjoyed it. Now I make it every year. It is always one of the first dishes to finish.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 mins (including chilling)
- Course: Side Dish / Salad
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 260 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×9 inch serving dish
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Chop the Cranberries
Wash the fresh cranberries well. Drain all water. Place them in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Sugar and Rest
Add granulated sugar to the chopped cranberries. Mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This helps reduce the tart flavor.
3. Prepare the Cream Mixture
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese.
4. Combine Pineapple and Marshmallows
Remove cranberry mixture from fridge. Add drained crushed pineapple. Mix well. Add mini marshmallows and stir gently to combine all flavors.
5. Fold Everything Together
Add the cream mixture into the cranberry bowl. Fold gently using a spatula. Mix until fully combined. Do not overmix. Keep the texture light and fluffy.
6. Add Pecans
Stir in chopped pecans. They add crunch and nutty flavor. Mix evenly so every bite has a little texture.
7. Chill Before Serving
Transfer salad into a serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This helps flavors blend well together.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from fridge before serving. Spoon into bowls or serve as a side dish. Enjoy your fresh and creamy Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for best flavor.
- Drain pineapple very well to avoid watery salad.
- Chill long enough for better taste.
- Toast pecans for extra flavor.
- Adjust sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
- Do not overmix after adding whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Sugar | 27 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe tastes best when served cold. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or chicken. You can also serve it during holiday dinners.
The bright red color makes your table look beautiful. Garnish with extra pecans or a few whole cranberries for decoration. This salad works well as both a side dish and a light dessert.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Roast turkey
- Baked ham
- Grilled chicken
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing
- Green bean casserole
These dishes balance the sweet and tangy flavor of the salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Do not freeze this salad. The texture may change after thawing. This salad does not need reheating. Always serve it chilled for best taste.

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Chop the Cranberries
- Wash the fresh cranberries well. Drain all water. Place them in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add Sugar and Rest
- Add granulated sugar to the chopped cranberries. Mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This helps reduce the tart flavor.
Prepare the Cream Mixture
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese.
Combine Pineapple and Marshmallows
- Remove cranberry mixture from fridge. Add drained crushed pineapple. Mix well. Add mini marshmallows and stir gently to combine all flavors.
Fold Everything Together
- Add the cream mixture into the cranberry bowl. Fold gently using a spatula. Mix until fully combined. Do not overmix. Keep the texture light and fluffy.
Add Pecans
- Stir in chopped pecans. They add crunch and nutty flavor. Mix evenly so every bite has a little texture.
Chill Before Serving
- Transfer salad into a serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This helps flavors blend well together.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from fridge before serving. Spoon into bowls or serve as a side dish. Enjoy your fresh and creamy Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best flavor.
- Drain pineapple very well to avoid watery salad.
- Chill long enough for better taste.
- Toast pecans for extra flavor.
- Adjust sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
- Do not overmix after adding whipped cream.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad
1. Can I make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it one day before serving. In fact, it tastes better after chilling overnight. The flavors blend well and become richer.
2. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid. Extra moisture can make the salad too watery.
3. How to make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar amount. You may also skip marshmallows if you prefer. Adjust sweetness according to your taste.
4. What makes this Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe special?
This recipe is special because it combines tart cranberries and creamy texture. The mix of fruit, nuts, and cream makes it unique and festive.
5. Can I add other fruits?
Yes, you can add chopped apples or grapes. Make sure they are fresh and dry. Extra fruit adds more flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe is simple, creamy and festive. It is perfect for holidays and special dinners. The Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad are easy to find. The steps are simple and beginner friendly.
Now you know How to make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad at home. Try this Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe for your next gathering. Your family will love the sweet and tangy flavor.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















Leave a Review