Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Rebecca Novak published on September 8, 2023, last modified on March 20, 2024

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is a showstopper! This delightful dish from The Pioneer Woman has all the elements of a classic holiday dish.

This salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering! This also comes together quickly and easily, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules. In just a few easy steps you can have this delicious dish ready to go in no time!

Just follow the step-by-step instructions and get ready to wow your dinner guests! Whether you’re looking for a holiday dish or just something new to try, this Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is sure to delight you.

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe

Want more cranberry recipes? Check these:

What is Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad?

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is a dish created by The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Ree Drummond is an American television personality, food writer, and photographer who runs the website “The Pioneer Woman.” Her cooking show on Food Network became one of the most popular shows in America shortly after it was launched in 2011.

Ree’s recipes are fun, delicious, and easy to make. Her Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is no exception! This dish combines sweet and tart flavors with crunchy pecans for a memorable side.

This salad is perfect for any special occasion, holiday meal, or just an everyday dinner. Whether you’re looking for something new to try or need a crowd-pleasing dish, Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is sure to exceed expectations. Plus, it’s easy to make and ready in just a few simple steps!

What does it taste like?

This salad has a great balance of sweet and tart flavors. The frozen cranberries give it a nice color and texture, while the fresh pineapple adds sweetness and a tropical touch.

The light brown sugar helps to bring out the sweetness of all the other ingredients, while the crunchy pecans add a delightful nutty flavor.

Orange juice gives this dish an extra layer of sweetness and acidity. It’s a great combination of flavors that will be sure to please your guests!

How did I first get introduced to the Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad?

I first encountered the Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad on The Pioneer Woman website. Ree Drummond runs the website “The Pioneer Woman.” After watching her cooking show on Food Network, I stumbled upon her recipe for this delightful cranberry salad dish in 2011.

At first sight, I was intrigued! The combination of sweet and tart flavors along with the crunchy pecans sounded perfect for any gathering. Plus, Ree promised that this dish was easy to make and ready in just a few simple steps. I had to give it a try!

After making this delicious salad for the first time, I knew that I would be making it again and again. The flavors were truly wonderful! This dish was a hit at my next gathering and now I make it all the time.

I’m so glad that I found Ree Drummond’s recipe for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad. It’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit any dietary need or preference. Don’t wait – give it a try today!

Whether you’re hosting an event or just looking for something new to make, Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is sure to be a hit. You’ll love the balance of sweet and tart flavors with crunchy pecans. Plus, this dish is ready in no time and adjustable for any dietary preference.

How to make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad?

Making Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is easy and only takes a few simple steps. Start by gathering the ingredients & follow the step-by-step instructions below:

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Ingredients

  • Frozen cranberries: This gives the salad a nice color and texture.
  • Bartlett pears: These are sweet and juicy, but not too overpowering.
  • Celery: The crunch from the celery adds a great texture to the salad.
  • Light brown sugar: This helps bring out the sweetness of the cranberries and pineapple.
  • Pecans: The toasted pecans add a great crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Fresh pineapple: Adds sweetness and a tropical touch.
  • Orange juice: For the dressing, orange juice gives the salad an extra layer of sweetness and acidity.
Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the frozen cranberries, chopped Bartlett pears, thinly sliced celery, light brown sugar, and chopped toasted pecans. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, mix together the fresh pineapple and orange juice. Pour the mixture over the cranberry mixture and stir gently to combine.

Step 3

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. When ready to serve, stir gently and enjoy!

Tips

  • Use freshly toasted pecans. Toasting them in the oven or on a stovetop brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch.
  • If you want your salad to be sweeter, add a bit more light brown sugar.
  • For extra acidity, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
  • If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute part of the orange juice with apple cider vinegar.
  • You can also add other fruits such as apples, oranges, or strawberries to this salad for added sweetness and flavor.
  • For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar!
Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is a showstopper! This delightful dish from The Pioneer Woman has all the elements of a classic holiday dish. This salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering! This also comes together quickly and easily, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules. In just a few easy steps you can have this delicious dish ready to go in no time!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 127kcal
Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

  • 2 bowls

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup peeled and chopped Bartlett pears
  • ½ cup thinly sliced celery
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
  • 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the frozen cranberries, chopped Bartlett pears, thinly sliced celery, light brown sugar, and toasted pecans. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the fresh pineapple and orange juice. Gently pour this mixture over the cranberry concoction you prepared in step one and stir until everything is evenly blended.
  • Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or even overnight if you wish. When it’s time to serve, gently mix the salad once more before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Use freshly toasted pecans. Toasting them in the oven or on a stovetop brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch.
  • If you want your salad to be sweeter, add a bit more light brown sugar.
  • For extra acidity, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
  • If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute part of the orange juice with apple cider vinegar.
  • You can also add other fruits such as apples, oranges, or strawberries to this salad for added sweetness and flavor.
  • For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar!

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Nutrition Information

What to serve with Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad?

Here are some delicious dishes to pair with Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad:

  • Roasted chicken: This classic dish goes perfectly with the sweet and tart flavors of the cranberry salad.
  • Baked salmon: For a healthy and delicious option, try it with baked salmon. The delicate flavors of the fish will be complemented by the sweet and tart flavors of the cranberry salad.
  • Roasted vegetables: Try pairing it with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes for a delicious and nutritious meal!
  • Grilled steak: For a hearty dish, try pairing this salad with juicy grilled steak. The sweet and tart flavors will be a great contrast to the savory steak.

How to store leftover Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad?

Leftover Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

Before freezing, make sure that you let the salad cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. When reheating, it’s important to not overheat the salad or it may become mushy.

You can reheat in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can eat Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad. The ingredients in the salad are considered safe for expectant mothers to enjoy, and the dish’s combination of sweet and tart flavors makes it a great addition to any meal.

As long as all of the ingredients used in this recipe have been properly stored and prepared, it is perfectly safe for pregnant women to enjoy.

However, pregnant women should always consult with their doctor or healthcare provider before consuming any food item that contains raw or uncooked ingredients.

While this recipe calls for cooked ingredients, it is important to make sure that all of the ingredients are stored and prepared correctly before eating.

FAQs 

Is this keto-friendly?

Yes, Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad can be made keto-friendly. To make this dish low in carbohydrates, you can substitute the light brown sugar with a keto-friendly sugar alternative such as erythritol or stevia. Additionally, you can omit the pineapple and use chopped cucumber instead to reduce the number of carbs per serving.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad is gluten-free. The ingredients used in this recipe do not contain any gluten and it can easily be adapted to suit a gluten-free diet. Be sure to check the labels of all your ingredients to make sure that they are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I use honey?

Yes, you can use honey as a substitute for the light brown sugar in the recipe. Honey is sweeter than light brown sugar and will add a subtle floral flavor to the salad. Be sure to adjust the amount of honey used according to your taste preferences.

Wrapping Up

Thank you for reading. I hope this article helps you learn how to make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad. There are so many ways to customize this dish according to your own preferences, so why not give it a try?

With its sweet and tart flavors, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends! Please share this article with your friends and family if you find it helpful. 

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Author Profile
Rebecca Novak, Registered Dietitian & Chef

Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more

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