Cranberry Pecan Salad

This creamy Cranberry Pecan Salad recipe with cranberry sauce, sugared pecans, and glazed pretzels is perfect for holiday dinners!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 7

Total Time 22

Servings

Calories 235kcal

Author Tonia Larson

Equipment

Handheld Mixer
Glass Mixing Bowl
Glass Bowls for Kitchen Prep
Spoon-Shaped Spatula

Ingredients

Sugared Pecans and Pretzels

1 cup chopped pretzels
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter melted

Cranberry Sauce

12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries rinsed and drained
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoon cold water
2 tablespoon cornstarch

Cranberry Pecan Salad

8 oz cream cheese softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups cool whip one 8-ounce container
1/2 cup sugared cranberries

Instructions

Sugared Pecans and Pretzels

Start by making the sugared pecans and pretzels for the salad. Mix together chopped pretzels, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Spread the mixture on a large, rimmed baking sheet (I used my jelly roll pan). Bake at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool. Break into small pieces and set aside.

Cranberry Sauce

Put cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan. Stir and cook over medium heat for 12-15 minutes until the cranberries start to break down. In a small bowl, mix together cold water and cornstarch. Add the mixture to the cranberry sauce while stirring. Stir and cook for 20-30 seconds, until thickened. Set aside to cool.
You can use 2 1/2 cups of store-bought cranberry sauce if you prefer.

Cranberry Pecan Salad

Beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Fold in whipped topping. Add cranberry sauce and the sugared pecans and pretzels. Stir to combine.
Garnish with sugared cranberries, if desired.

Video

Notes

The sugared pecans and pretzels can start to get soggy over time so if you want to prepare this salad ahead of time, leave the sugared pecans and pretzel separate and stir them in before serving.

Nutrition