Cranberry fans, you'll love these dishes
What's the story
Cranberries are commonly linked with festive meals, but their versatility goes much beyond traditional sauces. These tart berries can be a delicious addition to a whole array of dishes, providing a unique flavor profile that elevates both sweet and savory recipes. From salads to desserts, cranberries add a splash of color and flavor that's both refreshing and surprising. Here are five surprising dishes with cranberries you may try.
Fresh twist
Cranberry quinoa salad
Cranberry quinoa salad blends nutty quinoa with tart cranberries to prepare a refreshing dish. The salad usually features spinach, almonds, and feta cheese to create a balance of textures and flavors. The cranberries offer a pop of color and tang that goes well with earthiness of quinoa. It's an amazing option for anyone who wants a nutritious meal that is as satisfying as it is tasty.
Nutty delight
Cranberry almond rice pilaf
Cranberry almond rice pilaf is another aromatic dish where fluffy rice meets the crunchiness of almonds and the tartness of dried cranberries. Often cooked with fragrant spices like cinnamon or cardamom, this pilaf offers layers of flavor in every bite. The sweetness from the cranberries pairs well with the nuttiness from almonds, making it an ideal side dish for various main courses.
Sweet treats
Cranberry orange muffins
Cranberry orange muffins are ideal for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. The punchy orange zest and succulent cranberries provide a delicious contrast in these soft muffins. They are usually topped with a light glaze or sprinkled with sugar for sweetness. These muffins provide bursts of citrusy freshness along with cranberry's natural tartness.
Fruity Fusion
Cranberry apple crisp
Cranberry apple crisp is a cozy dessert that combines two classic fruits in one dish. Sliced apples mixed with fresh or dried cranberries make the base layer, topped with a buttery oats crumble for the texture contrast. As it bakes, juices from the apples merge seamlessly into a cranberry sauce-like consistency beneath a crispy topping—perfect served warm next to vanilla ice cream.
Nutty crunch
Cranberry pecan bread
Cranberry pecan bread combines a soft bread texture, enriched by crunchy pecans scattered throughout the loaf, along with juicy bits provided by the dried (or fresh) berries themselves! This hearty loaf makes a great breakfast toast, spread with butter or jam. Alternatively, serve slices alongside soups or stews at the dinner table too!