Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry

Highlighted under: Seasonal Flavor Journey

Delight your taste buds with our Festive Sushi Roll filled with zesty cranberries and fresh vegetables. This colorful dish is perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:31:49.959Z

Experience the joy of sushi with a festive twist! This roll combines the tartness of cranberries with the freshness of vegetables, making it a vibrant addition to any holiday table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Unique combination of sweet and savory flavors
  • Colorful presentation that's sure to impress
  • Healthy ingredients packed with nutrients

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

The Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The tartness of fresh cranberries pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado and crunchy vegetables, creating a harmonious blend that excites the palate. This unique combination not only elevates the traditional sushi experience but also introduces a festive flair to your dining table.

Incorporating seasonal ingredients like cranberries into sushi is a great way to celebrate flavors that resonate with the holidays. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, this sushi roll promises to deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. The balance of textures, from the chewy rice to the crisp veggies, adds an extra dimension to this colorful dish.

An Eye-Catching Presentation

Presentation is key in elevating any dish, and the Festive Sushi Roll delivers with its vibrant colors and artistic arrangement. The contrasting hues of bright green avocado, deep red cranberries, and the earthy tones of nori and vegetables create a visually stunning platter that’s sure to impress your guests. Each roll is a work of art, making it perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

When serving, consider garnishing with additional cranberry bits or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flair. A beautifully arranged sushi platter not only showcases your culinary skills but also invites your guests to indulge in a delightful and festive dining experience.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

This sushi roll isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients. Sushi rice is a good source of carbohydrates, offering energy to fuel your day. Fresh vegetables like cucumber and carrot provide essential vitamins and minerals, while avocado adds healthy fats that promote heart health. Together, these ingredients create a balanced meal that nourishes the body.

Cranberries are particularly noteworthy, as they are rich in antioxidants and may help support urinary tract health. By incorporating them into your sushi, you’re not only enjoying a unique flavor but also reaping the health benefits they offer. Making this recipe a staple in your kitchen is a delicious way to maintain a healthy lifestyle while celebrating special moments.

Ingredients

For the Sushi Rolls

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 sheets nori
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • Soy sauce for serving

Feel free to add other fillings like cream cheese or shrimp for more variety!

Instructions

Prepare the Sushi Rice

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.

Season the Rice

In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked sushi rice. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Rolls

Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top. Add a line of chopped cranberries, avocado, cucumber, and carrot in the center.

Roll the Sushi

Using the bamboo mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, applying gentle pressure to form a tight roll. Seal the edge with a little water. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce and enjoy your festive sushi!

These sushi rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a short period.

Tips for Making Perfect Sushi

To ensure your sushi rolls turn out perfectly every time, start by investing in quality sushi rice and nori. The right ingredients make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Additionally, when preparing your sushi rice, be patient and allow it to cool adequately before assembling your rolls. This helps maintain the rice's stickiness, which is crucial for rolling.

Practicing your rolling technique with a bamboo mat can also enhance your sushi-making skills. Start slowly, applying gentle but firm pressure to create a tight roll. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to try multiple rolls until you get the hang of it!

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Festive Sushi Roll, consider pairing it with a variety of dipping sauces. Traditional soy sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try spicy mayo or a tangy ponzu sauce for added flavor. For a festive touch, serve your sushi with a side of pickled ginger and wasabi to enhance the overall experience.

For an even more festive atmosphere, consider creating a sushi platter with a mix of different rolls. This allows your guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures, making your gathering even more enjoyable. Don’t forget to garnish your platter with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sushi rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sushi rolls a few hours in advance, but it's best to serve them fresh.

→ What can I substitute for nori?

You can use soy paper or even lettuce leaves for a gluten-free option.

→ Is sushi rice different from regular rice?

Yes, sushi rice is a short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked, making it perfect for sushi.

→ Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fruits like mango or pineapple can also be great additions.

Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry

Delight your taste buds with our Festive Sushi Roll filled with zesty cranberries and fresh vegetables. This colorful dish is perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Seasonal Flavor Journey

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 rolls

What You'll Need

For the Sushi Rolls

  1. 2 cups sushi rice
  2. 2 1/2 cups water
  3. 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  4. 2 tablespoons sugar
  5. 1 teaspoon salt
  6. 4 sheets nori
  7. 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  8. 1 avocado, sliced
  9. 1 cucumber, julienned
  10. 1 carrot, julienned
  11. Soy sauce for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.

Step 02

In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked sushi rice. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 03

Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top. Add a line of chopped cranberries, avocado, cucumber, and carrot in the center.

Step 04

Using the bamboo mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, applying gentle pressure to form a tight roll. Seal the edge with a little water. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 05

Using a sharp knife, slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce and enjoy your festive sushi!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 5g