Cranberry Fluff Salad is a creamy, sweet, and tangy dish that brings together the flavors of tart cranberries, fluffy marshmallows, and whipped cream. It’s a perfect side dish or dessert for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and vibrant: The bright colors and flavors make it a standout on any table.
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep work and no cooking required.
- Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, tart, and creamy all in one bite.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling, making it a great time-saver.
- Versatile: Can be served as a dessert or a side dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh cranberries
- Granulated sugar
- Crushed pineapple (drained)
- Mini marshmallows
- Whipped topping (or freshly whipped cream)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the cranberries: Chop the fresh cranberries finely (a food processor works great) and mix them with the sugar. Let them sit for at least an hour to macerate and soften.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened cranberries, drained pineapple, mini marshmallows, nuts, and coconut (if using).
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold in the whipped topping or freshly whipped cream until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Serve: Give it a quick stir before serving, and enjoy!
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Greek yogurt twist: Swap half of the whipped cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
- Fruit mix-ins: Add chopped apples, grapes, or mandarin oranges for extra fruitiness.
- Nut-free option: Skip the nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Extra sweetness: Mix in a handful of white chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
- Dairy-free version: Use a dairy-free whipped topping alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
- Reheating: No reheating needed — serve chilled straight from the fridge!
FAQs
How far in advance can I make cranberry fluff salad?
You can make it up to 24 hours in advance! It actually tastes better as the flavors meld.
Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries provide the best texture, but you can use whole-berry cranberry sauce in a pinch — just reduce or omit the sugar.
What can I use instead of whipped topping?
Freshly whipped cream or stabilized whipped cream works wonderfully.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you double-check the ingredients for any hidden gluten.
Can I leave out the marshmallows?
Sure! The marshmallows add sweetness and texture, but the salad will still be delicious without them.
Can I add cream cheese?
Yes! Blend in a bit of softened cream cheese with the whipped cream for added richness.
How do I prevent it from getting watery?
Be sure to drain the pineapple well and let the cranberries macerate fully.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain them before chopping.
What nuts work best?
Pecans and walnuts are classic, but almonds or macadamia nuts are great alternatives.
Can I serve it right after making it?
It’s best to chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, but you can serve it immediately if needed.
Conclusion
Cranberry Fluff Salad is a timeless dish that brings sweetness, texture, and vibrant color to any occasion. Whether served as a side at Thanksgiving dinner or as a light dessert, it’s sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a must-have for your holiday repertoire. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Fluff Salad is a delightful, creamy dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of marshmallows and pineapple. It’s a popular side or dessert, especially during holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Chop Cranberries: Pulse the cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped, but not pureed.
- Sweeten and Marinate: In a large bowl, mix the chopped cranberries with sugar and drained pineapple. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add heavy whipping cream, whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Ingredients: Drain any excess liquid from the cranberry mixture. Gently fold the cream mixture into the cranberries. Add mini marshmallows and mix until evenly distributed.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate the salad for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, consider folding in 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans or halved red grapes during step 4.
- Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- This salad can be made a day in advance, making it convenient for holiday preparations.
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