Description
This dreamy Cranberry Fluff Salad combines tart fresh cranberries with fluffy marshmallows, cream cheese, and whipped topping for the perfect sweet-tart holiday side dish. Ready in 15 minutes and even better when made ahead!
Ingredients
12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Pulse fresh cranberries in food processor until coarsely chopped. Mix with 1/4 cup sugar and let sit 15 minutes.
2. Beat softened cream cheese with remaining 1/4 cup sugar using electric mixer until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Gently fold whipped topping into cream cheese mixture using rubber spatula until no streaks remain.
4. Add macerated cranberries with juices, well-drained pineapple, marshmallows, vanilla, and salt. Fold gently until evenly distributed.
5. If using pecans, fold them in last to maintain crunch.
6. Transfer to serving bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Before serving, let sit at room temperature 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh cranberries and mint if desired.
Notes
For best results, make this salad 24 hours ahead to allow flavors to meld.
Thoroughly draining the pineapple is crucial to prevent watery texture.
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Not recommended for freezing.
Add nuts just before serving if you prefer extra crunch.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for half the whipped topping for tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert Salad
- Method: No-Bake, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: cranberry fluff salad, cranberry salad, holiday side dish, no bake dessert, make ahead salad, thanksgiving salad