Description
This Cranberry Fluff Salad is a creamy, sweet-tart holiday favorite made with fresh cranberries, crushed pineapple, fluffy whipped cream, and mini marshmallows. It’s the perfect old-fashioned side or dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple, undrained
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded coconut or mandarin oranges
Instructions
- Chop Cranberries: Add fresh cranberries to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, but not pureed. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Sweeten the Mixture: Stir in granulated sugar and crushed pineapple. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add heavy whipping cream and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Drain excess juice from the cranberry mixture, then gently fold in the whipped cream mixture. Stir in mini marshmallows until fully combined.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or overnight. Serve cold as a side dish or dessert. Garnish with extra cranberries or mint if desired.
Notes
For best results, chill the cranberry mixture before adding whipped cream to avoid excess liquid. This salad can be made one day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 402
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 124mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
Keywords: cranberry fluff salad, cranberry dessert salad, holiday cranberry salad, old fashioned cranberry fluff recipe, easy fluff salad, Crushed pineapple, fresh cranberries, heavy cream,