This Cranberry Fluff Salad is a creamy, sweet, and tangy holiday classic that combines fresh cranberries, crushed pineapple, fluffy marshmallows, and whipped cream. It’s the perfect side dish or dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. Easy to make and even easier to love, this no-bake recipe adds a refreshing burst of flavor and a pop of color to any table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, creamy, and perfectly sweet with a hint of tartness
- Quick and easy—no baking required
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners
- Can be made ahead for stress-free preparation
- Kid-friendly and a crowd-pleaser
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen cranberries)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 8 oz whipped topping)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the cranberries: In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until finely chopped. Transfer them to a bowl and mix with the granulated sugar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the whipped cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with a mixer until soft peaks form. Add vanilla extract, if using, and beat until stiff peaks form. (Skip this step if using store-bought whipped topping.)
- Combine the ingredients: Fold the drained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts (if using) into the cranberry mixture. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors blend and the marshmallows soften.
- Serve: Garnish with extra cranberries, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of nuts if desired. Serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 2 hours (or overnight for best results)
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sugar to taste.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut whipped cream and vegan marshmallows.
- Orange-Cranberry Fluff: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Extra Fruity: Add sliced grapes, mandarin oranges, or apple chunks for more texture and flavor.
Storage
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze: The whipped cream and marshmallows will lose their texture when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, just thaw them completely before chopping and mixing with sugar.
How far in advance can I make cranberry fluff salad?
You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes, store-bought whipped topping works well and saves time.
What’s the best way to chop cranberries without a food processor?
Finely chop them by hand using a sharp knife or use a blender in short pulses.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the nuts for a nut-free version without compromising the flavor.
Why do I need to chill the cranberry mixture before adding other ingredients?
Chilling softens the cranberries, reduces their tartness, and allows the sugar to dissolve properly.
Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?
Not recommended, as fresh or frozen cranberries provide the best texture and tartness for this dish.
Is cranberry fluff salad a dessert or a side dish?
It can be served as either! It’s sweet enough for dessert but often served as a festive side dish at holiday meals.
Can I add cream cheese for extra richness?
Yes, blend softened cream cheese into the whipped cream for a richer, tangier version.
What dishes pair well with cranberry fluff salad?
It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or any traditional holiday dishes like stuffing or green bean casserole.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Fluff Salad is a festive, creamy, and refreshing addition to any holiday table. Its balance of sweet and tangy flavors, combined with a fluffy, light texture, makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, so you can focus on enjoying time with family and friends!
Print
Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Fluff Salad is a sweet, creamy, and festive side dish that’s perfect for the holidays! Made with tart cranberries, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping, it’s light, fluffy, and incredibly easy to prepare. A must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any potluck gathering!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups (240 ml) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup (240 g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for a tangy twist)
- 2 cups (100 g) mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare the cranberries:
- In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until finely chopped.
- Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl and mix with granulated sugar.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors blend and reduce tartness.
2. Mix the salad:
- After chilling, drain any excess liquid from the cranberry mixture.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple, whipped topping, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mini marshmallows, nuts (if using), and orange zest.
3. Chill and serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or dessert.
Notes
- Use frozen cranberries for convenience—just thaw before processing.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut whipped topping and dairy-free yogurt.
- Add chopped apples or grapes for extra texture and sweetness.