Cranberry Fluff Salad

5 from 2 votes

This Cranberry Fluff Salad will be a hit at your next holiday gathering! With just 8 ingredients, anyone can make this easy fluff recipe with just a couple of pantry ingredients. It's a dish that's great to make ahead for a crowd to serve at all of your holiday gatherings.

Prep Time30

Cook Time0

Total Time4 30

Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: holiday

Servings:

Calories: 198kcal

Ingredients

12 ounces fresh cranberries
8 ounce can crushed pineapple drained
1 large orange
1/4 cup granulated sugar
8 ounce package cream cheese
8 ounce tub thawed Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans optional

Instructions

Using a food processor or food chopper, process the cranberries until they're coarsely chopped.
Zest the orange until you have 2 tablespoons of zest. Then, remove the peel and pith from the orange, and slice the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces.
To a medium bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, orange zest and pieces, pineapple, and sugar. Stir until well combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes.
Pour the cranberry mixture into colander, and allow mixture to drain for 1 minute.
To a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add half of the cool whip or fresh whipped cream. Blend on low speed until combined. Add the remaining cool whip or fresh whipped cream, and blend until smooth again.
Gently fold the cranberry mixture into the whipped cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Fold in mini marshmallows and pecans (if using). Refrigerate at least 4 hours (or over overnight) before serving. Garnish as desired, and serve cold.

Video

Notes

Pro Tips and Substitutions

- Make it Nut-Free: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply don't add the pecans. The salad will still have plenty of texture and flavor.

- Whipped Cream Alternative: If you prefer, you can make your own homemade whipped cream by whipping 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can increase or decrease the amount of sugar. Just remember, the longer the salad sits, the sweeter it becomes.
- Cranberry Options: You can use frozen cranberries as well. Before chopping them, allow the cranberries to thaw completely, then pat dry with a paper towel. It is not ideal to use canned cranberries in this recipe.
- Mix-ins: For added texture, try folding in diced apples, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, red grapes, or chopped walnuts.

- Garnish Options: When ready to serve, you can top this fluffy salad with dried chopped cranberries (dried or fresh), extra pecans, and fresh mint.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

This is the perfect make-ahead dish, as it needs time to chill. Prep it the night before your get-togethers for the best results.

Store your cranberry fluff salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will meld as it sits, making it even better the next day! Due to the whipped cream and cream cheese, freezing will alter the texture of this salad, so it’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Nutrition

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