Description
Easy Cranberry Fluff Salad is a cool, creamy, no-bake holiday salad made with tart cranberries, sweet pineapple, fluffy whipped topping, and soft mini marshmallows. This easy recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, quick dessert ideas, make-ahead side dishes, holiday food ideas, and simple fruit salad recipes that bring bright color and sweet-tangy flavor to the table.
Ingredients
12 ounces fresh cranberries, finely chopped
3/4 cup granulated sugar
20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained very well
2 cups mini marshmallows
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup extra cranberries or mini marshmallows for garnish
Instructions
1. Rinse and dry the cranberries, then finely chop them in a food processor without pureeing them.
2. Add the chopped cranberries to a large bowl and stir in the sugar.
3. Cover and refrigerate the cranberry mixture for at least 1 hour so the berries soften and release juice.
4. Drain the crushed pineapple very well, pressing out extra liquid.
5. Stir the drained pineapple and mini marshmallows into the sweetened cranberry mixture.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the whipped topping, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Gently fold the creamy mixture into the cranberry mixture until evenly combined.
8. Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts if using.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
10. Stir gently before serving, garnish with extra cranberries or marshmallows, and serve cold.
Notes
Drain the crushed pineapple very well so the salad stays thick, creamy, and fluffy instead of watery.
For the best texture, chill the finished salad overnight so the marshmallows soften and the cranberry flavor mellows.
Fold gently after adding the whipped topping to keep the salad light and airy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Dessert Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 42 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
Keywords: Easy Cranberry Fluff Salad, cranberry fluff, holiday salad, no-bake dessert, Thanksgiving side dish, Christmas salad, easy recipe, food ideas