Description
Cranberry Fluff Salad is a light, creamy, and refreshing dish combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet, fluffy texture of whipped topping, marshmallows, and crushed pineapple. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this easy no-cook salad delivers vibrant flavors and a colorful presentation enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and trimmed)
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberries: Rinse fresh cranberries thoroughly, removing any stems or soft berries. For a softer texture, briefly cook cranberries in a small amount of water with sugar until softened and slightly thickened. Allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding.
- Mix the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the whipped topping and crushed pineapple (with juice) until smooth and fluffy to create a creamy base.
- Combine ingredients: Carefully add the prepared cranberries, mini marshmallows, and optional chopped nuts to the creamy base. Gently fold all ingredients to keep marshmallows fluffy and cranberries intact without bleeding color excessively.
- Chill to marry flavors: Refrigerate the salad for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld and for the salad to slightly firm up, enhancing its refreshing texture before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and tartness; frozen can be substituted if thawed and well drained.
- Gently fold ingredients to maintain fluffiness and avoid crushing the cranberries.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting before chilling and adding more sugar or honey if desired.
- Chill thoroughly to set the salad and enhance creamy consistency.
- Prepare ahead of time to allow flavors to develop fully and ease party preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Optional 5 minutes if softening cranberries
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cranberry Fluff Salad, holiday salad, easy salad, no cook salad, creamy cranberry salad, potluck dish, festive side dish, gluten free dessert, marshmallow salad