Cranberry Fluff Salad

With its merry blend of tart cranberries, sweet creaminess, and a fluffy texture, this easy, make-ahead Cranberry Fluff Salad is bound to be a hit at your next holiday gathering! With just 8 ingredients, anyone can master this easy fluff recipe that will be requested every holiday season.

If you're looking to add a little retro charm to your holiday table, Cranberry Fluff Salad is a MUST-TRY. This old-fashioned recipe has been a favorite for generations in our family. It combines tangy cranberries, holiday citrus, sweet mini marshmallows, and creamy whipped topping for a perfect balance of merry flavors.

With just 8 easy to find ingredients, it's an affordable recipe that anyone can replicate perfectly. It's a gorgeous pink color and only takes about 30 minutes to prep too!

The best part about this cranberry salad? It's easy to make ahead, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with your family and friends. Its bold flavors and light, fluffy texture will have everyone reaching for seconds—maybe even thirds!

Whether you make it for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, or just because, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. Add more retro fluff salads to the table with our other family favorites, the Orange Jello Salad, Pistachio Fluff Salad, and Green Jello Salad!

Why You'll Like This Recipe

• Sweet & Tart Combo. The fresh cranberries bring a tangy kick, perfectly balanced by the sweet cream cheese and whipped topping.
• Nostalgic & Fun. This cranberry fluff recipe is a classic holiday season side dish, bringing back special memories of family meals and special occasions.
• Easy to Make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this no bake dessert (or salad) comes together in just a few steps.
• Versatile & Customizable. Whether you prefer pecans or coconut for crunch or want to keep it nut-free, this cranberry marshmallow salad can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly. This easy Cranberry fluff dessert gets even better as it chills, so you can prepare it in advance, making holiday dinner prep easier.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Fresh Cranberries: The star of this sweet dish, cranberries provide the tartness that makes this dish refreshing and balanced.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds a sweet and tangy element that complements the cranberries. Canned or fresh pineapple both work.
• Orange: The zest and fruit give a burst of citrus flavor, enhancing the freshness of the salad.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tart cranberries and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness, making the dessert salad smooth and luscious.
• Cool Whip or Fresh Whipped Cream: Lightens up the salad and provides that iconic fluff texture.
• Miniature Marshmallows: Adds a fun, chewy texture and sweetness that pairs well with the cranberries.
• Chopped Pecans (Optional): Crunchy pecans add more texture and a nutty flavor for extra depth.

Tools You'll Need

• Mixing Bowls
• Spatula
• Hand Mixer 
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Whisk
• Paring Knife
• Citrus Zester
• Food Processor or Food Chopper

How to Make Cranberry Fluff Salad

1. Using a food processor or food chopper, process the cranberries until they're coarsely chopped.

2. 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.

3. 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. 

4. Pour the cranberry mixture into colander, and allow mixture to drain for 1 minute.
5. To a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add half of the cool whip of fresh whipped cream. Blend on low spend until combined. Add the remaining cool whip or fresh whipped cream, and blend until smooth again.

5. Gently fold the cranberry mixture into the whipped cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.

6. Fold in mini marshmallows and pecans (if using). Refrigerate at least 4 hours (or over overnight) before serving.

7. Garnish as desired, and serve cold.

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 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream with ¼ 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.
• Add 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Holiday Sweet Treats

• Cherry Berry On a Cloud
• Old Fashioned Strawberry Pretzel Salad
• Strawberry Jam Cake
• Strawberries and Cream Tres Leches Cake