Cranberry Fluff Salad--Is it a salad, or is it a dessert? Whatever it is, this cranberry marshmallow salad will have you reaching for seconds time and time again! It's tart, creamy, and the perfect use of fresh cranberries!
Cranberry Fluff Salad
I don't know why I find such great joy in calling this cranberry fluff a salad, but I do. Its tart, loaded with marshmallows, bright pink, swirled with whipped cream and yet I can get away with the dirty little deed of calling it a salad. It's magic.
Its name doesn't fool me; I know what a rich, calorie-laden treat it really is. But somehow it makes going back for seconds just that much easier.
How to Make Cranberry Fluff
One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is because of how easy it is to make! It's one of the things my girls always contribute to Thanksgiving dinner because they can make it themselves start to finish.
All that is required is a blender or food processor to blend the cranberries with the sugar. To whip the cream you'll need a hand or stand mixer, OR you can actually whip it right in the blender if you'd like. It won't be quite as fluffy, but once it's stirred into the salad, you don't notice.
Mix In Ideas for Cranberry Fluff Salad
This is great as just a cranberry and marshmallow salad, but you can definitely mix in some ingredients to make it your own. Here are some of my favorites:
- Peeled and Diced apples
- Chopped Pecans
- Frozen Cranberries instead of fresh
- Cream Cheese
- Shredded Coconut
- Mandarin Oranges
- Sour Cream
Want More Easy Dessert Recipes?
Tools Used in Making this Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Get It Right Silicone Spatulas: I have waaaaay too many of these spatulas floating around in my kitchen, but I just love them! They are heat-resistance and can be used for both baking and cooking, so they are basically my go-to kitchen tool. I love that they come in lots of vibrant colors and are easy to clean. Most of the spatulas I have are at least four years old and still look new!
- Black and Decker Hand Mixer: I picked this little mixer up on clearance at Walmart, and it's treated me so well. 🙂 I love that it has a snap-on storage case that holds all the beaters and cord, making it fit nicely into my cupboard when not in use.
- Ninja Professional Blender: We've owned this blender for just under five years, and it still runs as strong as it did day 1. I especially love the individual cups-- they are perfect for single serving smoothies or shakes!
Other Recipes For Your Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
- Sweet Potato Casserole With Coconut
- Corn Spoon Bread
- Best Dinner Roll Recipe
- Fresh Green Bean Casserole
- Homemade Creamed Corn
- Au Gratin Potato Recipe
- Pumpkin Turnovers
- Never Fail Pie Crust
- Caramel Apple Pie with Crumb Topping
Cranberry Fluff Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh cranberries
- 20 ounces Crushed Pineapple drained
- 1 cup sugar
- 16 ounces miniature marshmallows
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Place cranberries in a blender with sugar. Puree until smooth and transfer into a large bowl.
- Stir drained pineapple into the cranberries and fold in marshmallows.
- Pour whipping cream into the blender bowl, cover and mix until the cream has thickened. You may have to stop and shake the blender a few times to get it moving once it starts to thicken.
- Fold cream into the cranberry and pineapple mixture, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
andrea miller says
can you use a food processor if you dont have a blender?
Lisa says
You can use a food processor, but it won't grind up the cranberries as finely as a blender.
Lisa says
I've been making this for years and you can cut down the sugar to 2/3 of a cup. It's more tangy and every bit as tasty!
Sharon says
This is one of my fav holiday treats! I use chopped red apples (skin on) and add a cup or so of chopped walnuts right before serving. Yum!
Helen Janiece VanNoy says
This is probably the best fresh cranberry anything, I've ever eaten.l
Brenda says
What would be a good alternative to pineapple? I'm allergic.????
Valerie H. says
I've seen people use mandarin oranges, cut up red grapes and apple chunks.
Andrea Jones says
Do you have to add the sugar?
Heather Cheney says
The cranberries are VERY tart and the marshmallows aren't enough to offset that tartness. I haven't experimented with sugar substitutes but I'm sure you could sweeten them with something else if desired.
amy says
My mother made this growing up and now that she passed I regret not getting her recipe . This looks exactly like it. Can't wait to make.
Ladonna Morrow says
Ive made this delicate dessert for over 30 yrs now at Thanksgiving and Christmas and my family loves it. My version is a tad different but same ingredients and same amount of each ingredients and it looks the same !!
Gini says
I make this but I don't drain the pineapple. I mix the pineapple, sugar and minced cranberries the night before so some of the bitterness is gone from the berries. This is an often requested salad.
For the diabetics in my family I use sugar free cool whip and Splenda. It actually tastes good.