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Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe

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★★★★

3.8 from 31 reviews

This Cranberry Fluff Salad is a delightful and festive side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a sweet and tangy treat. It combines finely chopped fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped cream to create a light, creamy, and refreshing salad with a pleasant crunch from optional nuts. Easy to prepare and best served chilled, this salad balances tart, sweet, and creamy flavors with a fun, fluffy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Cranberry Mixture

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Salad Mix-ins

  • 8 oz crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Whipped Cream

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream or 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (if whipping your own cream)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (if whipping your own cream)

Instructions

  1. Chop Cranberries: Rinse and drain the fresh cranberries thoroughly. Pulse them in a food processor until finely chopped, but not pureed, to maintain some texture.
  2. Sweeten and Chill: Transfer the finely chopped cranberries into a large bowl, stir in the granulated sugar until well combined, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight. This allows the cranberries to macerate and the flavors to meld while softening their tartness.
  3. Add Pineapple and Marshmallows: After the cranberry mixture has chilled, gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and the mini marshmallows, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  4. Incorporate Whipped Cream: If using pre-made whipped topping, fold it carefully into the mixture. If using heavy whipping cream, whip it with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form before folding it into the cranberry mixture. This step creates the fluffy, creamy texture characteristic of the salad.
  5. Mix in Nuts (Optional): Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans if you choose to include them, adding a crunchy contrast to the softness of the other ingredients.
  6. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the salad to set properly and the marshmallows to soften, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For a nut-free option, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
  • You can prepare the cranberry and sugar mixture a day ahead to save time and develop flavor.
  • If you prefer a sweeter salad, adjust the granulated sugar quantity to taste.
  • Substitute coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free alternative, making the salad vegan-friendly.
  • Use fresh cranberries only; frozen cranberries may become too mushy when processed.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the cranberries by hand.

Keywords: cranberry fluff salad, holiday salad, cranberry dessert, fluffy cranberry salad, no-cook salad, marshmallow salad, pineapple salad

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/cranberry-fluff-salad-recipe/