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Quick & Easy Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe

Indulge in the magic of our easy Cranberry Fluff Salad – a festive medley of flavors and textures that will elevate your holiday table. 

Cranberry Fluff Salad

Embrace the season with our irresistible Cranberry Fluff Salad, a vibrant and luscious concoction that brings a burst of festive joy to the holiday season. 

This delightful salad is a family favorite, combining cranberry flavor with the sweetness of fruit, and the fluffiness of whipped cream in every spoonful. 

Whether served as the perfect holiday side dish or as a dessert salad at your holiday dinner, cranberry fluff salad using canned cranberries is a delightful celebration in a bowl.

Cranberry Fluff Salad

What is cranberry fluff salad?

Cranberry Fluff Salad is a festive vintage recipe that blends tart cranberries with the sweetness of pineapple and mandarin oranges.The addition of mini marshmallows and chopped nuts adds contrasting textures of softness and crunch.

The entire mixture is brought together by the luxurious embrace of whipped cream, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. This classic fluff salad is popular for any holiday meal.  

Cranberry Fluff Salad

How to Make Cranberry Fluff Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tub Cool Whip (8 ounces – more for optional garnish)
  • 4 Ounces Cream Cheese, room temp
  • 1 Canned Cranberry Sauce (15 ounces, whole berry)
  • 1 Can Mandarin Oranges, drained (15 ounces)
  • 2 Cups Miniature Marshmallows
  • 1 Cup Chopped Pecans
  • Fresh Cranberries (optional garnish)
  • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (optional garnish)
Cranberry Fluff Salad

Directions:

Place the drained can of mandarin oranges in a food processor and do a couple short, choppy bursts until it resembles crushed pineapple. Drain the excess juice after chopping and set aside.

Place the can of whole cranberry sauce in a bowl and use a fork or other utensil to break it up so that it turns into a normal looking cranberry sauce, with no remaining big chunks.

Place the cranberry sauce, whipped topping, and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and gently mix until well combined.

Add the remaining ingredients and fold together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Allow the Cranberry Fluff Salad to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This enhances the flavors and allows the ingredients to meld together.

Cranberry Fluff Salad

When you’re ready to serve the salad, if desired, you can garnish it with a dollop of cool whip,
sugared cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!

Cranberry Fluff Salad

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    Cranberry Fluff Salad

    Tips for Making Cranberry Fluff Salad with Cool Whip

    • Store in a sealed container, in the fridge, for up to 4 days. Do not freeze. You may have water buildup in the bottom of the bowl, akin to what yogurt does, after storing for a day or two. If so, it’s not ruined! Simply stir it in or drain it off, whichever you choose works fine.
    • If you want to use homemade cranberry sauce, that’s just fine, but be aware of how thin it is as this could make your salad soupy rather than fluffy.
    • You can use homemade whipped cream, but be sure to add a bit of sugar if you like the sweet factor of fluff salads because homemade whipped cream isn’t as sweet as store bought, unless you add sugar to it yourself. This will all depend on your preferences.
    • Adjust the sweetness of your salad by controlling the amount of sugar or sweetness from fruits. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance between the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of other ingredients.
    • When combining the ingredients, fold them gently to avoid deflating the whipped cream. This preserves the airy texture and prevents the salad from becoming too dense.
    Cranberry Fluff Salad

    Cranberry Fluff Recipe FAQs

    What is cranberry salad made of?

    Fluffy cranberry salad typically includes a combination of fresh or dried cranberries, crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, chopped nuts (such as crunchy pecans or walnuts), and whipped cream. 

    Can I Make Cranberry Fluff Salad Ahead of Time?

    Yes, Cranberry Fluff Salad can be made ahead of time. However, it’s recommended to add the nuts just before serving to maintain their crunchiness. Refrigerate the salad in an airtight container, and it should stay fresh for a day or two.

    How Long Does Cranberry Fluff Salad Last in the Refrigerator?

    Cranberry Fluff Salad can last in the refrigerator for 2-3 days if stored properly in an airtight container. 

    Cranberry Fluff Salad

    Can I Freeze Cranberry Fluff Salad?

    Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the salad may change upon thawing. The salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

    How Do I Adjust Consistency if the Salad is Too Thick?

    If the salad is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt until you reach the desired thickness.

    Cranberry Fluff Salad

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    Cranberry Fluff Salad

    Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe

    Yield: 12
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Rest Time: 8 hours
    Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
    Indulge in the magic of our easy Cranberry Fluff Salad – a festive medley of flavors and textures that will elevate your holiday table. 

    Ingredients

    • 1 Tub Cool Whip (8 ounces - more for optional garnish)
    • 4 Ounces Cream Cheese, room temp
    • 1 Canned Cranberry Sauce (15 ounces, whole berry)
    • 1 Can Mandarin Oranges, drained (15 ounces)
    • 2 Cups Miniature Marshmallows
    • 1 Cup Chopped Pecans
    • Fresh Cranberries (optional garnish)
    • Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (optional garnish)

    Instructions

    Place the drained can of mandarin oranges in a food processor and do a couple short, choppy bursts until it resembles crushed pineapple. Drain the excess juice after chopping and set aside.

    Place the can of whole cranberry sauce in a bowl and use a fork or other utensil to break it up so that it turns into a normal looking cranberry sauce, with no remaining big chunks.

    Place the cranberry sauce, whipped topping, and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and gently mix until well combined.

    Add the remaining ingredients and fold together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

    Allow the Cranberry Fluff Salad to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This enhances the flavors and allows the ingredients to meld together.

    When you’re ready to serve the salad, if desired, you can garnish it with a dollop of cool whip, fresh cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!

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