Cranberry Fluff Salad

Cranberry Fluff Salad is a festive, sweet side dish recipe that is must for your holiday table.

This easy, make-ahead recipe combines tangy cranberries, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and fluffy whipped topping for a nostalgic treat that’s both simple and satisfying.

Whether you’ve loved this vintage salad since childhood or are just discovering it for the first time, you’ll see why it continues to be a must-have at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond.

How to Make Cranberry Fluff with Canned Cranberries

Be sure to print out the full recipe at the bottom of the post and gather all your ingredients before you get started!

• Start by pulsing drained mandarin oranges in a food processor until finely chopped, then drain any excess juice.
• Break up the canned whole berry cranberry sauce with a fork until smooth.
• In a large bowl, mix the cranberry sauce with Cool Whip and softened cream cheese until combined.
• Fold in the chopped oranges, mini marshmallows, and pecans.
• –Let the salad chill for several hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.
• Before serving, garnish with extra whipped topping, sugared cranberries, and rosemary.

Serving Ideas for Cranberry Fluff Salad

• This sweet and creamy salad is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday potluck—it adds a festive pop of color and flavor to your table.
• Serve it in a trifle bowl to show off the pretty texture, or portion it into mini dessert cups for individual servings at parties.
• It also makes a fun addition to a holiday dessert board or buffet, nestled between cookies, pies, and other seasonal treats.
• Want to get extra fancy? Top it with sugared cranberries or a sprig of rosemary just before serving!

Ocean Spray Jellied Gluten Free Cranberry Sauce, 14 Ounce CanCuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup Vegetable Chopper for Mincing, Dicing, Shredding, Puree & Kneading Dough, Stainless Steel, DFP-14BCNYAmazon Fresh, Mandarin Oranges In Light Syrup, 15 Oz (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

Check out these other delicious no-bake desserts and holiday favorites too:

• This Fluffy Pumpkin Dip is the ultimate cozy fall dessert—sweet, spiced, and perfect for dipping cookies or fruit.
• Try this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip for a creamy, crowd-pleasing party favorite loaded with caramel and crunch.
• Cranberry Poke Cake is bursting with cranberry flavor and makes a show-stopping holiday dessert.
• Don’t miss these No-Bake Thanksgiving Treats—easy recipes that save oven space but still wow your guests.
• Celebrate the season with No-Bake Christmas Desserts that are festive, fuss-free, and perfect for parties.
• Need more inspiration? These Dessert Dip Recipes are fun, fast, and always a hit at gatherings!

Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe

Cranberry Fluff Salad is the sweet, creamy no-bake holiday side dish your table needs—quick to make with canned cranberries and always a festive crowd-pleaser!

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cranberry fluff salad, Cranberry Fluff with Canned cranberries

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Rest Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Author: momma lew

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!

Notes

Store in the fridge, covered, for 3–4 days
Not freezer-friendly due to texture changes