Cranberry Fluff Salad
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This Cool Whip cranberry fluff salad recipe is an awesome side dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of pineapple and marshmallows; all enveloped in a creamy whipped topping.
In just 5-10 minutes, whip up this easy cranberry salad for a holiday friendly side or dessert table option that marries the tang of seasonal fall cranberries with the sweetness of marshmallows and the creaminess of Cool Whip. While I am always going to be a huge fan of traditional cranberry sauce recipe and of course our original cranberry cream cheese dip, this side is another great way to use up the rest of the cranberry bags this season.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries (thaw if frozen)
- Pineapple tidbits (see note below if using crushed pineapple instead)
- granulated sugar
- mini marshmallows
- Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
How to make Cranberry Fluff Salad
Prepare the pineapple.
- Begin by draining the can of pineapple tidbits.
- Press the lid into the can to squeeze out as much juice as possible, ensuring your cranberry fluff doesn’t become too watery.Set the drained pineapple pieces aside.
- Process the Cranberries: Place the thawed cranberries in a food processor and pulse for about 5 seconds.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and pulse again for another 5 seconds until the cranberries are finely chopped, ensuring a perfect blend of tartness in every spoonful.
Add the drained pineapple tidbits and granulated sugar to the chopped cranberries in the food processor. Pulse for an additional 10 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed, to combine all the ingredients well.
Transfer the cranberry-pineapple mixture to a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and thawed whipped topping until the creamy mixture is combined. This creates the fluffy, light texture that makes cranberry fluff so irresistible.
Spoon the mixture into a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures the fluff is perfectly chilled and refreshing.
Important Kitchen Notes for the Best Results
- Crushed pineapple is the traditional choice for cranberry fluff, providing a smooth, consistent texture throughout the dessert. Its fine pieces blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, contributing to the fluff’s overall creaminess.
- Draining is key. Whether using tidbits or crushed pineapple, draining is crucial. For crushed pineapple, press the lid into the can after opening it to squeeze out as much juice as possible. A well-drained pineapple ensures that your cranberry fluff remains light and fluffy, not soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some fluff salad recipes include cream cheese, but I find that it bogs it down. Therefore, in this recipe, I left it exactly how a traditional fluff salad should be – light, creamy, and not too heavy.
It is ideal for accompanying the main courses of turkey breast or ham during the festive season or as a standout addition to a holiday dessert spread. If you need other complementary side dishes, we love to serve it with old fashioned ambrosia salad and Watergate salad, both which are serious Christmas crowd favorites.
Can fluff desserts be made ahead?
Remember, like any dairy-based dessert, the key to maintaining the quality of cranberry fluff is keeping it cold until it’s time to serve.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cranberry fluff to an airtight container. This helps to keep out moisture and other flavors from the fridge that could affect the taste and texture of your dessert.
- Chill Time: Cranberry fluff is best enjoyed when it’s cold. It can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- Serving: Before serving, you might want to gently stir the cranberry fluff to refresh its texture, especially if it has been sitting in the fridge for a day.
I have made quite a few fluff salad recipes here on Salty Side Dish and below are just a few of my favorites.
Cool Whip Cranberry Fluff Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries if using frozen, ensure they are thawed
- 20 oz. pineapple tidbits
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2-1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 8 oz. Cool Whip whipped topping (make sure it's thawed)
Instructions
- Begin by opening the can of pineapple tidbits. Carefully press the lid into the can to squeeze out as much juice as possible. Discard the lid and set the well-drained pineapple aside.20 oz. pineapple tidbits
- Place the cranberries in a food processor. Pulse for about 5 seconds, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Pulse again for another 5 seconds or until the cranberries are coarsely chopped.12 ounces fresh cranberries
- Add the drained pineapple tidbits and the granulated sugar to the chopped cranberries in the food processor. Process the mixture for about 10 seconds, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is well combined.1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Transfer the cranberry-pineapple mixture to a large mixing bowl. Fold in the mini marshmallows and Cool Whip whipped topping until the mixture is uniform.2-1/2 cups mini marshmallows, 8 oz. Cool Whip
- Spoon the cranberry fluff salad into a serving bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad until it's chilled and you're ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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