Description
Cranberry fluff salad brings holiday cheer with its delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors. Creamy marshmallows and tangy cranberries create a festive side dish that sparks joy at family gatherings and winter celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 1 package (8 ounces / 227 grams) cream cheese, softened
Sweeteners and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
Topping and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Finely dice fresh cranberries and coat with granulated sugar, allowing them to soften and release natural juices for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Whip cream cheese in a spacious mixing vessel until velvety and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Gently incorporate whipped cream into the cream cheese, creating a light and airy foundation for the salad.
- Drain canned pineapple thoroughly, removing excess liquid to prevent watery consistency.
- Fold the macerated cranberries, drained pineapple chunks, fluffy miniature marshmallows, and toasted pecan fragments into the creamy mixture.
- Delicately blend all ingredients, maintaining the airiness of the base while evenly distributing components.
- Transfer the mixture to a sealed container and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and texture to set.
- Before serving, give a gentle stir to redistribute ingredients and restore the salad’s pillowy texture.
- Optional: Garnish with additional whole cranberries or chopped pecans for visual appeal and textural contrast.
Notes
- Enhance the cranberry flavor by using freshly zested orange peel for a bright, citrusy kick.
- Skip the pecans for a nut-free version, or swap with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and allergy-friendly option.
- Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free marshmallows and a natural sweetener like stevia for a diabetic-friendly adaptation.
- Make ahead and freeze individual portions for quick, festive dessert servings that stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg