Description
Holiday Cranberry Fluff Salad is a festive, sweet, and tangy dessert salad perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines finely chopped fresh cranberries soaked in sugar with crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and a creamy whipped topping, optionally garnished with crunchy pecans for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Creamy Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 1 tub Cool Whip)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (if using heavy cream)
Optional Garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Chop Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and pulse them in a food processor until they are finely chopped, creating a smooth base for the salad.
- Sweeten Cranberries: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cranberries with granulated sugar. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the sugars to dissolve and the flavors to meld.
- Add Pineapple and Marshmallows: Stir in the undrained crushed pineapple together with the mini marshmallows into the cranberry mixture, blending the textures and flavors.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: If using heavy whipping cream, whip it together with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy topping.
- Combine Cream and Fruit Mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream (or Cool Whip if preferred) into the cranberry and pineapple mixture until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and creamy salad.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans if desired to add a crunchy texture contrast to the fluffy salad.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set and for the flavors to fully develop.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Cool Whip instead of heavy whipping cream.
- Make sure to chill the salad well before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Pecans are optional but add great texture and flavor.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Adjust sweetness to taste; some fresh cranberries can be quite tart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
