Description
This Easy Cranberry Fluff Salad is a creamy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or quick make-ahead treats. Tart cranberries, juicy pineapple, and soft marshmallows are folded into a fluffy whipped base with an optional cream cheese twist. It’s light, fruity, and irresistible—perfect for your list of quick breakfast, easy dinner desserts, holiday sides, or healthy snack swaps. Whether you’re looking for fresh breakfast ideas, sweet food ideas, or just a foolproof easy recipe, this fluff salad hits the spot.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
4 oz cream cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Pulse cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped. Mix with sugar in a bowl and let sit for 1 hour to macerate.
2. Drain the crushed pineapple well using a mesh sieve, pressing gently to remove excess juice.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese (if using) until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
4. Add macerated cranberries, drained pineapple, and mini marshmallows to the bowl. Stir gently to combine evenly.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor.
6. Stir gently before serving. Optionally, garnish with extra cranberries or marshmallows.
Notes
For best results, let the cranberry and sugar mixture sit for the full hour—this balances the tartness and softens the berries.
Use a fine strainer to thoroughly drain the pineapple or the salad may turn runny.
If you’re using whipped cream instead of whipped topping, serve the salad the same day—it won’t hold up as long.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cranberry salad, fluff salad, holiday dessert, easy cranberry dessert, no-bake recipe, creamy fruit salad