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Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe

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3.8 from 3 reviews

This Cranberry Fluff Salad is a classic and festive holiday side dish that’s delightfully sweet, tangy, and creamy. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, mini marshmallows, chopped apples, walnuts, and a fluffy homemade whipped cream, this salad is perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks. It requires no cooking and comes together easily with a few simple ingredients, offering a refreshing contrast to savory dishes.

  • Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

Cranberry Salad:

  • 2 cups whole cranberries, fresh or frozen
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup Honeycrisp apple, chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Prep Cranberries: Place fresh or thawed cranberries in a food processor and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until finely chopped. Drain off any excess liquid to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  2. Combine + Chill: Transfer the blended cranberries into a large bowl. Add the mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Mix all ingredients thoroughly, cover the bowl, and chill in the refrigerator overnight to allow flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften.
  3. Whipped Cream: Just before serving, combine the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a hand mixer, whip the cream mixture at medium to high speed for about 3 minutes or until stiff peaks form, indicating the whipped cream is light and fluffy.
  4. Mix: Remove the cranberry mixture from the refrigerator. Add the chopped Honeycrisp apple and walnuts, then gently fold in the freshly whipped cream until fully combined, maintaining the airy texture.
  5. Serve: Serve the Cranberry Fluff Salad immediately for best texture, or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This dish can be enjoyed cold and makes a refreshing addition to any holiday meal.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh cranberries or thoroughly thaw frozen cranberries before blending.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference and the tartness of the cranberries.
  • Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and crunch, but feel free to use any crisp apple variety.
  • Make sure the whipped cream forms stiff peaks to ensure a light and fluffy salad texture.
  • The salad tastes best after chilling overnight but can also be enjoyed the same day if needed.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American