Easy Cranberry Fluff Salad

This cranberry fluff is the perfect blend of sweet and tart! Whole cranberry sauce, pineapple, crunchy pecans and marshmallows combine with fresh real whipped cream to create a delicious side dish that everyone loves!

I don’t know about you but I love all things cranberry! Whether it is part of our Thanksgiving meal or any time throughout the fall and winter seasons I love seeing fresh cranberries in the grocery store and tasty cranberry dishes showing up in my favorite magazines and social media feeds!

This delicious cranberry fluff salad recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday table! This family favorite will become a staple Thanksgiving side dish, Christmas dinner side, or a delicious addition to any gathering throughout the holiday season (and the rest of the year!) This is one of my favorite recipes to make during the holidays because it is so simple to make and so delicious!

This easy cranberry fluff salad is a little different from some other fluff recipes or ambrosia salad because I’ve swapped the Cool Whip for fresh homemade whipped cream. It gives this creamy cranberry salad a richer taste that has less sugar so it isn’t overly sweet! If you prefer whipped topping you can easily swap it out for the fresh whipped cream.

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A clear glass bowl full of cranberry fluff salad topped with pecans, marshmallows and dried cranberries.

FAQ & Tips for Making Cranberry Fluff Salad

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! This easy cranberry side dish comes together quickly with a can of cranberry sauce. However if you prefer to use your favorite cranberry sauce recipe you totally can. If you have fresh or frozen cranberries you can easily cook them down into a cranberry sauce. My vanilla bourbon cranberry sauce recipe would be a great option! If you use fresh cranberry sauce you’ll need about 1 3/4 cups.

Can I use crushed pineapple?

Yes! I like pineapple tidbits because they are the perfect bite size but if you prefer your pineapple in smaller pieces you can use crushed pineapple. If you prefer your pineapple larger you can also use pineapple chunks! There is no wrong way to add sweet pineapple to this easy cranberry salad.

Don’t worry if there seems to be a lot of liquid-

When you first mix up this dessert salad it can seem a bit watery even after you’ve drained your pineapple. Don’t panic! The miniature marshmallows absorb a lot of liquid while the fluff refrigerates so the end result won’t be watery!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! If you want to make this cranberry fluff salad ahead of time you can! This recipe needs to refrigerate for 3-4 hours but you can make it 24 hours in advance and it will be delicious. Just mix it up cover and refrigerate. This cranberry fluff salad comes together quickly and easily so it is a great holiday side dish or dessert because you can prep it ahead of your gathering and pull it out when you are ready to serve.

a clear glass bowl full of creamy cranberry salad.

Variations for this Cranberry Salad-

Use different nuts- If you’re not a fan of pecans you can swap them out for walnuts or almonds. You can finely chop nuts or roughly chop them if you want them to add more crunch. Or you can omit them completely and you’ll still have a great dish!

Add different fruits– You can add a bit of variety to this fluffy fruit salad by mixing in additional fruits. Small pieces of green apple add a tart crunch, mandarin oranges add a delicious flavor! You can also add green or red grapes! If you’re adding additional fruit I recommend using about 1/2 of a cup.

The ingredients for cranberry fluff on a white marble background. Marshmallows, cranberry sauce, dried cranberries, pineapple, cream cheese, and pecans

Here’s what you’ll need for this Cranberry Fluff Recipe

1 Can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

1 Cup Chopped Pecans

1 Package Mini Marshmallows

20 oz Can Pineapple Tidbits – drained

2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream

4 oz Cream Cheese – softened

1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries

Here’s How to Make This Cranberry Fluff Recipe

In a large bowl mix together the cranberry sauce and pineapple tidbits.

a collage of two pictures one showing pineapple tidbits and cranberry sauce in a bowl. In the second bowl they have been mixed together with a wooden spoon.

In a separate large mixing bowl with an electric mixer mix cream cheese until it is light and fluffy.

Add in heavy cream and beat on low to blend with the cream cheese, gradually increase the speed as the cream thickens until your are whipping it on high. Whip until stiff peaks form.

A collage of two pictures showing the making of cream cheese whipped cream. In the first picture cream cheese has been whipped, in the second cream has been added and whipped into stiff peaks.

Add in chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and marshmallows to the pineapple mixture and mix until everything is well blended.

Fold the whipped cream cheese mixture into the cranberry mixture until everything is evenly coated.

A collage of two pictures showing the making of cranberry fluff. In the first pecans, dried cranberries, and whipped cream are on top of the bowl. In the second marshmallows have been added.

Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours.

Serve cold and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.