I whipped up a delightful Cranberry Fluff using cream cheese, whipped topping, and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, mixed with the sweet burst of crushed pineapple. With a sprinkle of mini marshmallows for added texture, this festive twist offers a vibrant blend of flavors perfect for your holiday table.

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I’ve been tinkering with recipes for a while now and this Cranberry Fluff Salad really surprised me. It’s a unique mix of sweet and tart that instantly adds a burst of flavor to any meal, whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a dessert.

I started with a package of softened cream cheese, then folded in a container of whipped topping to create that light, airy texture. I then added a can of crushed pineapple kept well drained and a can of whole berry cranberry sauce for that perfect tang.

I whisked in some cranberry flavored gelatin dissolved in boiling water and even tossed in mini marshmallows for an extra bit of fun texture. This isn’t just another 3 Ingredient Cranberry Salad or fluff recipe for me its a vibrant twist on classic holiday flavors that really makes you curious to try something different at Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner.

Enjoy discovering your new favorite holiday treat.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how creamy and light this salad is—it’s the perfect mix of rich cream cheese and whipped topping that makes every bite feel indulgent.
2. I really appreciate how the tartness of the cranberry sauce blends with the sweetness of the pineapple and gelatin; it gives the dish a balanced, refreshing flavor.
3. I like that it’s super easy to make, and it turns out looking festive and fun even if it’s a simple recipe.
4. I enjoy the added texture from the mini marshmallows, making every spoonful interesting and playful.

Are you lookin for a fun side dish or even a dessert? Try out this Cranberry Fluff Salad, its got this awesome mix of sweet and tart flavors that give any meal a burst of fun. I mean, it’s really cool how the different textures come together and bring a bit of holiday spirit without being overly complicated. It might not be perfect, but that’s what makes it feel homey and unique. Give it a shot and see how it makes your gathering extra special!

Ingredients

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Cream cheese adds rich creaminess, fat for smooth texture, and a tangy flavor twist.
Whipped topping lightens the mix with airy, sweet, and milky smoothness.
Crushed pineapple offers tanginess, fiber, and vitamins making the salad refreshingly vibrant.
Cranberry sauce supplies sweet and sour flavors, with a burst of authenticity and vitamin C.
Cranberry gelatin brings fruity sweetness and firmness, binding ingredients and adding a unique twist.
Mini marshmallows, optional but fun, provide extra texture with sugary, playful chewiness.
Together these ingredients create a lively, flavorful salad balancing luxury, tanginess and a fun sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened

1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping, defrosted

1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple, drained well

1 (14 oz) can of whole berry cranberry sauce

1 (3 oz) envelope of cranberry flavored gelatin, dissolved in 1 cup of boiling water

1 cup mini marshmallows (optional for extra texture)

How to Make this

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1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until its smooth, then mix in the whipped topping until blended together.

2. Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and the whole berry cranberry sauce until the mixture looks even.

3. Add in the dissolved cranberry flavored gelatin (make sure it’s still a bit warm) and mix it through completely.

4. If you’re using them, gently fold in the mini marshmallows for that extra texture kick.

5. Keep stirring the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined but don’t overmix.

6. Spoon the salad into a serving dish, making sure it’s spread out evenly.

7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator.

8. Chill for at least 2 hours so the salad firms up and the flavors meld together nicely.

9. Give it a final stir before serving if needed.

10. Enjoy your Cranberry Fluff Salad as a fun side dish or a sweet dessert at your next holiday gathering!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Electric mixer or hand whisk
3. Spatula or stirring spoon
4. Can opener for the canned pineapple and cranberry sauce
5. Measuring cups (for the gelatin water and mini marshmallows)
6. Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl to dissolve the gelatin in boiling water
7. Serving dish
8. Plastic wrap or a lid for covering the dish during refrigeration

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of cream cheese?

A: Sure, you can use a low-fat or even non-dairy cream cheese if that's what you have on hand but it might change the flavor a little.

Q: Do I really have to drain the pineapple well?

A: Yes, it’s important to drain the crushed pineapple to avoid a runny salad. If there’s extra juice, the mixture might become too watery.

Q: Is it ok to add mini marshmallows?

A: Absolutely, they add a fun texture. If you’re not into them you can skip but most people really enjoy a bit of extra sweetness.

Q: Can i prepare this salad ahead of time?

A: Yeah, you can make it a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a stir before serving since the gelatin and whipped topping might settle a bit.

Q: What if I don't like the texture of cranberries?

A: If the whole berry cranberry sauce isn’t your favorite, you can mix it well so it blends in more evenly or even swap it out for a smoother, strained version.

Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Cream Cheese: You can use Neufchatel cheese as a lighter option or even mascarpone for a richer texture.
Whipped Topping: Instead of the store bought stuff, try making your own whipped cream or use coconut whipped cream if you want a dairy free version.
Crushed Pineapple: Fresh diced pineapple works really well too – just make sure its really ripe so it doesnt get too tart.
Cranberry Sauce: If you dont have the canned whole berry sauce, you can mix homemade cranberry relish with a little sugar and orange juice to get that sweet and tart flavor.
Cranberry Gelatin: You can swap out the cranberry flavored gelatin for any fruit flavored gelatin you like, like strawberry for example, if you want to tweak the flavor a bit.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before you mix everything up. If it’s too cold or lumpy, it can mess up the smooth texture youre aiming for.
2. Drain the pineapple like crazy. Trust me, you dont want a watery mess ruining the creaminess of the salad.
3. When you mix in the gelatin, keep it just a bit warm. This helps it blend in nicer and avoids any weird clumps forming.
4. Give the salad some extra chill time. Even though two hours is the minimum, letting it sit a bit longer can really help the flavors meld together just right.

Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

156

kcal

Equipment: 1. Large mixing bowl
2. Electric mixer or hand whisk
3. Spatula or stirring spoon
4. Can opener for the canned pineapple and cranberry sauce
5. Measuring cups (for the gelatin water and mini marshmallows)
6. Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl to dissolve the gelatin in boiling water
7. Serving dish
8. Plastic wrap or a lid for covering the dish during refrigeration

Ingredients

1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping, defrosted
1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple, drained well
1 (14 oz) can of whole berry cranberry sauce
1 (3 oz) envelope of cranberry flavored gelatin, dissolved in 1 cup of boiling water
1 cup mini marshmallows (optional for extra texture)

Directions

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until its smooth, then mix in the whipped topping until blended together.
Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and the whole berry cranberry sauce until the mixture looks even.
Add in the dissolved cranberry flavored gelatin (make sure it’s still a bit warm) and mix it through completely.
If you’re using them, gently fold in the mini marshmallows for that extra texture kick.
Keep stirring the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined but don’t overmix.
Spoon the salad into a serving dish, making sure it’s spread out evenly.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator.
Chill for at least 2 hours so the salad firms up and the flavors meld together nicely.
Give it a final stir before serving if needed.
Enjoy your Cranberry Fluff Salad as a fun side dish or a sweet dessert at your next holiday gathering!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.