Cranberry Fluff Salad
Looking for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Cranberry Fluff Salad is a timeless dish perfect for the holiday season—or any time you want a sweet, fruity treat. This creamy, dreamy salad is bursting with festive flavors, thanks to tart cranberries, juicy mandarin oranges, and a marshmallowy fluff that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. Best of all, it takes just a few minutes to whip up, making it a stress-free addition to your next family dinner, potluck, or holiday party.

Cranberry Fluff Salad
This no-bake recipe is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy. The combination of whole berry cranberry sauce, cream cheese, and Cool Whip creates a velvety base, while mini marshmallows and chopped pecans add a satisfying texture. For an extra festive touch, garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs—these little details make the dish look as good as it tastes. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. While you’re planning your holiday menu, why not also try this delightful Christmas Fruit Salad. It’s a refreshing and colorful complement to this creamy dessert!
Ready to make some magic? With just a handful of ingredients, you can have this cranberry fluff salad prepped and chilling in your fridge in no time. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this irresistible dessert that’s bound to become a family favorite.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and no baking required, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules or last-minute gatherings. You can have it prepped in minutes, leaving plenty of time to focus on other things.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy makes this dessert irresistible to a wide range of palates. It’s nostalgic yet fresh, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Customizable and Festive: You can easily make it your own with creative garnishes or by swapping in your favorite nuts or fruit. Plus, its bright, vibrant presentation adds a festive touch to any table.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tub Cool Whip (8 ounces – more for optional garnish)
- 4 Ounces Cream Cheese, room temp
- 1 Can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (15 ounces)
- 1 Can Mandarin Oranges, drained (15 ounces)
- 2 Cups Mini Marshmallows
- 1 Cup Chopped Pecans
- Fresh Cranberries (optional garnish)
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (optional garnish)
How to Make Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Place the drained can of mandarin oranges in a food processor and do a couple short, choppy bursts until it resembles crushed pineapple. Drain the excess juice after chopping and set aside.
- Place the can of whole cranberry sauce in a bowl and use a fork or other utensil to break it up so that it turns into a normal looking cranberry sauce, with no remaining big chunks.
- Place the cranberry sauce, cool whip, and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and gently mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining ingredients and fold together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Technically, you can eat this immediately, but the most preferred way (my favorite) is to refrigerate it for at least 8 hours (overnight) so that the flavors have a bit to sit and meld together. So, this step is optional, and based on your preferences.
- When you’re ready to serve the salad, if desired, you can garnish it with a dollop of cool whip, fresh cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- 1. Room-Temperature Cream Cheese is Key
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This helps it blend seamlessly with the Cool Whip for a smooth, creamy texture without any lumps.
- 2. Don’t Skip the Draining
- Properly drain the mandarin oranges and cranberry sauce to avoid excess liquid, which can make your salad too runny. After processing the oranges, give them an extra press with a spoon to remove as much juice as possible.
- 3. Let it Chill
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours (or overnight). This gives the marshmallows time to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- 4. Go for a Crunchy Twist
- If pecans aren’t your thing, try walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor, taking your salad to the next level.
- 5. Get Creative with Garnishes
- Add a festive touch with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. For an extra indulgence, pipe a swirl of Cool Whip on top of individual servings.
- By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll ensure your Cranberry Fluff Salad is a standout dish every time!
FAQs
Cranberry Fluff Salad
This cranberry fluff salad is a decadent treat. This festive dish is full of flavor thanks to the zesty cranberries combined with the creamy Cool Whip and cream cheese mixture. Toss in other favorites like mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and pecans, and you have an irresistible salad that everyone will love. Perfect for Christmas dinner or to take with you to your next holiday party.
Ingredients
- 1 Tub Cool Whip (8 ounces - more for optional garnish)
- 4 Ounces Cream Cheese, room temp
- 1 Can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (15 ounces)
- 1 Can Mandarin Oranges, drained (15 ounces)
- 2 Cups Mini Marshmallows
- 1 Cup Chopped Pecans
- Fresh Cranberries (optional garnish)
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Place the drained can of mandarin oranges in a food processor and do a couple short, choppy bursts until it resembles crushed pineapple. Drain the excess juice after chopping and set aside.
- Place the can of whole cranberry sauce in a bowl and use a fork or other utensil to break it up so that it turns into a normal looking cranberry sauce, with no remaining big chunks.
- Place the cranberry sauce, cool whip, and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and gently mix until well combined.
- Add the remaining ingredients and fold together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Technically, you can eat this immediately, but the most preferred way (my favorite) is to refrigerate it for at least 8 hours (overnight) so that the flavors have a bit to sit and meld together. So, this step is optional, and based on your preferences.
- When you’re ready to serve the salad, if desired, you can garnish it with a dollop of cool whip, fresh cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 172Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 39mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 15gProtein: 2g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!