Oh, let me tell you about cranberry fluff salad! This delightful, creamy dish is the kind of festive addition that makes Thanksgiving meals truly special. I remember the first time I had it at my Aunt Betty’s house—everyone gathered around the table, and there it was, all fluffy and vibrant, just waiting to be devoured! The blend of tart cranberries with sweet marshmallows and whipped cream is like a little party in your mouth. It’s a dish that not only looks beautiful but tastes incredible, and I guarantee it’ll become a favorite at your holiday gatherings, just like it has for me!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted to remove any stems or blemished fruit
- 1 cup granulated sugar, to balance out the tartness of the cranberries
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, for that delightful sweetness and soft texture
- 1 cup whipped cream, either homemade or store-bought, to give the salad its creamy base
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well to avoid excess moisture that could make the salad soggy
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients
How to Prepare Cranberry Fluff Salad
Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious cranberry fluff salad! It’s a breeze, and I promise you’ll impress everyone with just a few simple steps. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
First things first, rinse those beautiful fresh cranberries under cool water to clean them up. Once they’re sparkling, toss them into a blender with the sugar. Blend them just until they’re coarsely chopped—think of a chunky salsa texture. You want those tart little gems to be broken down but not pureed. Trust me, that little bit of texture makes all the difference!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and add in the chopped cranberries. Next, toss in the mini marshmallows. Give it a good stir to combine! The marshmallows will start to absorb some of that cranberry goodness, making it even more delicious. Don’t be afraid to really mix it up here; we want everything to be well incorporated.
Step 3: Add Cream and Fruits
Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in the whipped cream, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans. Be careful not to stir too vigorously—this will keep that light and fluffy texture we’re aiming for. You want everything to be coated in that creamy goodness while still holding on to a bit of that crunch from the pecans. Mmm, I can already taste it!
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Finally, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. You’ll want to let it chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps all the flavors meld together beautifully, and trust me, you don’t want to skip this step! The anticipation will be worth it when you finally serve this delightful salad at your Thanksgiving feast!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note before you dig in! The nutritional values for this cranberry fluff salad can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I can’t provide exact data, a typical serving of this delicious salad contains about 180 calories, 7g of fat, 1g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Always feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs, and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite without worry!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Beautifully colorful and eye-catching on any Thanksgiving table.
- Deliciously creamy and sweet with a hint of tartness from the cranberries.
- Absolutely no cooking required—just mix and chill!
- Easy to serve and can be made a day in advance to save time.
- A delightful crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults adore!
Tips for Success with Your Cranberry Fluff Salad
To make your cranberry fluff salad absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste. If you have time, making it a day in advance is a fantastic idea; it allows the flavors to blend beautifully overnight. Just remember to cover it tightly so it stays fresh! When storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, and trust me, it’s best enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat. Your guests will love it, and you’ll be the star of the show!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your cranberry fluff salad is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, but trust me, it’s so good you won’t have much left! And here’s the best part—no reheating needed since this salad is best served cold. Just scoop it out and enjoy that creamy, fruity goodness straight from the fridge!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Fluff Salad
This cranberry fluff salad pairs beautifully with a variety of Thanksgiving dishes! Serve it alongside a succulent roasted turkey or a honey-glazed ham for a delightful contrast. It’s also fantastic next to savory stuffing or creamy mashed potatoes, adding a pop of color and sweetness to your plate. For a festive spread, consider pairing it with green bean casserole or a warm bread roll. Trust me, your guests will love the balance of flavors!
Print
Cranberry Fluff Salad Thanksgiving: 5 Steps to Delightful Joy
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry fluff salad is a delightful, creamy dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries and blend them with sugar until coarsely chopped.
- In a large bowl, mix cranberries with mini marshmallows.
- Add whipped cream and stir until well combined.
- Fold in crushed pineapple and chopped pecans.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sugar based on your taste preference.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cranberry fluff salad, Thanksgiving salad, holiday salad
