Cranberry Salad (it should really be called a dessert) is a sweet, creamy holiday side dish filled with fresh cranberries, pineapple, marshmallows, apples, whipped cream, and walnuts. It’s fluffy, delicious, and the kind of vintage-style recipe we love seeing every Thanksgiving and Christmas.
We love making this ahead because it needs time to chill, and the flavors get even better as it sits. It’s perfect alongside Turkey, Ham, Rolls, and all the classic holiday sides, but sweet enough to feel like a little dessert too. It’s definitely a salad that everyone will be happy to have at any holiday gathering.
For more holiday salads, be sure to check out our Apple Pecan Salad, Ambrosia Salad, and Christmas Salad.
Why You’ll Love It + Why it Works:
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Makes the salad light and fluffy.
- Preap Ahead and Save Time: Great make-ahead side dish because it needs time to chill.
- Sugar Balances the Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are tart, and sugar helps soften that flavor as the salad chills.
- Whipped Cream Makes it Fluffy: Folding in whipped cream gives the salad its light, creamy texture.
Cranberry Salad Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries chopped (3 cups): Adds tart flavor, texture, and a bright holiday color.
- Unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained (1 can, 20 ounces): Adds sweetness, fruit flavor, and moisture without making the salad too wet.
- Miniature marshmallows (2 cups): Adds sweetness, softness, and a fun fluffy texture.
- Apple, chopped (1 medium): Adds crunch, sweetness, and freshness.
- Sugar (⅔ cup): Sweetens the salad and balances the tart cranberries.
- Salt (⅛ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the fruit flavors.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whips into a fluffy cream that holds the salad together.
- Chopped walnuts (¼ cup): Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Salad
FRUIT. In a large bowl, mix chopped cranberries, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, apple, sugar, and salt.
WHIPPED CREAM. In another medium bowl, make whipped cream by beating whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
Fold whipped cream and chopped walnuts into the cranberry mixture.
CHILL. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Chop the cranberries finely so their tart flavor spreads evenly through the salad.
- Drain the pineapple well so the salad stays creamy instead of watery.
- Beat the heavy cream to stiff peaks so the salad holds its fluffy texture.
- Fold the whipped cream in gently so it stays light.
- Make-ahead tip: refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving, or make it several hours ahead for the best flavor.
Cranberry Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh cranberries chopped
- 1 (20-ounce) can unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 medium apple, chopped
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix chopped cranberries, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, apple, sugar, and salt.
- In another medium bowl, make whipped cream by beating whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream and chopped walnuts into the cranberry mixture.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Chop the cranberries finely so their tart flavor spreads evenly through the salad.
- Drain the pineapple well so the salad stays creamy instead of watery.
- Beat the heavy cream to stiff peaks so the salad holds its fluffy texture.
- Fold the whipped cream in gently so it stays light.
- Make-ahead tip: refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving, or make it several hours ahead for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQ
Make this Cranberry Fluff Salad up to 8 hours before serving.
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Leftovers should also be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
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This recipe was first shared December, 2022.
awesome
I usually shy away from eating raw cranberries, but the combination of the tart berry with the sweeter elements of the salad work well.
This salad is so pretty and delicious! Thank you for sharing it!
I am a huge fan of cranberries so this salad is right up my alley! It’s so tasty, I could eat it every day!
Simply the best salad! Love this!
What a colorful salad!! Love the different textures & flavors! It’s one salad that my kids love!!
I think this salad is so perfect for this time of year. It’s festive and yummy. It will be a great side for any meal.