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Fluffy Cranberry Salad Recipe: Easy 5-Ingredient Creamy Fruit Dessert

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This Fluffy Cranberry Salad is a sweet-tart, creamy fruit dessert made with fresh cranberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, whipped topping, and mini marshmallows. Quick to prepare and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion that needs a cheerful, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and chopped (about 8 oz)
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) mandarin oranges, drained (or 2 cups fresh segments)
  • 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) or 1 cup homemade whipped cream
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Optional: 1 small apple, peeled and grated
  • Optional: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (swap for half the whipped topping)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain cranberries. Finely chop by hand or pulse in a food processor until coarsely minced.
  2. Drain crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges thoroughly using a colander or mesh strainer. If using fresh oranges, peel and segment.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cranberries, drained pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Stir gently to distribute.
  4. Add whipped topping to the fruit mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in, keeping the mixture airy.
  5. Pour in mini marshmallows and fold gently until evenly distributed. Add optional nuts or grated apple if desired.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften.
  7. Transfer to a serving bowl or dish. Garnish with extra cranberries, orange zest, or chopped nuts if desired. Serve cold.

Notes

For best texture, chill the salad overnight. Drain fruit thoroughly to prevent a watery salad. You can use frozen cranberries (thawed and drained) if fresh are unavailable. Customize with nuts, apples, or Greek yogurt for added flavor and nutrition. Always check marshmallow and whipped topping labels for gluten if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry salad, fruit dessert, holiday recipe, creamy salad, potluck, easy dessert, whipped topping, marshmallow salad, gluten-free, Thanksgiving, Christmas

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/fluffy-cranberry-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-creamy-fruit-dessert/