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Fluffy Cranberry Salad Recipe – Easy Marshmallow Holiday Dessert

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This nostalgic, crowd-pleasing cranberry salad combines tart cranberries, sweet marshmallows, juicy apples, and whipped topping for a festive, fluffy treat perfect for holidays and gatherings. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a sweet side or dessert that brings comfort and joy to any table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups), rinsed and picked over
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained well
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (freshly grated)
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse cranberries and pat dry. Pulse in a food processor until finely chopped (confetti-like, not mush).
  2. Transfer chopped cranberries to a large mixing bowl. Add sugar and stir well. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to macerate.
  3. Stir in chopped apple, drained pineapple, and orange zest until evenly distributed.
  4. Add mini marshmallows and gently toss to coat.
  5. In a separate bowl, blend softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract if using.
  6. Gently fold the whipped mixture into the cranberry-fruit base using a spatula, just until blended.
  7. Stir in chopped pecans/walnuts and/or shredded coconut if desired.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to overnight) to allow flavors to meld and marshmallows to soften.
  9. Spoon into a serving dish or trifle bowl. Garnish with extra orange zest or chopped nuts if desired. Serve cold.

Notes

For best texture, don’t overprocess cranberries and always chill before serving. Use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available (thaw and drain well). To make vegan, use dairy-free whipped topping and cream cheese. Omit nuts for allergies. Taste and adjust sugar or marshmallows to preference. Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid watery salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry salad, holiday dessert, marshmallow salad, Thanksgiving, Christmas, potluck, easy dessert, fruit salad, whipped topping, nostalgic recipe

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/fluffy-cranberry-salad-recipe-easy-marshmallow-holiday-dessert/