Cranberry Cloud Delight

$- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup mini marshmallows - 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Cranberry fluff salad is simple and fun to make. You need just a few fresh ingredients. Start with two cups of cranberries. I love using fresh cranberries, but frozen ones work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. Next, grab one cup of granulated sugar. This sugar helps to sweeten the tart cranberries. You will also need one cup of mini marshmallows. These add a soft, chewy texture. For creaminess, use one cup of whipped cream or whipped topping. Whipped cream gives a rich flavor. Then, add half a cup of crushed pineapple. Drain it well so your salad stays fresh. If you want a crunchy bite, toss in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a nice flavor, but they are optional. Finally, include half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This tiny amount makes the flavors pop. With these ingredients ready, you're set to create a delightful dish. It's colorful, tasty, and perfect for any gathering! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, place 2 cups of fresh or thawed cranberries in a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix them well. Let the bowl sit for about 30 minutes. This allows the cranberries to release their juices. You’ll notice the sugar starts to dissolve. This step is key for flavor. After 30 minutes, blend the cranberry mixture. Use an immersion blender or a food processor. Blend just until it’s chunky, not pureed. This keeps some texture in the salad. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Fold in 1 cup of mini marshmallows, 1 cup of whipped cream, and 1/2 cup of drained crushed pineapple. If you like nuts, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Don’t forget 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently combine all these ingredients. Now, transfer the mixture to your serving dish. Cover it with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This step helps the flavors blend and the salad to set. Before serving, give it a light stir to fluff it up again. You can add more nuts or cranberries on top for a nice touch. To boost the flavor of your cranberry fluff salad, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also mix in some orange zest for a bright citrus note. For garnishing, sprinkle extra chopped nuts or a few whole cranberries on top before serving. This adds a nice crunch and makes it look pretty. One common mistake is over-blending the cranberry mixture. You want a chunky texture, not a smooth puree. If you blend too much, you lose that delightful crunch. Another mistake is skipping the refrigeration time. Letting it chill for at least two hours helps the flavors meld together. If you skip this step, your salad might taste flat. Cranberry fluff salad pairs well with roasted turkey or ham. It adds a sweet touch to any holiday meal. You can also serve it at potlucks or family gatherings. It is a hit at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Try using small cups for individual servings; this makes it fun and easy to enjoy! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a vibrant flavor and texture; if using frozen, ensure they are properly thawed and drained for the best results. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preferences and the tartness of the cranberries, you may want to adjust the sugar quantity to achieve your desired sweetness. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the mixture to chill for at least 2 hours helps the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive dish. Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to try different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for a unique twist on texture and flavor in your Cranberry Cloud Delight. {{image_2}} You can change up the fruits in cranberry fluff salad. For a tropical twist, add diced mango or kiwi. Apples also work well, giving a nice crunch. You can use berries like blueberries or strawberries for a pop of color and flavor. Seasonal fruits can make your salad even better. In fall, try adding diced pears. In summer, fresh peaches or cherries can enhance the taste. Mixing different fruits can make this dish exciting and fun. If you want a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream. This swap keeps it creamy but adds protein. You can also reduce the sugar by half for a lighter option. For those with allergies, there are easy substitutes. Instead of nuts, try sunflower seeds for crunch. If you are avoiding dairy, use coconut whipped cream. This keeps your salad tasty without common allergens. Serving cranberry fluff in individual bowls is a great idea. It makes each portion special and easy to grab. Use small glass cups or mason jars for a cute look. You can also get creative with your serving dishes. A large, clear bowl shows off the colors. You could even layer the salad with fruits for a fun visual effect. This adds an extra touch to your meal! To store leftover cranberry fluff salad, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. Cover the container tightly to seal in the flavors. The salad stays good for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. It’s best to enjoy it within this time for the best taste. You can freeze cranberry fluff salad, but it may change in texture. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it tightly and label the container with the date. It can last for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. I recommend serving cranberry fluff salad cold. If you want to serve leftovers, just stir it gently after thawing. This helps to re-fluff the texture. You can add a little whipped cream or additional nuts for freshness. Enjoy it chilled for the best flavor! Yes, you can use canned cranberries. They save time and are sweet. However, canned cranberries often have added sugar and preservatives. Drain them well before mixing. If you choose this route, cut back on the sugar in the recipe. Fresh cranberries give a brighter taste and are less sweet. I recommend using fresh if you can. You can get creative with toppings! Here are some ideas: - Additional chopped nuts for crunch. - A sprinkle of shredded coconut for sweetness. - More mini marshmallows for extra fluff. - Fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - A drizzle of honey for added sweetness. These toppings can make your salad look and taste even better! Cranberry fluff salad can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The flavors will meld more as it sits. It’s best served cold. If you notice any change in smell or look, it’s best to throw it out. Enjoy it while it’s fresh for the best taste! This blog post covered everything you need to make cranberry fluff salad. We explored the key ingredients, provided step-by-step instructions, and shared helpful tips. Remember to blend carefully and refrigerate the salad for the best taste. You can also customize it with different fruits or serving ideas. Enjoy creating this festive dish that is perfect for any occasion! With these insights, you’ll impress everyone with your delicious cranberry fluff salad.$

A fluffy and fruity dessert salad featuring cranberries, marshmallows, and whipped cream.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 2 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
0.5 cup crushed pineapple, drained
0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine cranberries and sugar. Stir well and let sit for about 30 minutes to allow the cranberries to release some juices and sweeten.
After 30 minutes, blend the cranberry mixture briefly with an immersion blender or food processor until you have a chunky consistency (not a puree).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cranberry mixture with the mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed pineapple, chopped nuts (if using), and vanilla extract. Gently fold everything together until fully combined.
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or individual bowls and cover with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the fluff to set.
Before serving, give the salad a light stir to fluff it up again, and garnish with additional nuts or a sprinkle of cranberries if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, use low-fat whipped topping.

Keyword cranberry, dessert, fluffy, salad