Creamy Cranberry Salad

This fluff salad features tart, fresh cranberries gently simmered into a sauce and then folded into fluffy whipped cream. The result is a perfectly sweet-tart and mouthwatering side or fresh dessert.

Is It a Side or Dessert?

Yes.

This cranberry fluff is part side and part dessert. Serve it for either or both!
Creamy cranberry salad is best made ahead of time so it’s potluck perfect!
Made with fresh cranberries, it’s a little tart and not too sweet.
Short on time? Use a tub of non-dairy whipped topping (like Cool Whip) in place of the fresh whipped cream.

Ingredients in Creamy Cranberry Salad

Fresh cranberries are easy to during the holidays and frozen the rest of the year, cranberries provide a colorful pop of tangy flavor in this recipe. They’re simmered into a chunky homemade cranberry sauce to add to the other ingredients.

Heavy cream is lightly sweetened and whipped. This balances the tart cranberry flavor and makes this side dessert-like.

Jell-O We love cranberry Jell-O but it can be hard to find so you can use raspberry or cherry in place. All of them are great!

Variations

Try any of these fun combos:

Cranberries and Raspberry Jello
Apples, Celery, Walnuts, Cheddar Cheese, and Lime Jello
Mixed Berries, Sliced Almonds, and Raspberry Jello
Pineapple, Mini Marshmallows, and Lemon Jello
Oranges, Bananas, and Orange Jello
Strawberries, Kiwis, and Lime Jello
Cherries, Mini Marshmallows, Walnuts, and Cherry Jello

How to Make Cranberry Jello Salad

This pretty dessert is as easy as 1- 2- 3!

Prepare the cranberry mixture (per recipe below) by simmering cranberries & sugar in juice.
Add jello.
Whip the cream and once cooled, fold in the chilled cranberry mixture.
Chill until set and garnish as desired.

PRO TIP: Garnish with freshly grated orange zest, sugared cranberries, or a sprig of fresh mint.

How to Make Ahead

This cranberry salad can be made up to 24 hours before serving.

Tips for Success

Heavy cream will whip up faster if the bowl and electric mixer beaters are chilled about 30 minutes before use. Just place in the freezer until ready to use.
Toast nuts in a dry sauté pan to intensify their flavor and make them extra crunchy and sprinkle them on top if desired.

Storing Cranberry Salad

Keep creamy cranberry salad covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s not advisable to freeze any Jello salad recipes as they will not thaw properly.

Favorite Fruit Salads

Easy Ambrosia Salad – perfect for potlucks
Cherry Fluff Salad – served frozen
Berry Fluff Jello Salad – so bright & colorful
Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad – a summer classic
Easy Fresh Fruit Salad – a healthy & flavorful snack
Watergate Salad – 15 minute prep!

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