Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fruit salad is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules. The combination of cranberries, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping creates a light yet indulgent dessert that’s always a crowd favorite. It’s colorful, refreshing, and perfect for serving alongside festive meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Whole berry cranberry sauce
Crushed pineapple, well-drained
Mandarin oranges, drained
Red or green grapes, halved
Mini marshmallows
Whipped topping, thawed
Cream cheese, softened
Chopped pecans or walnuts
Sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce.
Add the drained crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, mini marshmallows, chopped pecans or walnuts, and shredded coconut if using.
Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and the marshmallows to soften.
Stir gently before serving and garnish with extra chopped nuts or fresh cranberries if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Apple addition: Fold in diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples for extra crunch.
Cherry version: Add halved maraschino cherries for additional sweetness and color.
Nut-free option: Omit the pecans or walnuts for those with nut allergies.
Lighter version: Replace half of the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt.
Extra citrus: Add orange zest for a brighter flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store Cranberry Millionaire Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving if any liquid separates. This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the creamy ingredients and fruit can lose their texture after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use canned cranberry sauce?

Yes, whole berry cranberry sauce works best because it adds texture, but jellied cranberry sauce can also be used.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Preparing it several hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to develop beautifully.

Do I need to drain the fruit?

Yes. Drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges well to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Yes. Stabilized homemade whipped cream is an excellent substitute for whipped topping.

What nuts work best?

Pecans and walnuts are classic choices, but sliced almonds are also delicious.

Can I make this dessert without marshmallows?

Yes. The marshmallows add sweetness and texture, but they can be omitted if preferred.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Many of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always verify the labels on packaged products.

Can I add fresh fruit?

Absolutely. Apples, grapes, pears, and fresh berries all work well.

How long will Cranberry Millionaire Fruit Salad stay fresh?

It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

What occasions is this salad best for?

It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, potlucks, family reunions, and other holiday celebrations.

Conclusion

Cranberry Millionaire Fruit Salad is a creamy, colorful, and festive dessert that’s perfect for sharing during the holidays or any special gathering. Packed with tart cranberries, sweet fruit, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy nuts, this easy no-bake recipe offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Make it ahead, chill, and enjoy a refreshing dessert that’s sure to become a family tradition.

Cranberry Millionaire Fruit Salad

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Cranberry Millionaire Fruit Salad is a rich, creamy, and festive no-bake dessert filled with tart cranberries, juicy fruit, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy nuts. It’s a colorful holiday favorite that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and special occasions.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
Stir in the whole berry cranberry sauce.
Add the drained crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, mini marshmallows, chopped pecans or walnuts, and shredded coconut if using.
Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and the marshmallows to soften.
Stir gently before serving and garnish with extra chopped nuts or fresh cranberries if desired.

Notes

Drain the pineapple and mandarin oranges well to prevent a watery salad.
Whole berry cranberry sauce provides the best texture, though jellied cranberry sauce also works.
Stabilized homemade whipped cream can replace whipped topping.
For a lighter version, replace half of the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change after thawing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 260 kcal
Sugar: 27 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg