Adaline Recipes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This make-ahead dessert is simple to prepare and perfect for entertaining. The tartness of the cranberries balances the sweetness of the fruit and creamy dressing, while marshmallows and nuts add irresistible texture. It’s a beautiful addition to any holiday table and tastes even better after chilling.

Ingredients

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

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

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the whole berry cranberry sauce and vanilla extract if using, then mix until well combined.
3. Fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
4. Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, halved grapes, and mini marshmallows.
5. Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts and shredded coconut if using.
6. Mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Stir gently before serving and garnish with additional 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 Cranberry: Add diced Honeycrisp or Gala apples for extra crunch.
• Cherry Version: Fold in halved maraschino cherries for additional sweetness and color.
• Lighter Option: Replace half of the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans or walnuts to make the recipe allergy-friendly.
• Extra Citrus: Add freshly grated 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 dessert is best served chilled and is not recommended for freezing, as the creamy dressing and fruit may lose their texture after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?

Yes. Both work well, although whole berry cranberry sauce adds more texture to the salad.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. It actually tastes better after chilling for several hours or overnight.

Why should I drain the pineapple and oranges?

Draining the fruit prevents excess liquid from making the salad watery.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

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

Is cream cheese necessary?

Cream cheese creates the rich, creamy texture, but you can substitute part of it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Can I add fresh fruit?

Yes. Apples, pears, blueberries, or strawberries make excellent additions.

Can I make this without marshmallows?

Yes. The marshmallows are optional and can be omitted if preferred.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on packaged products to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

How long will Cranberry Millionaire Fruit Salad stay fresh?

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

What occasions is this fruit salad best for?

It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, holiday dinners, family reunions, potlucks, baby showers, and festive celebrations.

Conclusion

Cranberry Millionaire Fruit Salad is a creamy, colorful, and festive dessert that brings together tart cranberries, sweet fruit, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy nuts in every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for making ahead, this classic no-bake recipe is a beautiful addition to holiday meals and special gatherings. Once you serve it, it’s sure to become a family tradition.

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