Frozen Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

Treat your taste buds to a delightful combination of festive flavors with this Frozen Cranberry Ambrosia Salad, the perfect make-ahead dessert or side dish for holiday gatherings. This no-bake recipe begins with tart, fresh cranberries sweetened with a touch of sugar, then blended with juicy pineapple, fluffy miniature marshmallows, shredded coconut, and optional chopped pecans for a satisfying crunch. A cloud-like whipped cream mixture, lightly sweetened with powdered sugar and kissed with vanilla, ties everything together. Once frozen, this creamy, tangy salad transforms into a refreshing, sliceable treat that’s ideal for serving straight out of the freezer. With its vibrant color, contrasting textures, and irresistible balance of sweet and tart, this dish is sure to be a highlight on your holiday table. Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any festive occasion, this easy frozen cranberry salad is a show-stopping addition everyone will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly and pat them dry.

Step 2

In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until finely chopped but not pureed. Transfer them to a mixing bowl.

Step 3

Add the granulated sugar to the cranberries, stir to combine, and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to macerate.

Step 4

Fold in the drained crushed pineapple, miniature marshmallows, sweetened shredded coconut, and chopped pecans (if using). Mix until evenly combined.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.

Step 6

Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Step 7

Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the cranberry-fruit mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 8

Line a 9x13-inch pan or similar-sized freezer-safe container with plastic wrap for easy removal or use as-is.

Step 9

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 10

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 11

To serve, let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing. Cut into squares or scoop into bowls and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1276.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3192.8

Total Fat 184.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 76.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 240mg	0%
Sodium 323.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 381.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.1g	0%
Total Sugars 306.7g
Protein 17.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 149.2mg	0%
Iron 5.1mg	0%
Potassium 1096.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.0%

Protein: 2.1%

Carbs: 46.9%