Strawberry Fluff Salad

Strawberry fluff salad is a sweet, creamy, and fruity classic that I love bringing to potlucks, holidays, or backyard barbecues. It’s a no-bake dessert salad that combines strawberry Jell-O, pudding, whipped topping, fruit, and mini marshmallows into a soft, fluffy dish that’s always a crowd favorite. It’s easy, colorful, and bursting with nostalgic flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s simple to make but always impresses with its bright pink color and creamy texture. It’s packed with fresh strawberries and sweet pineapple, giving it a burst of flavor in every spoonful. The Jell-O and pudding base makes it extra smooth, and the marshmallows add that fun, chewy touch I can’t resist. It’s sweet enough to be dessert but light enough to serve alongside other dishes.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 ounces strawberry Jell-O mix (1 box)

• 1 cup hot water

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix (1 box)

• 8 ounces whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

• 24 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled, halved, and sliced

• 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained

• 10 ounces mini marshmallows (1 bag)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, I dissolve the strawberry Jell-O mix in hot water, stirring until completely smooth. Then I stir in the cold water and let it chill in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes, just until slightly cooled.

2. Once the mixture has cooled a bit, I whisk in the instant vanilla pudding mix until fully combined and smooth. I return it to the refrigerator for another 15–20 minutes to thicken slightly.

3. I take the chilled Jell-O pudding mixture out and gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is well blended and fluffy.

4. Next, I fold in the sliced strawberries, drained crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows, mixing until evenly combined.

5. I cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the texture thicken.

6. I serve it chilled, straight from the bowl or scooped into individual cups for easy serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 7 people and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish, including chill time. Active prep time is around 45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the strawberry Jell-O for raspberry or cherry for a different fruity base. If I’m craving a crunch, I mix in chopped pecans or walnuts. For an even more tropical vibe, I use mandarin oranges in place of the pineapple or add shredded coconut. A handful of white chocolate chips also makes it extra indulgent.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture holds up well, though the marshmallows may soften slightly. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the whipped topping and fruit don’t thaw evenly. This salad is meant to be served cold and never reheated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, I’ve used thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch, but I always drain them well to avoid extra moisture that can water down the salad.

Is it okay to use sugar-free Jell-O and pudding?

Absolutely. I often use sugar-free versions to lighten it up, and it still tastes great and sets well.

Can I make this a day ahead?

Yes, and I actually prefer making it ahead. It needs at least 2 hours to chill, but overnight helps the flavors come together even more.

What if the salad is too runny?

If it hasn’t set enough, I give it more time in the fridge. I also make sure to drain the pineapple really well to avoid excess liquid.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, I’ve made it with fresh whipped cream before. I just make sure to whip it to stiff peaks so it holds up well when folded into the mix.

Conclusion

Strawberry fluff salad is a creamy, fruity treat that brings a fun retro vibe to any meal. I love how easy it is to prepare, how customizable it is, and how much everyone enjoys it—whether it’s part of a holiday spread or a summertime cookout. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with sweet strawberry flavor, making it one of my go-to make-ahead desserts.

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