A fluffy wonderland of flavor, this no-bake dessert salad is bursting with fruity, creamy sweetness.
What do you think of when you hear the word “fluff”? Are you fluffing your pillows or your hair, or are you taking a heaping spoonful of a fruity dessert sensation? If you said the latter, you are in good company (hi, it’s me). After all, who wouldn’t want to dig into a bowl of delightful strawberry fluff salad? If you’ve had this treat, you know what I mean. For those who have never tried this strawberry version of the famous party staple, get ready to discover what makes it so popular.
Strawberry fluff is just one way to enjoy a classic salad that goes by many names and variations, including ambrosia, marshmallow salad, heavenly hash, and more. Truthfully, with so many flavors of pudding and Jell-O mixes available today, and various types of fruit, the possibilities are endless. Now, if you’re anything like me and love a creamy cheesecake, swap the vanilla instant pudding for cheesecake instant pudding, and prepare to be wowed by a whole new flavor sensation.
Personally, I like to tailor my fluff recipes to the seasons, using whatever flavors are at the height of their ripeness and sweetness. Strawberries happened to be at their peak when I made this, but if you’ve just picked a basket of peaches, then grab some peach Jell-O and turn this recipe into peach fluff salad instead. All you have to do is substitute the fruit and gelatin flavor. One note of advice, though—it’s best to use fresh fruit (other than the crushed pineapple), as frozen fruit contains too much liquid, which can make the salad watery.
Speaking of flavor, you may be wondering how this salad tastes. You get the sweetness of strawberries and marshmallows alongside the tanginess of pineapple, all whipped together in a creamy, fruity “dressing.” To add even more fun to an already enjoyable dish, consider using multi-colored, fruity marshmallows. Some people also like to add chopped nuts to their fluff for added texture, but I’m not one of them. However, if you want to add some nuts, pistachios, macadamias, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and almonds are all good choices.
Ways to plate strawberry fluff salad
It’s no surprise that fluff salads are popular at gatherings, especially bridal and baby showers. Aside from their delicious and refreshing flavors, they are quick and inexpensive to make. If you are the host of an event, this strawberry fluff salad will fit right in, no matter what the theme, and there are a few different ways you can plate it. For more casual, buffet-style gatherings, transfer your fluff salad to a pretty casserole dish and place a large serving spoon inside so guests can serve themselves. Another idea is to place it in a clear-footed trifle dish, which elevates the presentation a bit. You can even dress it up for a fancy dinner party by spooning the fluff into individual glass parfait bowls and topping it with shaved chocolate curls. However you serve it, guests are sure to gobble it up.
How do I store leftovers?
Strawberry fluff salad should be stored tightly covered with plastic wrap and a tight-fitting lid or placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it any longer will lead to mushy marshmallows and a decrease in flavor. I recommend stirring before each serving, as the pineapple juice can separate from the other ingredients during storage. While this dish could be frozen in freezer-safe containers, I do not recommend freezing it, as the consistency will change upon thawing.
Serving suggestions
I crave dessert after dinner, and strawberry fluff salad is the perfect light dessert to serve after hearty dishes, such as Slow-Cooker Corned Beef And Cabbage, Beef Pot Pie, Pork Osso Bucco, or Chicken Parmesan Casserole. It’s also a great accompaniment to Ricotta Cookies or Cream Cheese Banana Bread.
Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple (20 ounces) undrained
- 2 tablespoons strawberry Jell-O powder
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
- 2 cups diced fresh strawberries plus some strawberry halves for garnish
- 8 ounces low-fat whipped topping thawed
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple with its juice, strawberry Jell-O powder, instant vanilla pudding mix, and diced strawberries.
- Stir the mixture until the Jell-O powder and pudding mix dissolve into the pineapple juices.
- Gently fold in the low-fat whipped topping until the mixture is smooth, then add the mini marshmallows and stir gently to combine.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the texture set.
- Give the salad a light stir before serving chilled. Garnish with strawberry halves.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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