Creamy Strawberry Fluff Salad with Fresh Fruit and Marshmallows Recipe
Introduction
This delightful Strawberry Fluff Salad is a sweet, creamy treat combining fresh strawberries, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows in a fluffy, strawberry-flavored base. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, it’s simple to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces (1 box) strawberry Jell-O mix
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ cup cold water
- 3.4 ounces (1 box) instant vanilla pudding
- 8 ounces (1 tub) whipped topping, such as Cool Whip
- 10 ounces (1 bag) mini marshmallows
- 24 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled, halved, and sliced
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O mix in 1 cup of hot water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Step 2: Add ½ cup cold water to the mixture, stir well, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Once thickened, stir in the instant vanilla pudding mix until fully combined. Chill for another 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the whipped topping until evenly mixed throughout the base.
- Step 5: Fold in the sliced fresh strawberries, drained crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows gently until well distributed.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to set.
- Step 7: Serve by spooning into individual bowls or onto a serving platter.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly.
- For a lighter version, substitute sugar-free Jell-O and pudding, and use light whipped topping.
- Add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges for variety.
- Make the salad a day ahead to allow marshmallows to soften and flavors to develop fully.
- Try folding in reserved strawberry juice to enhance strawberry flavor.
Storage
Store leftover Strawberry Fluff Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may become softer as marshmallows continue to soften, but the flavor will remain delicious. This salad does not freeze well due to the whipped topping and fresh fruit.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them completely before adding to avoid excess moisture which can make the salad runny. Fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor.
How far in advance can I make this strawberry fluff?
You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors will meld nicely, but avoid making it more than a day ahead as the marshmallows will soften too much and the mixture may become loose.
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Creamy Strawberry Fluff Salad with Fresh Fruit and Marshmallows Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Fluff Salad is a creamy, fruity dessert that blends fresh strawberries, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping with a strawberry Jell-O and instant vanilla pudding base. This light, airy treat requires minimal active prep and chilling time to develop its sweet, refreshing flavors, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a delightful light dessert.
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 3 ounces (1 box) strawberry Jell-O mix
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ cup cold water
- 3.4 ounces (1 box) instant vanilla pudding
Creamy Components
- 8 ounces (1 tub) whipped topping, such as Cool Whip
- 10 ounces (1 bag) mini marshmallows
Fresh Fruits
- 24 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled, halved, and sliced
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
Instructions
- Prepare Jell-O Base: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O mix in 1 cup of hot water, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved to activate the gelatin proteins.
- Initial Chilling: Add ½ cup of cold water to the dissolved Jell-O mixture and stir well. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes until slightly thickened but not fully set, coating the back of a spoon.
- Add Pudding Layer: Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the surface. Whisk vigorously until fully combined with no visible powder remaining. Return to the refrigerator to chill for an additional 30 minutes.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the entire tub of whipped topping using a rubber spatula and a gentle folding motion from the bottom upward to preserve the airy texture.
- Add Fruits and Marshmallows: Fold in the sliced fresh strawberries, well-drained crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed without deflating the fluffiness.
- Final Setting: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual dishes, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the salad to set properly.
- Serve: Spoon the chilled Strawberry Fluff Salad into individual bowls or onto a serving platter and enjoy.
Notes
- Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor melding.
- Use fresh strawberries for best texture and flavor; if using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly.
- For a lighter version, substitute with sugar-free Jell-O and pudding along with light whipped topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; texture may soften but flavor remains great.
- Do not freeze, as whipped topping and fresh fruits do not freeze well.
- Gently fold ingredients to maintain fluffiness and avoid overmixing.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Fluff Salad, whipped dessert, Jello salad, fruit salad, easy dessert, family gathering dessert, summer dessert, no bake dessert
