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
Scale
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
