Strawberry Fluff Salad Recipe
Introduction
This delightful Strawberry Fluff Salad combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries and crushed pineapple with the airy texture of whipped topping and mini marshmallows. It’s an easy-to-make, refreshing dessert perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a light treat any time of year.

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: Stir in ½ cup cold water, 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 an additional 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the whipped topping until evenly combined throughout the mixture.
- Step 5: Fold in the sliced fresh strawberries, drained crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to set properly.
- Step 7: Spoon the finished Strawberry Fluff Salad into individual serving bowls or onto a serving platter and serve chilled.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly first to avoid excess moisture.
- For a lighter option, substitute sugar-free Jell-O and pudding mixes along with light whipped topping.
- Try other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin orange segments for a different twist.
- Homemade whipped cream can replace store-bought whipped topping for a fresher taste.
- Reserve some strawberry juice when slicing to add extra strawberry flavor to the Jell-O mixture.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may soften as marshmallows absorb moisture, but the flavor remains delicious. Stir gently before serving again. 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 make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent your salad from becoming watery. Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, but frozen work well in a pinch.
How far in advance can I make this strawberry fluff?
You can prepare it up to 24 hours ahead. The flavors meld nicely during refrigeration, but avoid making it more than a day ahead to keep the best texture, as marshmallows soften over time.
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Strawberry Fluff Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Strawberry Fluff Salad is a creamy, fruity dessert combining fresh strawberries, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and a fluffy vanilla pudding and whipped topping base with vibrant strawberry Jell-O. It’s a perfect make-ahead sweet treat ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or light desserts, offering a refreshing balance of sweetness and airy texture.
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 mix
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
- Dissolve Jell-O Base: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O mix in 1 cup of hot water by stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until fully dissolved. The water should be very hot to activate the gelatin properly.
- Initial Chilling: Stir in ½ cup of cold water, then refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes until it becomes slightly thickened but not fully set. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Pudding Layer: Remove the bowl and sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix over the thickened Jell-O base, whisking thoroughly until no powder remains. Return it to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to set further.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the entire tub of whipped topping using a rubber spatula with a folding motion from bottom to top, preserving the airy texture.
- Add Fruits and Marshmallows: Fold in the sliced fresh strawberries, well-drained crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows gently until evenly distributed, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Final Setting: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual dishes, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor melding and texture.
- Serve: Spoon the Strawberry Fluff Salad into serving bowls or onto a platter and enjoy chilled as a refreshing dessert or sweet side dish.
Notes
- Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor and softer marshmallows.
- 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, pudding, and light whipped topping.
- This salad does not freeze well; store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, or mango for variety.
- Homemade whipped cream can be used instead of store-bought whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Fluff Salad, Strawberry Jell-O dessert, whipped topping dessert, fruit salad dessert, creamy strawberry salad, potluck recipe, easy no-cook dessert

