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

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 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