Call us nostalgic, but we can’t get enough of our light and fluffy Strawberry Fluff Salad. The warm notes of vanilla mixed with fresh strawberries and creamy Cool Whip take us right back to grandma's kitchen table. I am pretty sure that once you make it, you’ll be adding it to your family recipe book.
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There’s a reason this strawberry fluff recipe gets passed down through the generations. We make it with all the same ingredients you remember from family get-togethers, starting with a creamy vanilla pudding base, folded with fresh strawberries, soft, mini marshmallows, and good old Cool Whip.
If, like us, you’re looking for an excuse to consume Cool Whip, we recommend our Strawberry Poke Cake or these Cool Whip Cookies. Like this easy strawberry fluff salad, these recipes come together with just a few ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd Pleaser: We don’t know anyone who doesn’t look forward to this cool, refreshing salad. It’s a favorite anywhere you go.
- Simple to Make: This five-ingredient salad is so easy to put together and comes together in just a few simple steps.
- No-Bake Dessert: Who wants to dirty up extra pans, turn on the oven, or spend extra time in the kitchen when you’re ready for dessert? Not us! This strawberry fluff dessert is the perfect no-bake option.
- It’s Tradition: Keep your childhood memories alive and pass down family tradition by sharing this classic strawberry Jello fluff salad recipe with the younger generation.
Ingredients
- Vanilla Pudding Mix: Pudding gives the salad a thick, creamy base while the vanilla adds a warm note to the sweet strawberry flavor. We use “cook and serve” pudding mix instead of instant. The cook and serve method requires heating the pudding mix with water, which results in a creamier, smoother texture.
- Strawberries and Strawberry Jello: These two ingredients give the pink fluff salad its fresh, fruity flavor. Choose strawberries that are bright red with fresh green stems. Fresh strawberries will have a sweet aroma. You can use frozen strawberries, just be sure to thaw and drain them first.
- Mini Marshmallows: Miniature marshmallows are the perfect size for this salad. While we use regular, white marshmallows, you could experiment with fruit-flavored mini marshmallows.
- Cool Whip: We prefer Cool Whip for its light, airy texture. You can use any whipped cream or even homemade whipped cream. Find Cool Whip in the frozen section of the grocery store.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Flavor Variety: Experiment with different flavors by switching out the strawberry Jello for orange, cherry, berry, or pineapple. Then use a complementary fresh fruit in place of or in addition to the strawberries.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle in some nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews. Not too many, just enough for a light crunch.
- Easily Dairy Free: Switch Cool Whip for a dairy-free version made from coconut cream like So Delicious CocoWhip.
- Make it Tangy: Replace vanilla pudding with softened cream cheese for a tangy, cheesecake flavor. Or, try lemon or lime pudding instead of vanilla for a sweet and tart flavor profile.
How To Make Strawberry Fluff
Be sure to thaw the Cool Whip. Slice the strawberries and you’re ready to go!
- Step 1: Cook the Pudding. To a medium saucepan, add the pudding, Jello, and water. Mix them together. Once the mixture comes to a rolling boil, remove it from the heat. Pour it into a bowl, cover it, and chill it in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or even overnight.
- Step 2: Whip the Mixture. Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator and place it in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand-held mixer, beat the pudding mixture until it is smooth.
- Step 3: Combine the Ingredients. Gently stir in the Cool Whip, marshmallows, and strawberries to create the strawberry fluff.
Hint: Avoid a Runny Salad
Be sure to let the pudding fully set, and completely drain and blot the strawberries to absorb excess moisture. Otherwise, the strawberry jello fluff can turn out runny instead of light and fluffy.
Expert Tips
- Thawing Cool Whip: There’s nothing more frustrating than finding the Cool Whip is still frozen when you're ready to use it. Set the Cool Whip in the refrigerator for 24 hours ahead of time to give it plenty of time to thaw.
- Lightly Stir: When adding the Cool Whip, strawberries, and marshmallows, be sure to fold them in gently. Over stirring can cause the salad to lose its light, fluffy texture.
- Storing: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s best to enjoy it within 1 or 2 days. After that, it starts to lose its fluff, which changes the texture and appearance. This salad does not freeze well.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful salad is a great option for serving at baby or bridal showers. Its light and refreshing flavor makes it the perfect summertime dessert. You could also bring strawberry jello fluff salad to a potluck or barbecue. We even recommend it as a sweet side dish at a family gathering like Thanksgiving or Easter.
- Serve it with chicken crescent rolls, ham and cheese crescent rolls, or ham and cheese sliders for a light lunch.
- If you’re serving a crowd, make it with baked ham with brown sugar glaze, cheesy funeral potatoes, and strawberry pecan salad.
- Garnish strawberry fluff salad with crumbled graham crackers, chocolate shavings, fresh fruit, or sprinkles.
More Refreshing Fruit Dessert Recipes
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Strawberry Fluff Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5.1 ounce Vanilla Pudding mix Not the instant kind
- 2 cups fresh strawberries cut up
- 6 ounce Strawberry Jello
- 10 ounce Mini Marshmallows
- 16 ounce Cool Whip thawed
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Pudding, Jello, and water over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and remove from heat. Pour it into a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 4 -6 hours or until the mixture is firm to the touch.
- Once the mixture has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Place the mixture into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand-held mixer, beat until it's smooth.
- Fold in Cool Whip, Marshmallows, and fresh chopped strawberries. Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to thaw the Cool Whip well in advance.
- Drain any excess moisture from the strawberries.
- Let the pudding fully set.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
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