Strawberry Fluff Salad

Inspired by Watergate Salad, this Strawberry Fluff Salad is a cool and fluffy treat that is bursting with strawberries and pineapple.

I just love an old-fashioned fluff salad and this strawberry cheesecake fluff salad is our newest creation. It’s everything the name suggests – fluffy and full of strawberry flavor with a hint of cheesecake. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert salad for parties, potlucks, and holidays for any time of year.

This easy strawberry dessert salad is inspired by my mom’s Watergate salad and it’s so good she requested I make it for her upcoming retirement party. I’ll be making it for more than just that – it really is the best side dish for any gathering. The kids love it and the adults do, too!

I have such a soft spot for retro recipes and strawberry fluff salad does not disappoint. The combination of pudding, jello, and marshmallows with the pineapple, coconut, and fresh strawberries reminds me of all the fluff salads we had growing up. I just can’t resist a helping or two!

It’s also a great make-ahead recipe, something I love all year but especially during the summer when it seems we need something to share almost every week. Fluff salads are always a hit – a crowd-pleaser, for sure.

Maybe you’re like me and grew up with these fun types of side dishes. If so, prepare for a trip down memory lane! If you’re new to dessert salads, well, you’re in for a treat – this strawberry cheesecake fluff salad recipe might just win your heart.

Ingredients

• Cool Whip
• Cheesecake instant pudding mix
• Strawberry jello mix
• Crushed pineapple
• Mini marshmallows
• Sweetened coconut flakes
• Chopped fresh strawberries

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Salad

Place the whipped topping in a large mixing bowl.

Sprinkle the dry pudding mix over the top.

Sprinkle the dry jello mix over the top.

Beat the mixture until fully combined.

Add the marshmallows.

Add the drained crushed pineapple.

Sprinkle the coconut flakes over the top.

Add the chopped strawberries and then stir until combined.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the salad for at least one hour before serving it.

Recipe Tips and Variations

You can easily switch the fruit and jello flavor to make any number of different flavored fluff salad. I think fresh raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries would work well. Use a matching or complementary jello flavor to go with them.

Instead of cheesecake pudding mix, try using vanilla pudding mix instead.

I like to use Cool Whip in this recipe because it holds up well in the refrigerator. You can use homemade whipped cream sweetened with sugar instead, but any leftover salad won’t keep as long in the refrigerator.

I think some nuts would work well in this recipe – maybe some chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Just don’t add a lot, just a few to add a nice crunch.

I usually make this recipe a day in advance of serving it. This allows it time to fully set up. At the very least, give it at least an hour to chill before eating it.

If you make it and want to serve it right away, you will notice it’s a little grainy. That’s because the pudding and jello mixes haven’t fully dissolved. Giving it some time to chill will eliminate this problem.

Leftover fluff salad will keep in the refrigerator for four days, although I think it’s best within a day or so. The fruit will start to release moisture which will make the salad less fluffy and light. It will still taste good, just won’t look as nice.

Can you use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries really work best in this strawberry fluff recipe. They hold their shape better and you can’t beat the fresh flavor.

If frozen strawberries are all you have, you can use them but I recommend thawing them first and draining them really well so they don’t water down you fluff.

Strawberry cheesecake fluff is like a pretty pink cloud on a plate! Make this one soon, friends. You’re going to love the flavors, texture, and how easy it is to make. Enjoy! XOXO San

More Easy Recipes with Fruit

• Kiwi Berry Fruit Salad
• Sour Cream Fruit Dip
• Asian Kale Salad with Mandarin Oranges
• No Bake Fruit Tart with Sliced Strawberries

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