A classic Strawberry Jello Salad Recipe. Strawberry Fluff Salad is the perfect easy dessert salad to bring to parties, picnics, and potlucks. The fruit salad has indeed been classic fare for events such as these for decades now.
Fresh strawberries with strawberry gelatin, pudding, whipped topping. marshmallows and crushed pineapple make this easy dessert salad a delight for the taste buds. The easy no bake preparation of this strawberry jello fluff salad makes it a great choice for hot summer gatherings, as well as the hectic holiday season. This is an easy recipe that comes together quickly with minimal effort, perfect for busy days. The fluff salad recipe is equally welcome on Fourth of July and Christmas!
Delicious Easy Fluff Salad
Fluff salad is a beloved classic dessert that has graced family tables, potlucks, and holiday parties for generations. This strawberry fluff salad recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional fluff salad, bringing together the sweet flavors of fresh strawberries, crushed pineapple, and a creamy blend of vanilla pudding and strawberry jello. This easy-to-make dessert is known for its light, airy texture and irresistible sweetness, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing treat for a summer picnic or a festive addition to your holiday spread, this strawberry fluff salad recipe is sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients: crushed pineapple, fresh strawberries, strawberry jello, and vanilla pudding, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. If you love easy, no-bake recipes, this fluff salad recipe is a must-try!
If you need more than one dessert salad, try my Snickers Apple Salad or my Ambrosia Salad recipe too. It is also a fabulous choice to bring to the cookout! You can even make this salad a day ahead, so it's ready to go and saves you time on the day of your event.
Strawberry Fluff Salad
This Strawberry Fluff Jello Salad recipe makes a fun summer dessert that is also popular during the holidays. I grow strawberries in my garden, so when they are in season, I make this recipe often.
I know some of you have qualms about using instant pudding mix and Cool Whip. I'm usually a fan of making things from scratch, but when you need a quick tasty dessert to bring to a cook out this strawberry fluff salad does the trick.
Fluff is always a hit at a parties. So make a batch of this easy strawberry jello salad recipe to take with you,you won't regret it. Give the people what they want I say and one of my best friends is in love with this jello salad recipe...lol.
The strawberry fluff salad is classic picnic food that doesn't fail. It can be served as either a dessert or side dish. Can't you almost smell the strawberries and marshmallow through the picture of the fruit salad.
For other easy strawberry dessert options try making my Strawberry Dump Cake, Strawberry Pie with Jello or Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies.
Strawberry Jello Salad Recipe: Making
This is a quick visual walk-through showing how to make this strawberry fluff recipe. Full printable recipe with measurements below.
Ingredients
Here are all the ingredients you will need to make strawberry fluff salad:
- frozen whipped topping (fresh whipped cream can be used, but be mindful it will not hold up as well if not served immediately)
- sliced fresh strawberries (cut into bite-sized pieces); If strawberries are not in season, you can also use frozen strawberries—just thaw and drain them before adding
- mini marshmallows
- instant vanilla pudding mix
- crushed pineapple (substitute pineapple tidbits if you prefer)
- strawberry flavor jello
You will need a medium heat safe bowl and a large mixing bowl.
Preparation
In one bowl, combine strawberry jello mix with cup of boiling water and stir until completely dissolved.
Once you dissolve the strawberry Jello powder, add ice to cool it down and thicken it.
In a separate large bowl mix pineapple and vanilla pudding. Then add strawberries (reserving a few slices for the top), cool whip and mini marshmallows and mix well.
Finally, break up the strawberry jello and gently fold it into the rest of the strawberry fluff salad mixture using a rubber spatula. Be sure to fold in the Cool Whip gently to maintain the fluffy texture. Top with additional strawberries.
Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and keep the strawberry jello salad in the fridge. Chill for at least a few hours for best results. Recommended chill time is 3-4 hours or overnight for optimal texture.
Easy Recipe Variations:
- Try using different flavors of Jell-O or pudding for a twist. Orange jello is a popular choice.
- Frozen strawberries are a good option, when berries are out of season. When using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the salad. This helps prevent the fluff salad from becoming too watery.
- Add other fruits like blueberries, mandarin oranges or bananas.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for Cool Whip for a higher protein dessert.
- For those looking to avoid sugar in their strawberry fluff salad, try using sugar free jello, vanilla pudding mix, and whipped topping to create a sugar free version that’s just as tasty!
While you can make it with frozen strawberries, I do encourage you to use fresh strawberries in the recipe if possible. They will provide better texture in the dessert salad.
A stiffened whip cream could be used, but honestly the Cool Whip will hold up better, particularly if you want the salad to last longer than a couple hours. Adding some softened cream cheese along with the cream would help it hold up.
Sugar free gelatin and pudding, as well as some sugar free marshmallows would reduce the glycemic load a lot. Perhaps even make your own homemade whipped cream with a zero calorie sweetener rather then the store bought whipped topping.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To keep your strawberry fluff salad tasting fresh and delicious, store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay at its best for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks or special occasions. When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and consider adding a finishing touch, such as topping with fresh diced strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of sweetened coconut flakes . For a fun presentation, serve the strawberry fluff in individual cups or parfait glasses, layering with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a beautiful dessert that’s perfect for parties. Whether you enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature, this fluff salad is always a hit.
Party Favorite Anytime of Year
While one of everyone's favorite summer salad recipes this pot luck staple is great for holiday parties as well! The strawberry fluff salad is an easy dessert to make and travels well.
Looking for more desserts you don't need to bake? Check out my No Bake Dessert Recipes!
Strawberry Fluff Salad
Ingredients
- 3 ounce strawberry jello gelatin (small box)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup crushed Ice
- 20 oz Crushed Pineapple
- 3 oz Instant Vanilla Pudding mix (small box)
- 16 oz Strawberries (fresh, trimmed and sliced)
- 4 cup Mini Marshmallows
- 8 oz thawed Cool Whip whipped topping
Instructions
- Add contents of the gelatin package to a medium bowl.
- Stir in boiling water with the jello until dissolved.
- Pour crushed ice into the bowl and stir until the ice has melted.
- Place into refrigerator for 10 minutes or until it begins to set.
- Pour crushed pineapple and juices along with vanilla pudding into a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the strawberries, mini marshmallows and cool whip. Mix well.
- Use a spoon to break up the strawberry jello and add it to the Cool Whip mixture. Mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate the strawberry jello fluff salad for at least one hour before serving.
Nutrition
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting says
Oh, HELLS yeah!
Andrea Kruse says
I don't think I have had this since a company picnic as a child. I was always excited to find the mini marshmallows.
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
My mother in law makes a similar strawberry fluff, but it doesn't look so creamy. This I must try.
Mommy Has A Life says
I love summer picnic food! I have seen this several times and always wondered how it was made, thanks for sharing 🙂
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
Sounds so refreshing and I love the addition of pineapple with the strawberries. It always gives that tropical feel!
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
I like Jell-O but I can't eat it when it's mixed with fruit for some reason.
Rachel @RunningRachel says
Oh my goodness... my boys would EAT THIS JELLO SALAD RIGHT UP!! 🙂
Kaitlyn says
Looks yummy! Do you have to use the crushed ice?
Robin Gagnon says
You can add a smaller amount of cold water instead (about 2/3 cup-3/4 cup). It will just stake longer for the Jello to set up.
Julie says
YUM. That is all. I love strawberries, jello and fluff!
Beth says
This looks really good and would be great with our fresh picked strawberries!
melinda says
with it being strawberry season i could make tons of this
Liz Mays says
I love fluff in any flavor. It's just such a yummy treat!
Crystal says
I love strawberries and this looks so delicious.
trisha says
My grandmother used to make this but it was green. Now I am starting to wonder if it was like green bean fluff salad.
Marina says
Oooh yummy! I've tried something similar but minus the pineapple chunks.
Crystal Green says
Don't laugh, but I've always wondered how to make this kind of jello salad, and never took the time to look it up. Thank you so much for sharing this. Now I can make this perfect summer dessert treat for my family.
Krissy says
Um can you say YUMMMM??! I totally need to make this strawberry fluff, I know my daughter would be a big fan!
Notorious Spinks says
I love strawberries. Would love to taste this fluff.
Kathleen says
Can you make it without pineapple? Would you have to change liquid amount?
Thanks!
Robin Gagnon says
It would alter the liquid amount and the texture of the pineapple would be lost. Maybe mashing a few extra strawberries would make up for the pineapple.
A says
Silly question, do we actually make the pudding (with milk)/and ehatnot or just use the mix and mix it in with the pineapple? Thanks!
Robin Gagnon says
Not a silly question at all. You don't need the milk.
A says
Thank you!
Tiffany A Reiter says
Do you have to use strawberry's? I just don't have any on hand.
Robin Gagnon says
I expect it would still be tasty.
Carol A Spencer says
Can I use Frozen Stawberries?
Robin Gagnon says
Fresh strawberries are better, but if you don't mind the softer texture of thawed frozen ones it should be fine.
J.p. says
My grandmother used them same recipe except for using vanilla pudding she would break up Angel food cake into bite sized pieces before the chilling process.
Robin Gagnon says
That sounds mighty yummy. Kind of like Poke cake deconstructed.
Amanda says
My friend is allergic to pineapple so I mixed the pudding with some strawberry soda. It turned out great!
Robin Gagnon says
Great tip!
Sasha says
Thanks the strawberry jello fluff salad was well received at the cook out last weekend. It went faster than the other fruit salads.