Strawberry Fluff

I make my easy strawberry fluff with Cool Whip, strawberry jello, marshmallows and pineapple. It needs just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes to put it all together before chilling!

My Easy Strawberry Fluff Salad

I love a good sweet side dish, so it’s no surprise I needed to make a strawberry flavored version with this strawberry fluff.

I created it to be super easy, just requiring 5 ingredients, and used ingredients to really bring out that sweet and fluffy texture like Cool Whip, marshmallows, and jello. Plus, the pineapple just brightens the flavor! Plus, it takes just 10 minutes to whip together, put in the fridge, and forget it until it’s time to eat!

My son Connor is strawberry obsessed and he will eat two bowls of this strawberry fluff salad every time I serve it!

Looking for more easy Cool Whip recipes? Try my pineapple fluff, strawberry fruit dip, Cool Whip fruit dip, or fruit salad with Cool Whip next. I also have recipes for Oreo fluff or cookie dough dip for when my kids are in less of a fruity mood!

Fluff Salad Ingredients

• Strawberry Jello – I use 3 ounces of boxed Jello mix for this recipe. This simple ingredient infuses rich strawberry flavor into the fluff and gives it a gorgeous pink color as well!
• Crushed pineapple – The texture is really important here, so it’s not the time for fresh pineapple. Canned is also easy to keep on hand, and it comes with juice that is also needed in this dessert.
• Reserved pineapple juice – There’s enough in the can of crushed pineapple for this recipe. It helps dissolve the Jello powder and boosts the pineapple sweetness.
• Chopped strawberries – I always use fresh, juicy strawberries for this recipe. The fresh chunks of fruit add additional texture to the fluffy dessert and deepen the strawberry flavor even further.
• Cool Whip – This stabilized whipped topping serves as the base of the dessert, forming its light and delicate consistency. It’s sold frozen, so be sure to plan ahead and allow time for thawing.
• Mini marshmallows – These chewy bits are a classic mix-in for old fashioned fluff recipes. They contribute to the consistency and sweetness, complementing the tart flavors of the fruit beautifully.

How to Make Strawberry Fluff

STEP ONE: In a large bowl, whisk the Jello and reserved pineapple juice together until the powder is fully dissolved.

STEP TWO: Next, add in the crushed pineapple and the chopped strawberries, stirring the fruit until it is all incorporated.

STEP THREE: Fold in the whipped topping and then the mini marshmallows.

STEP FOUR: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

STEP FIVE: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• I prefer mini marshmallows over the regular-sized ones. While larger marshmallows can be cut up in a pinch, mini marshmallows are much easier to combine evenly with the other ingredients.
• Be sure to use crushed pineapple, and not larger chunks. Since the recipe already contains chunks of strawberries, using these finely broken-down pieces of pineapple is important to ensure a smooth base.
• Stir gently to keep things fluffy. Overmixing (or using a little too much effort) will knock the air out of the Cool Whip and create a loose, watery consistency. I use a folding motion with a rubber or silicone spatula.
• Serve this dessert salad cold. Strawberry fluff is best served immediately after chilling and setting. Enjoy it with any dippers of choice, like pretzels or graham crackers, or eat it with a spoon!

Variations and Substitutions

• Shredded coconut is my favorite mix-in to add to the dessert. The coconut has a subtle crunch to it and pairs wonderfully with the pineapple to boost the tropical taste.
• Fresh blueberries are an easy addition that provide an extra burst of sweetness, along with another splash of color.
• Additional mix-ins like nuts will add a delightful crunch to every bite. I love adding in chopped pecans or walnuts.
• To switch up the fruity flavor, combine or replace the strawberry Jello mix with other Jello flavors. Raspberry and cherry would be my top picks, as they won’t change the color but will add a twist to the overall taste.
• My kids love adding cherries on top. Maraschino cherries are a popular option, known for their candy-like quality, but regular fresh cherries also make a great choice too.

Strawberry Fluff FAQs 

Can I make fluff salad ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe can be made up to one day in advance and can be left in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve. I actually prefer making it ahead of time, as giving it a good amount of time to set in the refrigerator allows the flavors to deepen even more.

How should I store leftovers? 

To keep this dessert fresh, I always transfer any leftover strawberry fluff salad to an airtight container. Stored in an airtight container, it will last in the refrigerator for about 3 days before the fresh fruit starts to break down and turn the salad watery. Any time I’m serving leftover fluff, I give it a gentle stir to redistribute any moisture that may have formed in the bottom of the bowl.

More Easy Strawberry Recipes

• Strawberry pie
• Strawberry jello cake
• Strawberry fruit dip
• Strawberry shortcake crumble
• Strawberry cobbler