Strawberry Marshmallows Fluff Salad

Strawberry gelatin, whipped topping, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and diced strawberries make this fluffy salad a retro favorite.

this Recipe

Okay, first things first: this is not a salad in the leafy-green sense. This is one of those salads—the kind that shows up at family reunions and church potlucks in a giant mixing bowl with a serving spoon and zero shame.

I remember the first time I tried this Strawberry Marshmallows Fluff Salad. It was summer. Hot. The kind of hot where your flip-flops stick to the pavement, and all you want is something cool, creamy, and ridiculously sweet. My aunt, who somehow always looked like she stepped out of a 1950s cookbook ad, brought this “salad” to a backyard BBQ. I took one bite, and honestly? I forgot it was sitting next to the coleslaw and baked beans. I just kept going back for more.

This recipe isn’t fancy. It doesn’t try to be. It’s pink, fluffy, and unapologetically nostalgic. And that’s exactly why it’s magic.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Marshmallows Fluff Salad Recipe?

Honestly? It’s the vibes. The pink, creamy, childhood-on-a-paper-plate kind of vibes. But if we’re getting technical:

• It’s only five ingredients. No chopping 10 things or whisking sauces.

• It takes maybe five minutes. The only thing it asks of you is patience while it chills.

• It’s the definition of crowd-pleaser. Kids, grown-ups, picky cousins—everyone loves it.

• It’s flexible. Serve it as a dessert, a side, a midnight snack—you do you.

Oh, and let’s be real: anything with marshmallows and Cool Whip has a 97% chance of stealing the show.

Ingredient Notes:

• Crushed Pineapple (20 oz, drained):
  Adds a juicy, tropical punch that cuts through the creaminess. Don’t skip the draining part unless you want pineapple soup.

• Strawberry Gelatin (3 oz):
  That bright pink hue and fruity flavor? All thanks to this nostalgic powerhouse.

• Mini Marshmallows (3 cups):
  Adds that chewy, pillowy bite that makes this fluff more than just… well, fluff.

• Fresh Strawberries (2 cups, diced):
  Brings in a burst of fresh sweetness and a little texture. Bonus points if you pick them yourself—but store-bought works just fine too.

• Cool Whip (8 oz):
  The glue that holds it all together. Light, airy, and the stuff dreams are made of.

How To Make Strawberry Marshmallows Fluff Salad?

Step 1: Stir the pineapple and gelatin.
In a big ol’ mixing bowl, combine your drained crushed pineapple and the dry strawberry gelatin. No need to dissolve it with hot water—just trust the process.

Step 2: Fold in marshmallows and strawberries.
Toss in those marshmallows and fresh strawberries. Gently fold them in like you’re tucking a baby in for a nap. No mashing, just love.

Step 3: Add the Cool Whip.
Now comes the best part. Add in your whipped topping and stir until everything looks like a cloud that got too close to a strawberry patch.

Step 4: Chill.
Pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 2 hours. It gets better the longer it chills, and yes, sneaking a spoonful before it sets is 100% allowed.

Storage Options:

Store your fluff in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for 3–4 days, though honestly, if it lasts past day two, I’m impressed with your restraint. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Change the gelatin flavor: Raspberry or cherry work beautifully.

• Add other fruits: Mandarin oranges, blueberries, even sliced bananas (but eat that fast—bananas don’t age well).

• Toss in some nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.

• Use cottage cheese: Yes, it’s a retro thing. No, it’s not weird if you grew up with it.

What to Serve with Strawberry Marshmallows Fluff Salad?

• BBQs and grilled burgers – sweet fluff + smoky meat? Trust me.

• Holiday dinners – it’s festive and holds its own next to stuffing.

• Brunch spreads – this next to cinnamon rolls? Hello.

• Late-night fridge raids – just saying.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Make it the night before and let it chill overnight. It’s even better the next day.

Can I freeze it?
Nope. It gets weird. Trust me.

Is it a salad or a dessert?
Depends on who you ask and how rebellious you feel. Technically a salad, spiritually a dessert.

If you make this Strawberry Marshmallows Fluff Salad, let me know how it goes. Tag me in your pink fluffy masterpiece or drop a comment and tell me what your family thought. Recipes like this one aren’t just food—they’re little bites of memory.

Now go grab a spoon. You’ve earned it.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Cheesy Hissy Fit Dip

Key Lime Pound Cake

Rich and Creamy Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Strawberry Marshmallows Fluff Salad

Total Time 5 minutes mins

A quick and creamy dessert salad made with strawberry gelatin, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, marshmallows, and fresh strawberries. Perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings.

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6 Servings

Ingredients

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• 1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
• 1 package 3 oz strawberry gelatin (such as Jell-O brand)
• 3 cups mini marshmallows
• 2 cups fresh strawberries finely diced
• 1 container 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed

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Instructions

 

Combine pineapple and gelatin:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained crushed pineapple. Sprinkle the dry strawberry gelatin over the pineapple. Mix gently but thoroughly with a rubber spatula until the gelatin powder is fully incorporated and evenly distributed.

Add marshmallows and strawberries:

1. Fold in the mini marshmallows followed by the finely diced fresh strawberries. Stir gently to ensure the ingredients are combined evenly without breaking down the fruit.

Incorporate the whipped topping:

1. Add the thawed whipped topping to the bowl and fold it into the mixture until smooth, creamy, and uniformly blended. Avoid overmixing to preserve the salad’s light and airy texture.

Chill before serving:

1. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled and slightly set. This dish may be served immediately, but chilling enhances the flavor and consistency.

Serve:

1. Once chilled, serve the fluff salad as a light dessert or a sweet side dish. Garnishing with additional fresh strawberries is optional but recommended for presentation.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the strawberry gelatin and mini marshmallows are certified gluten-free. Most brands of gelatin and marshmallows are naturally gluten-free, but always verify the label to avoid cross-contamination. The remaining ingredients (pineapple, strawberries, and whipped topping) are generally gluten-free by nature.

Bitty

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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