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Strawberry Fluff Salad

- by postjaj2 - Leave a Comment

Strawberry Fluff Salad is a fun, fruity twist on Watergate Salad – fluffy, deliciously light and full of strawberries and pineapple!

I love a good old-fashioned fluff salad, and this strawberry cheesecake version is our newest favorite! It’s creamy, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry flavor and a hint of cheesecake—perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you need an easy, make-ahead treat.

plate full of strawberry fluff

My mom’s Watergate salad inspired this Strawberry Fluff Salad. It’s so good that she requested I make it for her upcoming retirement party. I’ll make it for more than just that – it is the best side dish for any gathering. The kids love it, and the adults do, too!

I’ve got a soft spot for retro recipes, and strawberry fluff salad hits all the nostalgic notes. With pudding, jello, marshmallows, pineapple, coconut, and fresh strawberries, it tastes just like the classic fluff salads from my childhood—I can never stop at just one scoop!

a box of pudding mix.

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

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

a serving of dessert salad on a plate.

Ingredients

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

Recipe Tips and Variations

  • You can easily switch the fruit and jello flavors to make different flavored fluff salads. 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 fridge.
  • Some nuts would work well in this recipe – maybe chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Just don’t add a lot, just a few to add a nice crunch.
  • Leftover fluff salad will be kept in the refrigerator for four days, although I think it’s best to keep it within a day or so. The fruit will start releasing moisture, making the salad less fluffy and light. It will still taste good, but it won’t look as nice.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

Place the whipped topping in a large mixing bowl.

whipped topping in a bowl.

Sprinkle the dry pudding mix over the top.

cheesecake pudding mix sprinkles over cool whip.

Sprinkle the dry jello mix over the top.

strawberry jello mix added to the bowl.

Beat the mixture until fully combined.

marshmallows added to the mixture.

Add the marshmallows.

crushed pineapple on to of the marshmallows.

Add the drained crushed pineapple.

coconut flakes added to the fluff mixture.

Sprinkle the coconut flakes over the top.

Add the chopped strawberries and then stir until combined.