Description
Pineapple Fluff Salad is a light and creamy dessert salad combining crushed pineapple, instant vanilla pudding, mini marshmallows, coconut flakes, whipped topping, and crunchy pecans. It’s a vibrant, easy-to-make dish perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or summertime treats. The salad is chilled to meld flavors and garnished with maraschino cherries for a colorful touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple (20 oz), drained, juice reserved
- 1 package Jello Instant Vanilla Pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups coconut flakes
- 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding base: In a medium bowl, place the instant vanilla pudding mix.
- Drain pineapple juice: Pour the pineapple juice from the can into the bowl with the pudding mix, reserving the crushed pineapple separately.
- Whisk the pudding: Whisk the pudding mix and pineapple juice together until fully blended and slightly thickened.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the reserved crushed pineapple, coconut flakes, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Incorporate whipped topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Garnish the salad: For an extra pop of color and sweetness, garnish the top with maraschino cherries as desired.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 5 hours to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled and tastes even better after several hours in the fridge.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or replace with seeds such as sunflower seeds.
- Use fresh whipped cream if preferred instead of store-bought whipped topping for a fresher taste.
- The dessert can be prepared a day ahead to save time on serving day.
- Maraschino cherries are optional but add a nice visual and flavor contrast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
