Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it takes just minutes to prepare, and the fridge does all the work. The texture is fluffy and smooth, with pops of fruit and pillowy marshmallows that make every bite fun. It’s sweet but not overly sugary, thanks to the balance from the sour cream. It’s a dish that always disappears fast—probably because it tastes like strawberry shortcake and whipped cream had a summer baby.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Jell-O mixture:
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strawberry gelatin
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boiling water
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cold water
For the salad:
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whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
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crushed pineapple (drained)
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mini marshmallows
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fresh strawberries (chopped)
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sour cream
Directions
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I start by dissolving the strawberry gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl. Once it’s fully dissolved, I stir in the cold water.
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I let the mixture cool to room temperature—it helps keep everything fluffy later on.
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Once cool, I gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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I add the drained pineapple, mini marshmallows, chopped fresh strawberries, and sour cream. Then I stir everything together gently so I don’t deflate the fluff.
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I cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours until it’s set and chilled.
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I serve it cold and fluffy, straight from the bowl or scooped into individual cups.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 8 servings.
Prep time is 10 minutes, and there’s no cooking involved.
It needs at least 2 hours of chilling, so total time is about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Each serving is light, refreshing, and makes a perfect summer dessert.
Variations
Sometimes I like to stir in ½ cup of chopped bananas for extra sweetness and texture. I’ve also added sliced almonds or shredded coconut when I want more crunch. If I don’t have fresh strawberries, I use thawed frozen ones (well-drained) and it still turns out great. For a slightly tangier version, I swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.
Storage/Reheating
I keep the fluff salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold and doesn’t need reheating. If it starts to separate slightly, I just give it a gentle stir before serving again. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture can break down once thawed.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I actually prefer making it the night before. It gives the flavors time to blend and the salad to firm up beautifully in the fridge.
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
Absolutely. I’ve tried raspberry and even cherry Jell-O before—both work well and pair nicely with the other ingredients.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
I’ve substituted it with plain Greek yogurt or even vanilla yogurt, and it still comes out delicious, just with a slightly different tang.
Do I need to use fresh strawberries?
Fresh is best for texture, but if I’m in a pinch, I use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained to avoid watering down the salad.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes, by using a dairy-free whipped topping and swapping the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt alternative, I’ve made a version that works for those avoiding dairy.
Conclusion
This strawberry fluff salad is one of those effortless desserts that always makes people smile. It’s fruity, creamy, and full of fun textures that keep every bite interesting. Whether I’m making it for a summer BBQ, holiday buffet, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, it never lets me down. I love how simple it is, and once I tasted it, I knew I’d be making it on repeat.
Print
Strawberry Fluff Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This creamy, no-bake strawberry fluff salad is a dreamy dessert made with Jell-O, whipped topping, pineapple, marshmallows, and fresh strawberries—perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and summer parties.
Ingredients
Jell-O Mixture:
1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
Salad:
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
1 (16 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
Prepare the Gelatin: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cold water and allow to cool to room temperature.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in whipped topping until smooth. Add drained pineapple, marshmallows, chopped strawberries, and sour cream. Mix gently until fully combined.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set and fluffy. Serve cold.
Notes
Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped bananas or sliced almonds.
Frozen strawberries may be substituted for fresh – thaw and drain before using.
For best texture, serve within 24 hours of making.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
