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This easy Pineapple Fluff recipe is a no-bake dessert salad that’s done in under 10 minutes! Sweet pineapple, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy nuts; it’s a classic retro side dish or dessert perfect for potlucks or summer parties!

pineapple fluff with nuts and cherries on top in a white bowl.

I never knew about Fluff Salads until I became a food blogger. We never had them at gatherings when I was young but in many places dessert salads are a traditional side dish for family gatherings and potlucks. I first made apple salad and then watergate salad and since then I haven’t been able to stop making new flavors!

This Pineapple Fluff recipe combines so many delicious ingredients: whipped topping, vanilla instant pudding, cherries, pineapple, and so many more flavors to give it texture. It’s a classic and you’re going to love it!

ingredients in pineapple fluff laid out on a marble counter.

Pineapple Fluff Ingredients

  1. Start with Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix; You really can use any flavor you want, just make sure it’s instant pudding mix because you’re not making it with milk like cooked pudding.
  2. Crushed Pineapple from a can (with the liquid) is what makes the pudding. You can also use pineapple tidbits in juice (but I wouldn’t use pineapple chunks).
  3. I use Cool Whip for the creaminess (you can use fresh whipped cream but the salad won’t last as long).
  4. Mini marshmallows are the best because they’re small and bite size, and I also add Chopped Nuts (pecans or walnuts), coconut, and Maraschino Cherries for texture and flavor.

Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions. See below the recipe card for even more information: process shots, variations, FAQ and more.

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pineapple fluff with nuts and cherries on top in a white bowl.

Dorothy’s Testing Notes

  • Stir the dry pudding mix together with the pineapple and juice first to make the pudding – that way it can soft set – then fold in the whipped topping and add ins.
  • Use whatever nuts you like best, but pecan and walnuts are the traditional choice. Macadamia nuts would taste delicious as well!
  • Dry the cherries before adding into the recipe to avoid extra sogginess.
  • If there is an add-in that you do not like, feel free to exchange it or skip!
5 from 3 votes

Pineapple Fluff Recipe

By: Dorothy Kern
This pineapple fluff is so easy to make and is such a refreshing tropical dessert. Plus it is a no-bake recipe! Perfect for summer!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
pineapple fluff with nuts and cherries on top in a white bowl.
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Ingredients

Instructions 

  • Place pineapple with juices in a large bowl. Add vanilla pudding and stir until combined.
  • Fold in whipped topping.
  • Add marshmallows, coconut, nuts, and cherries and stir. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

  • You can make this up to a day ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Use any kind of nuts you like, traditionally it’s pecans or walnuts.
  • Get cherries without stems for easier chopping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0.002mg | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Storage and Make Ahead

This gets better the longer it sits so you can easily make it ahead of time, up to 2 days. Store in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for 3-4 days. I do not recommend freezing it.

process shot of pineapple fluff being made.
Stir dry pudding mix and pineapple together.
process shot of pineapple fluff being made.
Fold in cool whip and additions.

How to make Pineapple Fluff

  1. When the pineapple is mixed with the pudding mix it will be slightly grainy and lumpy until the mix dissolves. It will thicken as it sits.
  2. Once you’ve mixed in the whipped topping, then add your other flavors.

Variations

  • You can use any fruit you like in fluff salad, like bananas or strawberries.
  • If you use pistachio pudding mix you get Watergate salad!
  • Fluff is kind of like ambrosia salad, but that one is usually made with cottage cheese or sour cream.

Other Fluff Recipes

Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. I don’t know if I’m understanding the recipe right? Do I not make the pudding as usual just put it in the bowl with the pineapple with the juice stirred up that’s what will make the pudding.

    Reply