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This easy Pineapple Fluff recipe is a no-bake tropical dessert. It comes together in just minutes and is the perfect side dish or dessert. Plus it tastes amazing!
Perfect Side Dish or Dessert
This pineapple recipe combines so many delicious ingredients to create a fluff salad. The whipped topping mixes with the vanilla instant pudding to create a light and fluffy base that is them mixed with cherries and nuts and marshmallows.
Fluff Salad is a traditional side dish for family gatherings and potlucks. It is so easy because it’s a no bake dessert with simple ingredients and everyone falls in love with it at the first bite! It’s got a sweet fruit flavor and a creamy texture with some chewy and crunch from the add-ins – this is going to become a classic in your house.
Ingredients Needed
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: You really can use any flavor you want, just make sure it’s instant pudding mix.
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are the best because they’re small and bite size.
- Cool Whip: Or any other whipped topping or even fresh whipped cream.
- Crushed Pineapple: With the liquid still in it – the liquid will make the pudding. You can also use pineapple tidbits in juice (but I wouldn’t use pineapple chunks).
- Mix-Ins: Traditionally, a pineapple fluff salad includes coconut, Maraschino Cherries, and Chopped Nuts (pecans or walnuts).
Making Pineapple Fluff
- Place pineapple with juices in a large mixing bowl. Add vanilla pudding and stir until combined.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Add marshmallows, coconut, nuts, and cherries to the mixture and stir.
- Cover and chill at least 1 hour before serving.
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.
Expert Tips
- 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!
FAQs
Store in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Pineapple Fluff Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple with juices
- 1 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding
- 1 8-ounce container whipped topping
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries
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.
Recipe 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.
