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strawberry shortcake fluff salad recipe featured
Avatar photoJohnson Maya

Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad Recipe

This no-bake American potluck classic combines creamy cheesecake pudding, fresh strawberries, tangy pineapple, and fluffy Cool Whip for a pink, pillowy dessert that's sweet, fruity, and irresistibly easy. Perfect for summer gatherings with its light texture and crowd-pleasing flavors that evoke nostalgic backyard fun.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (3.4 oz/96g) package instant cheesecake pudding mix
  • 1 (20 oz/567g) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 12 oz (340g) Cool Whip, thawed
  • 2 cups shortbread cookies or angel food cake cubes (optional)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. strawberry shortcake fluff salad recipe recipeCard1
  2. Step 1: Place softened cream cheese in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium for 1-2 minutes until smooth, scraping sides. Add pudding mix and beat 2 more minutes until thick and creamy, forming the base without lumps for perfect fluff.
  3. Step 2: Fold in well-drained crushed pineapple using a spatula in slow circles, pressing out excess juice to keep the salad firm and prevent watering down.
  4. Step 3: Gently add diced strawberries and mini marshmallows, folding until evenly distributed with visible pink streaks and chunks intact for texture.
  5. Step 4: Spoon thawed Cool Whip over top and fold delicately in figure-eights for 1 minute until airy and streak-free, doubling volume slightly.
  6. Step 5: Transfer to serving bowl, cover, and chill at least 2 hours until set and scoopable, flavors melding beautifully.
  7. Step 6: Garnish with extra berries or crumbles before serving chilled for best potluck presentation.

Nutrition

Calories: 250 | Carbohydrates: 38 | Protein: 2 | Fat: 10 | Fiber: 1 | Sugar: 25

Notes

STORAGE: Airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; stir before serving. Do not freeze.
MAKE AHEAD: Assemble without Cool Whip up to 24 hours ahead; fold and chill day-of.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Greek yogurt for cream cheese, fresh pineapple for canned, light Cool Whip to cut fat. GF cookies if needed.
PRO TIPS: Drain pineapple thoroughly; chill fully before serving; fold gently to preserve fluff.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Scoop into bowls at potlucks with BBQ sides; trifle-style for parties; top with nuts for crunch.
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