Strawberry Jello Fluff Salad

Looking for a light, creamy no-bake dessert that’s a total crowd-pleaser? This Strawberry Jello Fluff Salad is sweet, nostalgic, and beyond easy. Keep scrolling 👇👇

Fluffy Cool Whip + strawberry jello = instant dessert magic.

Heading to a summer BBQ? Want something retro for Easter or Christmas? This no-bake salad is always the first bowl scraped clean. Fruity, fluffy, and filled with marshmallows—it’s sweet nostalgia in every bite.

Keep scrolling: Next up is full recipe ingredients 👇👇

Recipe Ingredients

This recipe is all about that fluffy, creamy texture—like a strawberry cloud in every spoonful.

4.6 oz cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix – Do NOT use instant pudding—it won’t set properly for this recipe.
6 oz strawberry Jell-O (two 3 oz boxes) – Using two boxes gives more flavor.
3 cups water
16 oz Cool Whip – Thaw overnight in the fridge for the fluffiest texture.
10 oz mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced – Use ripe berries.

A white pot with jello mix, pudding mix and water.

How to Make Strawberry Fluff Salad

Making a delicious Strawberry Fluff Salad is easy and requires just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Cook The Base

Add 4.6 oz cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix, 6 oz strawberry jello mix, and 3 cups water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil while stirring. Once bubbling, remove from heat and pour into a large bowl. Cover and chill in the fridge for 4–6 hours until thickened.

Jello and pudding mix beaten together with hand mixer to create a red mixture.

Step 2: Beat It Smooth

Once the base is fully chilled and set, use a hand mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.

Whipped cream and strawberry jello mixture being stirred together in a bowl.

Step 3: Fold In Cool Whip

Fold in 16 oz thawed Cool Whip using a spatula.

Mini marshmallows and sliced strawberries mixed into strawberry gelatin mixture.

Step 4: Add The Marshmallows & Strawberries

Gently stir in 10 oz mini marshmallows and 2 cups sliced strawberries until everything is evenly combined.

Strawberry jello fluff salad recipe in a serving bowl with a spoon.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Keep chilled until ready to serve. Optional: top with extra whipped cream, a few fresh berries, or crushed cookies for garnish.

Next up – toppings and variations! ⬇️⬇️ Keep scrolling for the juicy details! ⬇️⬇️

Topping Ideas

Whipped cream + extra sliced strawberries
Crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers
Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Mini chocolate chips
Sweetened shredded coconut

Recipe Tips

Chill time is key – Make sure the jello-pudding base is fully set before mixing.
Fold gently – To keep it fluffy, don’t overmix.
Use fresh strawberries – Frozen ones release water and can make the salad soggy.
Fluffy Texture Tip – Chill the Jello-pudding base fully before mixing in Cool Whip. This helps create that signature creamy, cloud-like fluff.
Double it – Feeding a crowd? Just double all ingredients.

How To Store Leftover Salad

Refresh leftovers: Fold in a bit of fresh Cool Whip before serving if it looks flat.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not ideal—texture changes after thawing.

Need something light and crowd-pleasing? Don’t miss my Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert and Strawberry Pineapple Cake—both are perfect for potlucks and summer get-togethers. You can also keep things classic with a cozy Strawberry Banana Bread or a warm Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp topped with vanilla ice cream.

Variations

Swap strawberries with pineapple, raspberries, or mandarin oranges like my orange fluff salad.
Try different Jell-O flavors like raspberry or orange.
Use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a less sweet version.
Add angel food cake cubes for a strawberry shortcake-style twist.
Make it extra creamy with a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk.

Option Without Pudding

Want to skip the pudding step? Try this shortcut version: Dissolve 6 oz strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1 can sweetened condensed milk and 8 oz Cool Whip until smooth. Fold in mini marshmallows and fresh strawberries, then chill before serving.

If you love strawberry desserts as much as I do, you’re in the right place. Try my Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats for a creamy make-ahead breakfast, or these Strawberry Muffins that bake up soft, fluffy, and bursting with berries.

FAQs

Can I use instant pudding?

Nope! It must be cook-and-serve vanilla pudding for this to set correctly.

Can I make this without Cool Whip?

Yes. Use fresh whipped cream, but know it may be less sweet and a bit softer.

What’s the difference between pink fluff and strawberry fluff?

Pink fluff usually uses raspberry Jell-O and canned fruit cocktail, while strawberry fluff uses fresh strawberries and strawberry Jell-O.

Is it served alongside dinner or as a dessert?

Traditionally served as a sweet side at special meals like Easter, Christmas, or 4th of July, but it also makes a simple no-bake dessert. You can do either!

Made with just a handful of ingredients, including fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and marshmallows, this dessert comes together in no time and can be easily customized to your preferences.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time: 10

Chill Time: 4

Total Time: 4 10

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

4.6 ounces cook and serve vanilla pudding mix - - use cook and serve, NOT instant pudding
6 ounces strawberry jello - 2 boxes
3 cups water
16 ounces cool whip (about half a container) - thawed overnight in fridge
10 ounces mini marshmallows - approx 4 cups
2 cups fresh strawberries - sliced

Instructions

Add the vanilla pudding mix, strawberry jello mix and water to a medium saucepan and stir together. Bring to a boil, then remove and stir.
Pour into a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, chill in fridge 4-6 hrs.
Once thickened, beat with handmixer until creamy.
Fold in the thawed cool whip with a spatula.
Add the marshmallows and strawberries and gently fold in as well.
Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

Recipe Notes:

You must use the cook-and-serve vanilla pudding and not the instant vanilla pudding mix for this recipe! Be sure to read the package label to make sure you have the right kind.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent any air from getting in, which can cause the salad to dry out.

Nutrition Info

The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving.

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Strawberry Fluff Salad