A sweet, creamy, and colorful crowd-pleaser! This chilled dessert salad blends whipped topping, fruit, and pudding for a retro-style treat that’s always a hit at parties and potlucks.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 min
Servings: 12
Dietary Info: No Bake | Gluten-Free (check specific brands) | Kid-Friendly
📝 Ingredients Checklist
Creamy Base:
2 (12 oz) containers whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1 (8 oz) container sour cream
2 (4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
4 drops red food coloring (adjust to desired pink hue)
Fruit & Add-Ins:
1 (30 oz) can fruit cocktail, drained
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 (8 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (10.5 oz) bag mini marshmallows
1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 banana, sliced
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whipped topping, sour cream, vanilla pudding mix, and red food coloring. Stir until fully blended and light pink in color.
2. Fold in the Fruit & Marshmallows
Add the fruit cocktail, pineapple, mandarin oranges, strawberries, banana slices, and mini marshmallows. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
3. Chill & Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. Serve cold for the best texture and flavor.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Fluff
🍓 Fresh vs Canned: Use fresh strawberries and banana for the best bite; the rest can be canned (but drain well!).
❄️ Don’t Skip the Chill: This step allows the pudding to thicken and flavors to meld.
🍌 Banana Tip: Add bananas just before chilling to prevent browning, or toss slices in lemon juice first.
🍽 Creamy, Fruity, and Fun to Eat
This Pink Fluff is equal parts nostalgic and delicious. Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any event that calls for a cheerful, no-bake treat.
🧂 Ingredient Variations
Make It Yours:
Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut or chopped mango.
Lower Sugar: Use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping.
Extra Crunch: Top with chopped nuts or crushed pretzels just before serving.
🥣 Serving Suggestions
Scoop into individual dessert cups for easy party servings.
Top with extra strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serve alongside BBQ dishes for a sweet contrast.
🧊 Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Stir gently before re-serving to redistribute any settled juices.
Not recommended for freezing (the texture will break down).
🧮 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: ~290
Carbs: ~38g
Fat: ~13g
Protein: ~2g
Allergens: Dairy (sour cream, whipped topping); Gluten-free depending on pudding brand.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this a day ahead?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors develop.
Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: It’s not recommended as it releases too much water when thawed and can make the salad soupy.
Q: What if I don’t have food coloring?
A: It’s optional! The salad tastes just as good without it—it just won’t be pink.
💬 Retro Dessert with Modern Appeal
Pink Fluff Fruit Salad is that old-school dessert that never goes out of style. It’s creamy, fruity, and irresistibly sweet—the perfect make-ahead dish for summer picnics or holiday tables.
Love this dessert salad? Try my [Ambrosia Salad] or [Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff] next!
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