Strawberry Fluff Salad Recipe

This Strawberry Fluff Salad recipe is an easy dessert salad that is great for summer and popular during the holidays. Great for parties, picnics, and potlucks.

Much like our Grape Salad, this classic strawberry fluff recipe is a cool and creamy salad which also doubles as an easy recipe for a no bake dessert.

There’s a lot to love when it comes to dessert salads. Having a sweet addition as a side dish is the perfect compliment (or ideal contrast) to a savoury meal.

This potluck favorite can also boldly stand alone as a delicious dessert as well. You’ll love the creamy combination so the sweet and tangy flavors combined with the fresh strawberry flavor.

Wildly popular as a summer potluck salad, this quick and easy strawberry fluff salad is also a staple at any holiday meal.

The first time I had fruit fluff was as a side dish at a Thanksgiving dinner with Smoked Turkey. The second time it was served as a creamy dessert at a baby shower. The last time was a summer BBQ and potluck.

You’ll love the simplicity of this 15 minute quick tasty dessert during the lazy days of summer, and during the chaotic holiday season.

No matter when you serve this easy strawberry fluff, one thing is certain – everyone is going to love this great recipe!

Ingredients Required

This classic dessert recipe takes only a few basic ingredients. As always, get the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

• Cream Cheese – For the creamy tang. Use regular cream cheese, or a light or low-fat version. Just make sure it’s softened (room temperature cream cheese), so that it mixes smoothly.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness to the fluff salad.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds that warm vanilla flavour.
• Cool Whip – Whipped topping gives that light and airy fluffy texture to the salad. You can use regular or light. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Fresh Strawberries – Added to the fluff and as a garnish, for taste.

How to Make Strawberry Fluff

With just 4 simple steps and 5 ingredients, you can make this easy dessert in no time. I give 15 minutes to make this recipe, yet that is generous.

Pro tip: have already sliced strawberries and you’ll have this strawberry fluff dessert recipe in 5-10 minutes!

1. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. It’s done when it’s smooth and has a fluffy consistency.
2. Fold the Cool Whip into the large mixing bowl too.
3. Add the chopped strawberries and gently fold to combine
4. Serve with sliced strawberries as garnish.

Storage

Cover leftover salad with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Fluff fruit salad can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. 

You might have to give fluff salads a quick stir before serving after being refrigerated.

Substitutions and Tips

• Make a double batch of strawberry shortcake fluff salad for large parties or large family gatherings.
• Add chopped nuts to the top of the salad to give it a nice crunch. Suggestions are pecans, walnuts or almonds.
• Add some mini marshmallows on top of this quick and easy strawberry fluff salad for a different taste and texture.
• You can also swap fruits in this recipe. Use other fresh berries or a combination of many to make more of an ambrosia salad. Suggestions are fresh raspberries, mandarin oranges, blueberries or even crushed pineapple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Goes with Fluff Salad?

• As a side dish: for a BBQ or large gathering, there are endless other potluck recipes that go great with this salad. As a start, try our Classic Potato Salad, Taco Pasta Salad, Broccoli Salad, or Mexican Macaroni Salad.
• As a dessert: for main meal such as Rosemary Garlic Pork Roast or Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham.

Can I Make this Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this fluff dessert salad up to a day before you want to serve it. Simply store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can you Freeze Fluff Salad?

You could, if stored well in a freezer safe container. Yet when thawed, the texture will have changed, so it’s best to served fresh.

Can I Make this with Frozen Strawberries?

It’s possible if they are thawed and the extra moisture is removed well. Yet it will not be as good as using fresh strawberries, so I wouldn’t recommend.

More Easy Desserts

• Strawberries and Cream Cake
• Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Lemon Icebox Pie
• Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake
• No Bake Marshmallow Pumpkin Pie
• Berry Trifle
• Fruit Cocktail Cake