Easy Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe

You can never go wrong with this cherry fluff salad recipe! It only takes a handful of simple ingredients to make and it’s super quick to toss together. This deliciously sweet and fruity side dish is a classic recipe that’s perfect for parties and family gatherings!

As a non-baker, I appreciate a good no-bake dessert. This easy cherry fluff recipe is one of my all-time favorite desserts. It’s a SUPER tasty, classic dessert that everyone goes crazy over!

It’s an easy dessert that can be made in a matter of minutes. It’s great for the summer months (especially July 4th!), but this pink dessert is also perfect for Valentine’s Day and Christmas. If you want the orange version, don’t miss this orange dreamsicle salad, too!

If you love no-bake desserts as much as I do, you have to try my no-bake chocolate peppermint pie, this delicious cream cheese pie, and this no-bake double-layer pumpkin pie!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious Cherry Fluff Salad Recipe:

INGREDIENT NOTES

Whipped Cream: You can use Cool Whip (or a similar brand of whipped topping) or make your own whipped cream!

Miniature Marshmallows: Around Easter time, you can sometimes find pastel-colored miniature marshmallows–those are so cute for springtime!

HOW TO MAKE CHERRY FLUFF SALAD: STEP-BY-STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for condensed milk.

Step 2: Gently fold in condensed milk.

Step 3: Give everything a good stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS

• Double or triple this recipe for large gatherings!
• Toast up the coconut for a few minutes in the oven for a nice, nutty flavor and slight crunch.

Casey’s Top Tip: Make sure you drain the pineapple well. The excess liquid makes the Cool Whip separate and can make the dish watery.

STORAGE TIPS

• Storage: If you are making this ahead of time, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge or place it in an airtight container. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  
• After being stored for a few days, the marshmallows will absorb the liquid and soften. Don’t be alarmed if this happens. It’s normal and actually results in a bolder flavor, in my opinion!
  
• When storing it in the fridge, you’ll want to give it a good fold-over a few times, just to distribute the moisture that has usually gone to the top.
  
• Note: Do not keep this salad out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, per FDA guidelines on keeping dairy products unrefrigerated.
  

ADDITIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS

This vintage recipe obtained quite a few variations over the many years it’s been around…even the names have varied. This salad is also called cherry dump salad, cherry fluff, pink fluff, cherry angel salad, cherry fluff dessert salad…the list goes on!

Popular Substitutions: Some people like to use maraschino cherries instead of pie filling. You can also use strawberry pie filling and still get the pretty pink color! You can also whip up your own homemade whipped cream instead of using Cool Whip.

Popular Add-Ins: Yummy add-ins often include sour cream (gives it a great little tang!), cottage cheese, chopped pecans, and chopped walnuts.