Fluffy Pineapple Salad
on Mar 21, 2020, Updated Jan 30, 2024
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Pineapple Salad is light and refreshing. You can make this fluffy version quickly with just a few ingredients. Make it for a side dish or dessert.
Quick and easy dessert salads are some of my favorites. I often make Cherry Salad, Watergate Salad, or this delicious and light Pineapple Salad. I like to serve it as a side dish with a ham dinner, especially Easter.
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Pineapple Salad is a classic dessert that you may have seen at a potluck in the past. You may or may not have given it a try. If you have yet to, I highly suggest giving it go. It is light like a mousse but a bit more filling.
We use Vanilla pudding, mini marshmallows, coconut, pineapple, and Cool-Whip topping. I sometimes like to add chopped pecans and chopped maraschino cherry pieces on top, but they are not necessary.
Can I Make Pineapple Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, it’s best to make the salad at least 5 hours ahead of time. Chilling is necessary for all of the flavors to come together.
Fluffy Salad with Pineapple Ingredients
- Pineapple – A can of crushed pineapple works best. I have never made the salad with fresh pineapple.
- Pudding – Instant vanilla pudding is quick and easy. Plus, it adds flavor.
- Marshmallows – Mini version adds some sweetness and texture.
- Coconut – Adds a tropical flair and sweetness.
- Whipped Topping – Cool Whip adds the fluffy texture.
- Pecans – Gives a bit of crunch and flavor but are not necessary.
- Cherries – Optional but adds color and great for garnishing.
How to Make Pineapple Salad Recipe
First, in a large bowl, add the dry vanilla pudding mix. Drain pineapple juice into the bowl and whisk until well blended.
Next, add the drained pineapple, marshmallows, pecans, and coconut. Mix until combined.
Now fold in the Cool Whip whipped topping until combined.
Garnish with chopped maraschino cherries and a slice of pineapple if you would like. Refrigerate for at least five hours before serving.
Pineapple Fluff Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can Crushed Pineapple, 20 oz
- Jello Instant Vanilla Pudding mix, 3.4 oz
- 2 cup Mini Marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cup Coconut Flakes
- 8 oz Whipped Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped Pecans
- Maraschino Cherries, optional
Instructions
- Put pudding mix in a medium bowl.
- Drain pineapple juice from can into pudding mix. Set pineapple aside.
- Whisk pudding until blended.
- Add pineapple, coconut, marshmallows amd nuts. Stir until blended.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- For extra color, garnish with maraschino cherries.
- Chill for at least 5hours before serving.
Nutrition
I made the recipe almost exactly as written. I did omit the nuts. It was really good and came together very quickly. Will be serving at a 4th of July party.
Please proofread: “It is light like a mouse but a bit more filling.” I sincerely hope it isn’t like like a mouse. They really aren’t that light. I believe the correct word should be mousse which is a soft prepared food that incorporates air bubbles to give it a light and airy texture. Whereas a mouse is a rodent.
However, this salad is very good.
Thanks much for picking up on the spelling error. I am fixing now. I hope you have a great day!
Really?? As if anyone reading the recipe thought it was a mouse! It wasn’t necessary to make that comment to someone who took the time to give us a good recipe. Try to be nicer.
I haven’t made this yet because I don’t like coconut ; is there something that can be substituted instead??? It looks delish‼️‼️
I made this for my adult daughter, she also does not care for coconut so I put in about a cup or more of red seedless grapes. Very good, refreshing, and colorful.
Can the sugar be reduced by using sugar free pudding, no sugar added pineapple and sugar free whipped topping?
What is the nutritional breakdown?
I Am in LOVE with fruit salads. They satisfy my sweet tooth and fulfill my needed daily fruit portions. I have not run across this Fluffy Pineapple Fruit Salad, before. Thanks for the recipe. YUMMY!!
This is a great Recipe.