Fluffy Pineapple Salad

9 Comments

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.

Fluffy Pineapple Salad in a red bowl.

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.

Pineapple Salad in a large bowl.

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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.

Red Bowl with fluffy salad

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.

Spoon closeup of fluffy salad

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.

Text on image of Fluffy Pineapple Salad

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.

ingredients for pineapple salad

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.

Pudding mixture with whisk in a bowl

Next, add the drained pineapple, marshmallows, pecans, and coconut. Mix until combined.

Ingredients for for salad with pineapple in a bowl

Now fold in the Cool Whip whipped topping until combined.

pineapple mixture in bowl with whipped topping

Garnish with chopped maraschino cherries and a slice of pineapple if you would like. Refrigerate for at least five hours before serving.

Closeup shot of salad with pineapple

 

5 from 5 votes

Pineapple Fluff Salad

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.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 1 minute
Chill Time: 5 hours
Servings: 6 Servings

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

Calories: 341kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 17g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 48mg, Potassium: 191mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 28IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 39mg, Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Easy Fluffy Pineapple Salad long text image

Fluffy Pineapple Salad long image with text

Pineapple Salad in a red bowl with cherry on top

About Jen Lunsford

A lover of food and frugal living. A wife to a wonderful hubby, momma to 5 fun kiddos. Welcome to my blog. You will find REAL TASTY RECIPES. Be sure to subscribe to my email list and follow me on social media, to never miss a recipe.

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5 from 5 votes

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9 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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.

  2. 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.

    1. 5 stars
      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.

  3. I haven’t made this yet because I don’t like coconut ; is there something that can be substituted instead??? It looks delish‼️‼️

    1. 5 stars
      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.

  4. Can the sugar be reduced by using sugar free pudding, no sugar added pineapple and sugar free whipped topping?
    What is the nutritional breakdown?

  5. 5 stars
    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!!