A Retro-Inspired, Fluffy & Fruity Dessert Salad That’s Always a Hit!
This Cherry Fluff Salad is a light, creamy, and delightfully sweet treat that combines cherry Jell-O, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, and Cool Whip into a fluffy, pastel-pink dessert. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a fun side dish, this no-bake recipe comes together in just 10 minutes!
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Fluff Base:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd works best)
- 1 (3 oz) box cherry Jell-O powder (regular or sugar-free)
- 8 oz Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
For the Fruit Mix-Ins:
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained & halved
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Make the Pink Fluff Base
- In a large bowl, whisk cottage cheese and Jell-O powder until fully combined and bright pink.
- Gently fold in Cool Whip until light and fluffy.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.
2️⃣ Add the Fruit
- Stir in drained pineapple and half the cherries.
- Reserve remaining cherries for garnish.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Pat fruit dry to prevent excess liquid in the fluff.
3️⃣ Chill & Serve
- Transfer to a serving bowl, top with reserved cherries.
- Refrigerate 1+ hours (overnight for best flavor).
- Serve chilled!
📌 Serving Suggestion:
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut or chopped pecans for crunch.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh cherries?
✅ Yes! Swap maraschino cherries for 1 cup pitted & chopped fresh cherries (add 1 tbsp sugar).
2. Why is my fluff runny?
- Pineapple not drained well (squeeze out excess juice).
- Overmixed (fold gently to maintain fluffiness).
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
✅ Yes! Use dairy-free whipped topping + lactose-free cottage cheese.
4. How long does it last?
- Fridge: Up to 3 days (cover tightly).
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
5. Can I use other Jell-O flavors?
✅ Yes! Try strawberry, raspberry, or lime for different colors/flavors.
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Tropical Fluff: Use pineapple Jell-O + mandarin oranges.
- Berry Bliss: Swap cherries for mixed berries + berry-blue Jell-O.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup mini marshmallows + chopped walnuts.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use pre-drained fruit to skip the waiting.
✔ Prep the night before (flavor improves with time!).
🍽 Serving Occasions
- Easter brunch
- Summer picnics
- Christmas potlucks
💬 Final Thoughts
This Cherry Fluff Salad is sweet, creamy, and nostalgic—like a bite of childhood in every spoonful! The vibrant pink color makes it festive, while the light texture keeps it refreshing.
Perfect for when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dish! 💖🍒
Tried it? Share your pics below! 📸👇
