Nothing says summertime quite like the fresh and juicy bursts of flavor found in cherries. The light and fluffy texture of Cherry Fluff salad is reminiscent of dessert, but it's tangy sweetness makes it the perfect accompaniment to any savory meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
This gorgeous parfait-like cherry fluff salad takes just minutes to prepare, making it an ideal addition to any barbecue or potluck – plus all of your guests will love the creamy, fruity combination.
If you're looking for something a little different this summer, try out our cherry fluff salad! It's perfect as either side or dessert salad.
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Ingredients
With only six ingredients and minimal prep time required, you can easily make an impressive addition to your dinner table without breaking a sweat in the process. Read on to learn all the details about how to whip up this deliciousness!
- Cherry Pie Filling - 1 can of cherry pie filling. For a less sweet dessert salad, you can use a can of drained tart cherries also.
- Crushed Pineapple - 1 llarge 20 oz can, drained.
- Cool Whip - or 8 oz whipped cream.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - a 7 oz can.
- Mini Marshmallows - or use scissors and cut up large marshmallows smaller.
- Shredded Sweetened Coconut - For a less sweet dessert salad, you can use the unsweetened shredded coconut also.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Cherry Fluff
And best of all, it comes together with minimal prep time. Discover how easy it is to transform ordinary ingredients into a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Whip the Cream
- If using real whipping cream, whip it up without any sugar. You will have plenty of sugar from all the other elements of this sweet dessert salad. If using a Cool Whip, empty the 8 oz tub into a bowl.
Cherries, Pineapple, and Coconut
- Add the drained crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling (or drained tart cherries), marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk, and shredded coconut into the bowl of whipped cream or Cool Whip.
Mix Ingredients & Serve
- Combine all the ingredients well by folding with a spoon or spatula and scraping the sides of the bowl until you have a creamy, fluffy dessert salad.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Fluff salad is a perfect on your summer barbecue table, but it is also a natural for serving at Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or even Christmas dinner. The bright, cheery red and delicious flavor combination make this a timeless dessert salad to serve any time.
For more delicious fruity salads, see our:
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Related Recipes
Substitutions
You can easily substitute a sugar free or low sugar Cool Whip for the real whipped cream in this cherry fluff recipe. Additionally, I recommend Cool Whip over whip cream if serving in the summer, it will hold up better.
You can also substitute the sweetened condensed milk for Vanilla Greek Yogurt or even Sour Cream. This cherry fluff recipe has been around in a variety of forms for many, many years!
Variations
Giving the visitor ideas on how they can change this recipe to better suit their dinner guests, or their cultural cuisine, is a great way to increase the chances they make the recipe
- Orange Fluff Salad - See our recipe to make Orange Fluff Salad.
- Grape Fluff Salad - See our Grape Fluff salad for a fabulous, creamy twist.
Storage
Cover and store any Cherry Fluff salad in the refrigerator. If using real whipped cream, eat within 24 hours. If using Cool Whip, consume within 3 days.
Tips for Success
- I recommend Cool Whip, or any brand of similar whipped topping in the summer. It will hold its whip in the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but it will deflate when defrosted. I have spooned leftovers into small single size storage cups and froze them. They make great 'ice cream' servings later.
No, a can of drained sweet or tart cherries is just as fabulous. If fresh cherries are in season, use them!
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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📖 Recipe
Cherry Fluff Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cool Whip or 8 oz whipped heavy cream
- 1 can cherry pie filling or drained canned cherries
- 1 can crushed pineapple one 20 oz can, drained.
- 7 oz sweetened condensed milk or Vanilla Greek Yogurt
- 1½ cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- If using real whipping cream, whip it up without any sugar. You will have plenty of sugar from all the other elements of this sweet dessert salad. If using a Cool Whip, empty the 8 oz tub into a bowl.8 oz Cool Whip
- Add the drained crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling (or drained tart cherries), marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk, and shredded coconut into the bowl of whipped cream or Cool Whip.1 can cherry pie filling, 1 can crushed pineapple, 7 oz sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, 1½ cup mini marshmallows
- Combine all the ingredients well by folding with a spoon or spatula and scraping the sides of the bowl until you have a creamy, fluffy dessert salad.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve!
Notes
- I recommend Cool Whip, or any brand of similar whipped topping in the summer. It will hold its whip in the heat.
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