Pink Lemonade Fluff Salad is a light, creamy, and refreshingly sweet dessert that brings a nostalgic touch to any gathering. With its fluffy texture, fruity flavor, and pretty pink color, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is fun to eat. I love making this for potlucks, BBQs, or just when I’m craving something cool and cheerful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s no-bake, quick to mix together, and requires just a handful of ingredients. It’s the kind of dessert I can throw together last minute and still get compliments on every time. The combination of pink lemonade concentrate, whipped topping, and fruit gives it a light, tangy-sweet flavor that’s completely addictive. Plus, it looks beautiful on the table.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Pink lemonade concentrate (thawed)
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Instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
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Whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
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Mini marshmallows
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Crushed pineapple, drained
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Maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
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Fresh strawberries or raspberries (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the thawed pink lemonade concentrate and dry pudding mix until smooth.
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I gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy.
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I stir in the crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped cherries, mixing gently to avoid deflating the mixture.
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I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to chill and allow the flavors to blend.
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Before serving, I give it a gentle stir and garnish with fresh strawberries or raspberries if I want to dress it up.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. It takes me just 10 minutes to put together, and I chill it for at least 2 hours before serving. It’s perfect to make ahead the night before.
Variations
Sometimes I swap out the pineapple for mandarin oranges or add shredded coconut for extra texture. For a tangier twist, I use Greek yogurt instead of some of the whipped topping. If I want a richer flavor, I use cheesecake pudding mix instead of vanilla.
Storage/Reheating
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold. This salad doesn’t freeze well, and I never try to reheat it—it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I make this without pineapple?
Yes, I can leave out the pineapple or replace it with another fruit like mandarin oranges, diced peaches, or extra cherries.
What if I can’t find pink lemonade concentrate?
If I can’t find it, I sometimes use regular lemonade concentrate with a drop or two of red food coloring for the pink hue. The flavor stays bright and citrusy.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, I can use freshly whipped cream, but I make sure it’s stabilized (with a bit of powdered sugar) to hold up in the salad.
Is this a dessert or a side dish?
It can be either! I serve it as a dessert most often, but it’s also great as a sweet side dish at cookouts and holiday meals.
Can I add nuts?
Definitely. I’ve added chopped pecans or walnuts before for some crunch. I just stir them in right before serving to keep them crisp.
Conclusion
Pink Lemonade Fluff Salad is the kind of no-fuss dessert I keep in my back pocket for warm-weather parties or when I need something easy and fun. With its fruity flavor and creamy, fluffy texture, it’s always a hit—and it’s just as good straight from the fridge with a spoon.
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Pink Lemonade Fluff Salad
Pink Lemonade Fluff Salad is a creamy, fruity no-bake dessert that combines pink lemonade, whipped topping, fruit, and marshmallows for a light and refreshing treat perfect for gatherings.
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (6 oz) pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together pink lemonade concentrate and dry pudding mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy.
- Stir in crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped cherries if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and blend flavors.
- Before serving, give it a gentle stir and garnish with fresh berries if desired.
Notes
- Swap pineapple with mandarin oranges or diced peaches for variation.
- Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Use cheesecake pudding mix for a richer flavor.
- Stabilized homemade whipped cream can be used instead of store-bought topping.
- Best served cold; does not freeze or reheat well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg