Pineapple Fluff
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Pineapple fluff is a tropical fluff salad that can be served as a side dish or dessert. Creamy, fruity, and oh so good!
This pineapple fluff recipe comes together in just a few minutes and is always a hit! Make it for tonight’s dessert or bring it as a side to your next BBQ. Serve alongside slow cooked ribs and baked beans!
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Pineapple Fluff
Pineapple Fluff
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Pineapple Fluff Ingredients
- Pudding – Instant vanilla. Cheesecake pudding is also a great choice.
- Pineapple – Canned, crushed pineapple. Not drained.
- Whipped topping – Like Cool Whip. Thawed.
- Marshmallows – Mini marshmallows. I prefer plain marshmallows, but the colorful tropical marshmallows are also yummy.
- Coconut – Dried, sweetened, shredded coconut.
- Walnuts – Chopped. You can also use pecans, almonds, or pretzels.
How do you make pineapple fluff salad? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, in a large bowl, stir together the undrained pineapple and the vanilla pudding mix until well combined.
⭐ Then, fold in the whipped topping completely.
⭐ Next, stir in the mini marshmallows, coconut, and walnuts.
⭐ Finally, chill until ready to serve.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can you make pineapple fluff ahead of time?
This recipe is best when made at least a few hours ahead of time, and can be made as long as a full day in advance. Any longer than that and you run the risk of it getting watery.
Do you have to use cool whip?
Homemade whipped cream can be used, but it works best with stabilized whipped cream/whipped topping. If you use homemade whipped cream make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks before stirring in and then serve immediately after preparing.
Can you use fresh pineapple in pineapple fluff salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is super forgiving. Feel free to try any combination of your favorite fresh, canned, or jarred pineapple.
Leftovers and storage
How long will pineapple fluff keep in the fridge?
Leftovers will last 3 – 4 days. After that you can still eat them (for up to a week) but they may become runny. Make sure to store covered in an air tight container.
Can you freeze the leftovers?
We do not recommend freezing this pineapple fluff recipe.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
Nuts or no nuts?
I’m a big fan of nuts in my pineapple fluff salad, but my kids aren’t as hyped about them. Sometimes I’ll swap the nuts for crushed pretzels, but make sure to stir the pretzels in right before serving so they don’t get too soggy.
Can I add cottage cheese?
Yes, I actually love this with cottage cheese. You can sub for part of the whipped topping, or just add it as an extra. (A dollop of sour cream or softened cream cheese is nice too!).
Is this a pineapple dessert or side dish?
Depends on who you ask! We typically serve it as a dessert, but it’s often served as a side dish at holidays or potlucks.
What to eat with pineapple fluff recipe (serving suggestions)
I like to serve this with grilled teriyaki chicken kabobs or smoked chicken thighs. Coconut rice and roasted asparagus on the side! Or go classic with this tuna casserole recipe.
Other delicious fluff recipes
- Oreo fluff recipe
- Watergate salad (pistachio fluff)
- Ambrosia salad recipe
- Cookie salad
- Fruit salad with cool whip
- Snickers apple salad
More awesome pineapple dishes
- Pineapple ice cream
- Pineapple margarita
- Mango salsa with pineapple
- Pineapple popsicles
- Bacon wrapped pineapple
- Frozen pineapple tea
- See all our pineapple recipes!
Other yummy recipes with cool whip
Tools we love
- Party bowl – This bowl is pretty, and doesn’t way a billion pounds and won’t shatter if dropped.
- Stainless and copper serving spoons – These are gorgeous!
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How to Make Pineapple Fluff
Pineapple Fluff
Ingredients
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding (or cheesecake) 3.4 ounces
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple not drained
- 8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip) thawed
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, almonds, or pretzels
Instructions
- In a large bowl stir together the undrained pineapple and the vanilla pudding mix until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping completely.
- Stir in the mini marshmallows, coconut, and walnuts.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Pineapple Fluff
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Just made this for a church event. It disappeared in minutes. So good.
I love that it is made with instant vanilla pudding it made it so much faster than making it from scratch.
Thanks for such a fun recipe.
silly question, do you make the vanilla pudding or just empty the box into the pineapple?
Thanks
Don’t use the milk just the mix
I’ll have to make this again for my next potluck! Or maybe Thanksgiving! Nice alternative to cranberry sauce…or maybe a nice addition to it? 🙂 Either way, it’s delicious! Even my husband, who isn’t fond of coconut, LOVED it!
I had never heard of pineapple fluff so of course I had to try it! It was so good! Thank you!
I add Ancini de pepe cooked and drained and a can of drained mandarin oranges
Could I leave out the marshmallows
sure 🙂
I’m confused.. do I follow the directions on the pudding box and use 2 cups of milk or. do I use the pineapple juice in place of the milk ?
can I make this without coconut I’m allergic to it or is there something else I can replace it with
You could put canned mandarin oranges too
Delicious!!!!
Hubby loved my light, almost sugar-free version, so bought ingredients for me to make it again. He accidentally bought LEMON sugar free pudding and I didn’t notice until I smelled lemon while mixing it! it is delicious!🤣