Quick answer: the basic fluff salad is one small box of dry flavored gelatin stirred into 16 oz of cottage cheese, with fruit and an 8 oz tub of whipped topping folded in. Chill for an hour. Change the gelatin flavor and fruit to make strawberry, orange or other flavors.
Three fluff salads
| Fluff | Base | Fruit and add-ins |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry fluff | 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin, dry + 16 oz cottage cheese | 2 cups sliced strawberries, 1 cup mini marshmallows |
| Orange fluff | 1 box (3 oz) orange gelatin, dry + 16 oz cottage cheese | 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges and 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, both drained |
| Cherry fluff | 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling + 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained, 1 cup mini marshmallows, ½ cup pecans |
Each one finishes with an 8 oz tub of whipped topping, folded in last.
Method
- Stir the base ingredients together until evenly colored.
- Fold in the drained fruit and add-ins.
- Fold in the whipped topping.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
With real whipped cream
Any recipe that calls for an 8 oz tub of whipped topping can use about 3 cups of homemade whipped topping instead (1½ cups of heavy cream, whipped and stabilized).
Tips
- Drain canned fruit well so the salad does not turn runny.
- Small-curd cottage cheese blends in best; pulse it briefly for a smoother fluff.
- Add fresh berries or bananas just before serving.
Storage
Keep covered in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Related: Watergate salad (pistachio fluff), ambrosia salad and fruit dip.
Frequently asked questions
What is fluff salad?
A sweet, creamy dessert salad made by folding fruit and flavorings into whipped topping, often with cottage cheese or condensed milk and mini marshmallows.
Do you make the Jell-O first for fluff salad?
No. The dry gelatin powder is stirred straight into the cottage cheese, where it dissolves and flavors the salad.
Can I make fluff salad without cottage cheese?
Yes. Use vanilla Greek yogurt, or leave it out and add extra whipped topping.
Can I make fluff with real whipped cream?
Yes, if it is stabilized. Use about 3 cups in place of an 8 oz tub of whipped topping.
