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- 1 can (15 oz) cherry pie filling - 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained - 1 cup miniature marshmallows - 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) - ½ cup cottage cheese - ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) - ½ teaspoon almond extract Each ingredient in Cherry Fluff Salad adds flavor and texture. Cherry pie filling gives a sweet and tart taste. Pineapple adds a juicy, tropical flair. Miniature marshmallows give a soft, chewy bite. Whipped topping makes the salad light and fluffy. Cottage cheese brings creaminess and protein. Nuts add crunch and healthy fats. Almond extract enhances the fruit flavors with a lovely aroma. You can swap ingredients to match your taste. Use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling for a fresher taste. If you want a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of whipped topping. You can also use low-fat cottage cheese for fewer calories. For a nut-free dish, skip the nuts or use sunflower seeds. If you prefer a different flavor, try vanilla extract instead of almond. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. Open the can of cherry pie filling and pour it in. Next, take the crushed pineapple and drain it well. Add the drained pineapple to the bowl. Stir both together gently until they mix well. This base gives the salad its sweet and fruity taste. Now, it's time for the marshmallows! Add one cup of miniature marshmallows to the fruit mix. Carefully fold them in so they stay whole. In a separate bowl, take half a cup of cottage cheese and mix it with one cup of whipped topping. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, pour that mixture into the fruit and marshmallow salad. Fold everything together until it’s well combined. If you want extra crunch, now's the time to add the chopped pecans or walnuts. Mix them in gently. For a lovely flavor touch, add half a teaspoon of almond extract. After mixing, cover the bowl and chill the Cherry Fluff Salad in the fridge for at least one hour. This helps all the flavors blend together. When ready, serve in a nice bowl or individual cups. Enjoy this light and fluffy treat! To get the best texture, mix gently. Over-mixing can break the marshmallows. Keep them fluffy! The whipped topping and cottage cheese blend gives a creamy feel. If you want a thicker mix, add more cottage cheese. For a lighter touch, use less. Always chill your salad before serving; this helps all flavors meld. To boost the flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or a splash of lemon juice. These can brighten the taste. You might also try mixing in some coconut flakes for a tropical twist. If you love nuts, add more chopped pecans or walnuts. They add crunch and flavor. A pinch of cinnamon can also work well for a warm note. When serving, use a clear bowl. This shows off the pretty colors of the salad. For individual servings, use small cups. Top each cup with a cherry and a swirl of whipped topping. This makes it look fancy. You can also add a sprinkle of nuts on top for texture. Enjoy this delightful salad at picnics or family gatherings! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cherries: For a more vibrant flavor, consider using fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling. Just pit and slice them before adding to the salad. Keep it Cool: Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious. Add a Twist: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or coconut for a unique flavor profile that suits your taste. Perfect Presentation: Serve in individual cups or jars to create a beautiful display, and don't forget to garnish with mint leaves for an extra touch. {{image_2}} You can add a fun twist to the Cherry Fluff Salad with tropical flavors. Use one can of drained fruit cocktail instead of crushed pineapple. This adds a mix of fruits like peaches and pears. You can also add shredded coconut for a chewy texture. Just fold it in with the marshmallows for a refreshing taste. For a chocolatey delight, swap half of the whipped topping with chocolate pudding. This creates a rich, sweet layer. You can also sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before serving. This variation is great for chocolate lovers. It adds a fun twist while keeping the salad light. If you want a healthier version, use low-sugar cherry filling. You can also replace the whipped topping with Greek yogurt. This makes it creamy and adds protein. For fewer calories, skip the marshmallows or use sugar-free ones. You can still enjoy the cherry flavor without the added sugar. To store leftover Cherry Fluff Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If the salad looks watery, just stir it before serving. I do not recommend freezing Cherry Fluff Salad. The whipped topping can separate when thawed. This can change the texture and taste. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge. Cherry Fluff Salad lasts about three days in the fridge. For best taste and texture, eat it within the first two days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your Cherry Fluff Salad while it’s fresh! Yes, you can make Cherry Fluff Salad a day in advance. This salad tastes better after chilling overnight. The flavors blend well, making it even more delicious. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just remember to give it a gentle stir before serving. To stop the salad from getting watery, use drained canned fruit. Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well. You can also mix the whipped topping and cottage cheese just before serving. This keeps the salad light and fluffy. Cherry Fluff Salad pairs well with many dishes. It goes great with grilled meats or BBQ. You can also serve it as a dessert with a slice of cake. This salad adds a fun, sweet touch to any meal. This article covered how to make Cherry Fluff Salad, from ingredients to storage tips. You learned about ingredient benefits and tasty alternatives. The step-by-step guide showed how to mix and chill the salad. I shared helpful tips for the best texture and flavor. You also saw fun variations and easy storage methods. Now, you can impress friends with your Cherry Fluff Salad skills. Enjoy the sweet treat!

Cherry Fluff Salad

A delightful and fluffy salad made with cherry pie filling, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (15 oz) cherry pie filling
  • 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • 0.5 cup cottage cheese
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 0.5 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple. Stir gently until they are well mixed.
  • Add the miniature marshmallows to the fruit mixture and fold in carefully to keep them from breaking.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the whipped topping and cottage cheese together until smooth.
  • Pour the whipped topping mixture into the fruit and marshmallow salad. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
  • If you like a bit of crunch, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts. For an extra burst of flavor, add the almond extract and mix lightly.
  • Chill the Cherry Fluff Salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
  • Serve chilled in a decorative bowl or individual cups.

Notes

Garnish each serving with fresh cherries and a dollop of whipped topping for an appealing look.
Keyword cherry, dessert, fluff, salad