Description

Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad is a delightful no-bake dessert salad featuring a creamy blend of instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and a medley of tropical fruits like crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries. Enhanced with sweet coconut, mini marshmallows, and optional nuts, this light and refreshing salad is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a fun side dish that brings a burst of tropical flavor to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
1/2 cup milk
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (undrained)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup chopped mandarin oranges (drained)
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (plus a few whole for garnish)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened.
Incorporate whipped topping: Fold the whipped topping gently into the pudding mixture until fully combined and creamy.
Add fruits and extras: Stir in the crushed pineapple with juice, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, chopped mandarin oranges, chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans or walnuts if using. Mix gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, top the salad with a few whole maraschino cherries or extra shredded coconut for added presentation and flavor.

Notes

This salad can be made a day ahead; simply stir gently before serving to refresh its texture.
For variety, substitute mandarin oranges and pineapple with fruit cocktail or diced bananas according to your preference.
Use chopped nuts or omit them for a nut-free version.
Keep the salad refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and texture.