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Easter Fruit Fluff Salad

Category: Fresh and Vibrant Salad Recipes

Bursting with fresh pineapple, mandarin oranges, strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, this festive Easter fruit fluff salad brings vibrant color and sweetness to your holiday table. Mini marshmallows and shredded coconut add fun, chewy contrast, while pecans provide crunch. Ready in a snap, it’s best when prepared ahead and chilled to let the flavors meld. Swap out fruits, nuts, or use dairy-free whipped cream to suit tastes or dietary needs. Serve this light, creamy bowl alongside savory mains for a balanced, memorable celebration. Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a guaranteed hit at any spring gathering.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:15:29 GMT
A bowl of fruit salad with strawberries, oranges, and pineapple. Save
A bowl of fruit salad with strawberries, oranges, and pineapple. | sarahmeal.com

This Easter fruit fluff salad brings a burst of joy to any holiday table with its creamy, colorful mix of fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and a cloud-like nap of whipped cream. Family traditions come alive every time I make this dish—just the sight of those fluffy marshmallows takes me back to childhood kitchen memories. Whether you serve it as a side or a dessert, it is guaranteed to make both kids and grown-ups lean in for seconds.

My first attempt was during an Easter morning rush and it immediately became a staple that my family requests every spring.

Ingredients

  • Mini marshmallows: add a soft and chewy texture look for the freshest bag for maximum fluffiness
  • Whipped cream: the heart of the fluff fresh homemade cream delivers the best airy result
  • Diced pineapple: brings juicy sweetness use ripe fresh pineapple or thoroughly drained canned
  • Mandarin oranges: contribute bright tart flavor ensure all excess juice is removed
  • Strawberries: provide natural bite and color pick the ripest berries for extra fragrance
  • Shredded coconut: adds a subtle tropical note unsweetened or sweetened depending on your taste
  • Chopped pecans: lend a gentle crunch toasted for more flavor or swap with your favorite nut variety
  • Always select fruits that are ripe and free from bruises and nuts that are fresh—not stale—for the best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fluff Base:
In a large mixing bowl combine mini marshmallows and whipped cream. Use a spatula to fold until the marshmallows are well coated in cream to create a smooth fluffy foundation.
Incorporate the Juicy Fruits:
Add diced pineapple and mandarin oranges to the base. If canned fruit is used make sure to drain it very well to avoid any excess liquid diluting your salad. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
Blend in the Berry and Crunch:
Fold in sliced strawberries shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Ensure each bite gets a good mix of color and texture but avoid overmixing to maintain lightness.
Chill for Flavor and Texture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step allows all flavors to meld and helps the salad set to the perfect fluffiness.
Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon the chilled salad into individual bowls or serve family style. Watch it vanish as your guests enjoy every sweet and creamy bite.
A bowl of fruit salad with strawberries, oranges, and bananas. Save
A bowl of fruit salad with strawberries, oranges, and bananas. | sarahmeal.com

One of my favorite parts of making this salad is folding the whipped cream into the marshmallows. It always reminds me of my mom letting me lick the spoon and sneak a few marshmallows before mixing. Seeing my own kids gather around now brings everything full circle.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover fruit fluff salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again in case the ingredients have settled. Avoid freezing since thawing can make it watery and spoil that beautiful fluff.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a dairy free option you can swap in coconut whipped topping for regular cream which gives a subtle tropical flavor. Prefer a nut free version simply omit the pecans or add sunflower seeds for some crunch. Blueberries grapes or raspberries make great substitutions if you want to mix up the fruits or use what is in season.

A bowl of fruit salad with strawberries, bananas, and oranges. Save
A bowl of fruit salad with strawberries, bananas, and oranges. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

Brighten up your brunch or holiday spread by pairing this salad with savory mains like roast ham or roasted chicken. For a refreshingly light meal serve alongside a garden salad and warm dinner rolls. I even love sneaking leftovers for breakfast as a sweet mid-morning treat.

Cultural Context

Fruit fluff salads have been an Easter tradition in many American families since the mid twentieth century when convenient canned fruit and whipped toppings became pantry staples. Each region puts its own twist on the classic—a reflection of the family traditions they pass down with pride.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use canned fruit instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple and mandarin oranges work well—just be sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess liquid.

→ How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can make it a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors develop and the texture set.

→ Can I make it without nuts for allergies?

Absolutely! Feel free to omit the nuts or substitute with seeds for a nut-free version without changing the flavor much.

→ How do I keep the salad fluffy?

Gently fold ingredients together and avoid overmixing. Chilling before serving also helps maintain the airy texture.

→ What are some fruit variations?

Add mango, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, or swap in your favorite seasonal fruits for extra color and flavor variety.

→ Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free whipped topping for the whipped cream to suit vegan or lactose-free preferences.

Easter Fruit Fluff Salad

Fluffy marshmallows, pineapple, and berries make this sweet, refreshing salad ideal for festive celebrations.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Duration
15 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Salads

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 6 Portion Size (Approximately 6 cups)

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Base Components

Ingredient 01 240 g mini marshmallows
Ingredient 02 240 ml whipped cream (preferably freshly whipped)

→ Fruit Mixture

Ingredient 03 170 g pineapple, diced (use fresh or well-drained canned)
Ingredient 04 170 g mandarin oranges, drained if canned
Ingredient 05 150 g strawberries, sliced (ripe for best flavor)

→ Additions

Ingredient 06 40 g shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened according to preference)
Ingredient 07 60 g pecans, chopped (substitute with other nuts as desired)

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Select a large mixing bowl that will comfortably hold all ingredients for thorough mixing.

Instruction 02

Gently fold the mini marshmallows into the whipped cream using a spatula until the marshmallows are evenly coated.

Instruction 03

Add diced pineapple and drained mandarin oranges to the mixture. Stir gently to avoid breaking the fruit.

Instruction 04

Fold in sliced strawberries, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Mix just until combined, taking care to maintain a light texture.

Instruction 05

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Instruction 06

Scoop into individual bowls and serve chilled.

Additional Tips

  1. For enhanced flavor and texture, use fresh fruits whenever possible and toast the pecans lightly before adding them.
  2. Allowing the salad to chill is essential for optimal fluffiness and flavor integration.
  3. This preparation can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.

Essential Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rubber or silicone spatula
  • Plastic wrap or airtight container
  • Sharp knife for fruit preparation

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains pecans; presence of tree nuts.
  • Includes dairy due to whipped cream.
  • Product may contain coconut, which can be an allergen for some individuals.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Fat Content: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 25 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams