Cherry Fluff Salad

Cherry Fluff Salad is a delightful retro dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and bursting with fruity flavors. This no-bake classic combines tangy cherry pie filling, tropical pineapple, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy pecans, all folded together in a luscious whipped topping. Serve it chilled as a salad or freeze it into a refreshing dessert bar.

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Ingredients

• Base Ingredients:
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Fruity Additions:
  • 28 ounces cherry pie filling (1 can)
  • 16 ounces crushed pineapple, drained (2 cans)
• Creamy and Sweet:
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 8 ounces whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
• Crunchy Garnish:
  • ⅔ cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Mix the Base:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Add the Cherry Flavor:
   • Stir in the cherry pie filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
3. Fold in the Extras:
   • Gently fold in the crushed pineapple, miniature marshmallows, whipped topping, and chopped pecans until fully combined.
4. Refrigerate or Freeze:
   • For Fluff Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up. Garnish with additional pecans if desired.
   • For Frozen Bars: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly. Freeze for 5-6 hours or until firm.
5. Serve:
   • If frozen, lift the salad out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice it into squares with a sharp knife. Serve chilled or frozen, depending on your preference.

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Description

This Cherry Fluff Salad is a nostalgic treat perfect for potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings. The tangy-sweet cherry pie filling pairs beautifully with the tropical pineapple, while the mini marshmallows add a soft, chewy texture. The pecans provide a satisfying crunch, and the whipped topping ties everything together in a creamy, airy dessert.

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Tips for Success

1. Draining Pineapple: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
2. Customizations: Swap pecans for walnuts, or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
3. Additional Garnish: Top with maraschino cherries or shredded coconut for added flair.
4. Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled as a light dessert or frozen for a cool and refreshing summer treat.
5. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

This versatile recipe is as easy as it is crowd-pleasing—whether you enjoy it creamy and chilled or firm and frozen, Cherry Fluff Salad is sure to be a hit!