Easy Pink Fluff Cottage Cheese Fruit salad
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If you need an easy last-minute recipe to bring to the table that actually gets eaten, this pink fluff fruit salad is it! Just a 3-ingredient pink fluff, plus fresh fruit, this dessert salad is not only a crowd pleaser, it is easy to make and a healthier dessert alternative. It comes together in minutes, travels well, and is lighter than most desserts.
It is a vibrant and refreshing dish to serve at your next gathering whether you want a cool treat to enjoy on a warm day, or bring to a holiday table for Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter time — this pink fluff salad is the answer. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and loaded with juicy berries. We are so blessed to live in a country where we can enjoy our favorite recipes with fresh fruit year round regardless the season outside.
This pink salad is our family favorite. My kids often make it themselves for Sunday lunch and other family members request it for family gatherings. It is a humble crowd pleaser dish for any family reunion, church potlucks, summer parties, backyard barbecues or a girl baby shower. Besides the fact that it’s incredibly easy to throw together, it’s also on the healthier side.
Whether you’re making it ahead for a party or need a last-minute dessert, this one ticks all the boxes: no baking, no fuss, and it tastes even better once chilled. Let’s get into it!
Why Cottage Cheese?
I love cottage cheese and was always looking for ways to enjoy it. Aside from its creamy texture, cottage cheese is packed with benefits that make this salad a little healthier than your average dessert.
High in protein – keeps you fuller longer
Low in sugar – especially when rinsed
Rich in calcium and B vitamins – great for bone health and energy
Probiotic-rich – supports gut health (if using cultured cottage cheese)
So yes, you can pretty much enjoy this yummy salad guilt-free 🙂
Not a fan of cottage cheese?
Don’t worry, I understand cottage cheese may not be for everyone. This simple very berry fruit salad is the perfect alternative.
More No Bake Dessert recipes:
If you are looking for other options of no bake desserts, you might like this 3-ingredient buttermilk jello, pomegranate jello or these easy strawberries and cream. They are all quick recipes with simple ingredients yet different flavors.
Ingredients:
- 48oz Darigold Cottage Cheese
- 6oz Cherry Jell-O (just the dry powder) (Strawberry or raspberry flavor is okay)
- 8oz Cool Whip (thawed or frozen) (extra Creamy is better)
- 2lbs Fresh strawberries, roughly chopped
- 24 oz Fresh raspberries
- 8oz Fresh Blueberries OR 14 oz canned peaches (drained and padded dry)
If using canned peaches, make sure they’re fully drained and dried with paper towels so they don’t water down the salad.
Instructions:
1. Start by draining and rinsing the cottage cheese under cold water until there’s no more foam.
2. Spread the rinsed cottage cheese onto paper towels and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture.
or use a cheese cloth. to drain very well. This makes a big difference in keeping the salad from getting watery.
3. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed cottage cheese with the dry Jello powder mix. Stir until fully incorporated. The jello colors the cheese curds red, gives the salad a subtle fruity flavor and mild sweetness.
4. Fold in the Cool Whip until everything is smooth and creamy. Take your time mixing so the texture stays fluffy.
5. Transfer the creamy mixture into a serving dish. (I have this pretty pink one) Arrange fresh fruit on top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
If you’re not going to serve the salad right away, keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
6. Right before serving, gently mix everything together.
This Cottage Cheese Fruit Salad is one of those easy recipes that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, cool, and packed with fruit—what’s not to love?
Enjoy!
Fruit Variations to Try:
This cottage cheese jello salad recipe is super flexible. You can mix and match fruits and jello flavors depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand:
Tropical – Try canned pineapple (drained), mandarin oranges, or mango chunks. (When using canned fruit be sure to drain very well and maybe even lay out on a paper towel to absorb extra moisture. Otherwise the salad will get watery and look unpleasing.
Fall-inspired – Use chopped apples and pears. Garnish with a few roasted nuts of your choice.
Stone fruit – Cherries, peaches, nectarines, or plums (fresh or canned and well-drained)
Grapes – Halved red or green grapes for a juicy burst. Unless the grapes are left whole, it will water the salad if not served right away.
Presentation option: Layer in a trifle dish for a pretty, party-ready look!
FAQ’s:
Can I make this pink fluff cottage cheese fruit salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the base up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add and mix in the fruit just before serving for the freshest texture and best presentation.
Why do you rinse the cottage cheese?
Rinsing the cottage cheese removes excess salt and tanginess and helps create a smoother, creamier base. It also prevents excess liquid from forming, which keeps the salad from becoming watery.
What fruits work best in this recipe?
Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries work best. You can also use canned peaches, pineapple, or mandarin oranges. Just be sure they are very well drained, and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
Can I mix the fruit into the base instead of placing it on top?
You can, but for best texture, it’s recommended to add and mix the fruit before serving. Mixing fruit in too early can release juices and soften the base.
Can I use a different flavor of jello?
Absolutely. Cherry is my personal favorite because it pairs beautifully with berries, but strawberry, raspberry, or even orange jello work well depending on the fruit you choose.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored covered in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 2-3 days. After that, the fruit may release liquid and affect the texture.
Can I freeze cottage cheese fruit salad?
No! Do not try freezing. Dairy and fruit will separate and become mushy and watery once thawed completely changing the texture and taste. Do not recommend!
Can I make cottage cheese fruit salad without Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream but the salad may not hold its texture as long. Cool whip helps keep the salad fluffy and stable, especially when made ahead.
If you make this recipe for your family or a gathering, drop a comment and tell me who loved it most. or tag me on Instagram.
Easy Pink Fluff Cottage Cheese Fruit Salad
A pink Fluff fruit salad made of cottage cheese curds, packaged jello powder, cool whip, and fresh fruit. Can be made ahead or served right away.
Ingredients
- 48 oz Darigold cottage cheese
- 6 oz Cherry Jello just the dry powder
- 8 oz Cool Whip thawed or frozen
- 2 lbs Strawberries roughly chopped
- 24 oz Fresh raspberries
- 8 oz Fresh Blueberries
Instructions
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Start by draining and rinsing the cottage cheese under cold water until there’s no more foam. This step helps mellow out the tanginess and gives the salad a cleaner, lighter and thicker texture.
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Spread the rinsed cottage cheese onto paper towels and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture. or use a cheese cloth. This makes a big difference in keeping the salad from getting watery.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed cottage cheese with the dry cherry Jello powder. Stir until fully incorporated. The Jello gives the salad a subtle fruity flavor, sweetness and a beautiful blush color.
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Fold in the thawed or frozen Cool Whip until everything is smooth and creamy. Take your time mixing so the texture stays fluffy. Keep in mind the colder the cool whip, the faster the mixture will set.
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Transfer the creamy mixture into a serving dish. Arrange the strawberries, raspberries, and peaches on top.
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Keep the salad refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Right before serving, gently mix everything together for a beautifully fruity, creamy bite in every spoonful.
