These fluffy salads that pass as both side dishes and desserts all incorporate marshmallows in some way. Now, that's our kind of salad!
28 Vintage Fluff Salads
Updated on May 06, 2024
Pistachio Mallow Salad
This fluffy pistachio salad is a real treat since it’s creamy but not overly sweet. It’s easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas
1/27
2/27
Ambrosia Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because it’s so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 247 calories, 14g fat (10g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
3/27
Creamy Pineapple Fluff Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional fluff salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 161 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
4/27
Cranberry Waldorf Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 226 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
5/27
Make-Ahead Creamy Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We love fruit salads for our holiday dinners. I experimented and came up with this delicious medley—it reminds us of the tropics in the middle of winter! I sometimes add sliced bananas just before serving. Feel free to use your own favorite fruits. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 250 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
6/27
Two-Berry Fluff Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fluffy salad is a welcome treat on warm Texas afternoons. Because there's a blueberry orchard near our home, we often pick up berries to use in this recipe and others. When blueberries and strawberries aren't in season, you can substitute frozen berries with equally good results. —Karen Wenzel, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cups: 305 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
7/27
Yum-Yum Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received the recipe for Amish yum-yum salad from a friend of my mother’s years ago. I always have the ingredients on hand in case I need a quick dessert. Any flavor of gelatin works well, and sometimes I spoon it into individual parfait glasses instead of serving it in one big bowl. Everyone enjoys it. —Yvonne Bellomo, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 302 calories, 10g fat (9g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
8/27
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I start this with plenty of fruit, add the yogurt for dressing, then mix in just enough marshmallows and coconut so it tastes like the fresh and creamy version I grew up with. It’s a well-loved recipe in my home now. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 191 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
9/27
Apricot Fluff
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were young mothers, I asked my best friend if she had a recipe for an easy ambrosia salad that I could take to a cookout later that evening. She shared this recipe with me and it's become a must-have at every barbecue I attend. It's sublime with peaches and peach gelatin, too. —Melissa Meinke, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 225 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/27
Peach Bavarian
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 249 calories, 5g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
11/27
Apple Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy fruit salad was a favorite of my great-grandmother’s. My family always enjoys it, and I’m happy knowing it’s good for them, too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
12/27
Apricot Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Colorful gelatin salad adds a spot of brightness to any table. It blends well with this holiday feast. We children didn't know if it should be a salad or dessert, with its smooth texture and delicate flavor.—Fae Fisher, Callao, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
13/27
Tahitian Fruit Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're tired of the same old fruit salad, try this tropical version featuring pineapple, papaya, oranges, mango and more!—Doty Emory, Jasper, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 1 heaping tablespoon topping: 289 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
14/27
Pineapple Fluff
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often bring this salad to potlucks, and everyone goes crazy for the sweet and crunchy combination. Be sure to add the pretzel mixture right before serving to keep it crispy. —Beth Olby, Ashland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 334 calories, 19g fat (13g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
15/27
Banana Split Fluff
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty pink mixture, rich with yummy fruit and nuts, is sure to disappear in a hurry. It’s a sweet and speedy treat that can be served as a dessert or salad. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 374 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
16/27
Snickers Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, sweet salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
17/27
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
18/27
Layered Cranberry Gelatin Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Light and tangy, this gelatin is guaranteed to please. Kids go crazy for the marshmallow-cream cheese layer on top. —Irma Senner, Dixmont, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 239 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
19/27
Fluffy Cranberry Mousse
Total Time
15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a delicious and pretty salad for the holidays, but it's so good that I serve it at other times, too. I got the recipe from a neighbor who had served it with a traditional turkey dinner. —Helen Clement, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 150 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
20/27
Frozen Christmas Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom’s use of red and green cherries to decorate dishes at Christmastime inspired me to create this holiday dessert mold. It’s cool, creamy and fun to serve guests. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas. Don’t forget to check out our collection of the best Christmas salad recipes.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 371 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/27
Green Flop Jell-O
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Get ready for fluffy lemon-lime goodness. My family calls it "flop Jell-O" because most of the time a clear gelatin layer that tastes like lemon-lime soda falls to the bottom of the dish. Try it with any flavor gelatin! —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 159 calories, 7g fat (6g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
22/27
Vanilla Yogurt Ambrosia
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple fruit salad is so yummy. I have served it many times, and it's always one of the first dishes to go. Fat-free vanilla yogurt also works well as the dressing. —Sherry Hulsman of Louisville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 234 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit, 1 fat.
23/27
Cranberry Fluff
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it's not as sweet as many other "fluffs." I'm often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
24/27
Overnight Fruit Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first tasted this rich, old-fashioned fruit salad at my wedding reception many years ago. The ladies who did the cooking wouldn't share the recipe at the time, but eventually I got it. I've made it for many meals, and our daughters copied the recipe when they married. —Eileen Duffeck, Lena, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 244 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/27
Fluffy Green Grape Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 160 calories, 5g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
26/27
Creamy Frozen Fruit Cups
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to prepare these cool, fluffy fruit cups to give a refreshing boost to many meals. They've been well received at family gatherings and summer barbecues. There's no last-minute fuss since you make them well in advance. —Karen Hatcher, St. Amant, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 161 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
27/27
Cranberry Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in holiday recipes: this fresh cranberry salad. The keys are tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. —Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 200 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
