Name: Peach Fluff Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in juice (drained and chopped); 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix; 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed); 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1 cup cottage cheese; ½ cup chopped pecans (optional); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re hunting for the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, look no further than Peach Fluff Salad. This retro-inspired treat takes the best parts of a classic fruit salad and infuses them with a creamy, fluffy twist—ideal for summer potlucks or whenever you crave something sweet, cool, and just a bit nostalgic. With chunks of juicy peaches, clouds of whipped topping, pops of mini marshmallows, and a subtle vanilla note, it’s impossible to have just one spoonful. Peach Fluff Salad is the kind of comfort you never knew you needed, but will want on your dessert table again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together for something so utterly delightful. Each item adds a special touch—be it flavor, texture, or color—turning this quick recipe into a dish you’ll crave all season long.

Peaches: Fresh or canned, their bright sweetness is the star of Peach Fluff Salad, bringing summery vibes and bursts of juicy flavor.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: The secret to a creamy base and subtle vanilla sweetness—don’t prepare it, just mix dry!
Whipped Topping: Fluffy and light, it gives the salad its signature cloudlike texture; be sure to thaw before using.
Mini Marshmallows: These little pillows add fun, chewy pops of texture and extra sweetness throughout each bite.
Cottage Cheese: It may sound surprising, but this adds a wonderfully creamy, tangy element that balances all the sweetness.
Pecans (optional): For a nutty crunch, toss these in—or leave them out for a kid-friendly, nut-free version.
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon rounds out all the flavors with a luxurious, aromatic finish.

How to Make Peach Fluff Salad

Step 1: Blend Peaches and Pudding

In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the drained and chopped peaches with your dry instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir them together until the peaches are nicely coated and the pudding starts to dissolve—it’ll thicken just enough to create a luscious, flavorful base.

Step 2: Add Cottage Cheese and Vanilla

Spoon in the cottage cheese and pour in the vanilla extract next. Mix well so that every bite will have that creamy tang and warm vanilla flavor weaving through the juicy peaches.

Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping

Now, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. Take your time with this step, using a spatula to swirl everything together. This is when the mixture transforms from simple ingredients into a pastel-hued, fluffy dream.

Step 4: Stir in Mini Marshmallows and Pecans

Next up, fold in the mini marshmallows and the pecans (if you choose to include them). Be gentle—this is about keeping things light and airy while dotting in flecks of sweetness and crunch for irresistible texture.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover your bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This lets all the flavors meld and the salad to firm up just enough. Serve it cold, and get ready for pure, creamy-peachy goodness!

How to Serve Peach Fluff Salad

Garnishes

For maximum visual appeal, garnish your Peach Fluff Salad right before serving with a scatter of extra chopped peaches, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or even a few artfully placed mint leaves. A dollop of whipped topping or an extra dash of vanilla extract can make each serving feel special.

Side Dishes

This salad is a hit alongside summer classics like grilled chicken, burgers, or pulled pork sandwiches. For brunch, try it next to a plate of pancakes or waffles—the creamy sweetness makes a glorious counterpoint to savory, crispy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your Peach Fluff Salad into individual mason jars for picnics, serve it in a big trifle dish for impressive layers, or use small dessert cups for a tidy buffet presentation. Kids love it in ice cream cones, while adults may fancy it in parfait glasses for a retro-inspired dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Simply cover and refrigerate any extra Peach Fluff Salad in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead addition for busy weeks or last-minute dessert cravings.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Peach Fluff Salad, the texture may change once thawed—the whipped topping and marshmallows may lose their fluffiness. For best results, enjoy it fresh from the fridge, but if you must freeze it, portion it out and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Peach Fluff Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so skip reheating. If it’s been chilling in the fridge and has firmed up a bit, just give it a gentle stir before serving to fluff things back up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh, ripe peaches are a wonderful choice when they’re in season. Just peel, pit, and chop them, and use in the same quantity as the canned peaches, making sure they’re juicy enough to help dissolve the pudding mix.

Is there a substitute for cottage cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can try using ricotta cheese or even Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture, though the tang may differ slightly. Keep in mind, cottage cheese is classic for Peach Fluff Salad!

Can I make Peach Fluff Salad dairy-free?

Definitely! Use a dairy-free whipped topping and cottage cheese alternative (there are several plant-based options on the market), plus ensure your pudding mix is dairy-free. The result is just as delicious and fluffy.

Can I make it in advance for a potluck?

Yes, Peach Fluff Salad is one of the best make-ahead desserts! Prepare it the night before and store in the fridge. Wait until just before serving to add garnishes for a fresh look and texture.

What’s the best way to transport Peach Fluff Salad?

For on-the-go events, pack the salad into a large airtight container, and transport it in a cooler with ice packs. If possible, bring garnishes separately and add them right before serving for the prettiest and freshest results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for your new favorite no-bake dessert, go whip up a bowl of Peach Fluff Salad! There’s nothing like the blend of creamy, fruity, and marshmallow-y flavors to bring smiles at any table—so dig in and enjoy every bite.

Peach Fluff Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and light Peach Fluff Salad that combines the sweetness of peaches with the creaminess of cottage cheese and whipped topping. This no-bake dessert is perfect for a quick and easy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Canned Peaches Mixture:

1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in juice (drained and chopped)
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

Additional Ingredients:

1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup cottage cheese
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prep the Peaches: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and chopped peaches with the dry vanilla pudding mix and stir until the pudding starts to dissolve.
Mix the Ingredients: Add the cottage cheese and vanilla extract, mixing well. Fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
Add Final Touches: Gently stir in the mini marshmallows and pecans if using. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.