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    Home » Recipes » Salad » Strawberry Jello Salad Recipe

    Strawberry Jello Salad Recipe

    Published: Dec 20, 2018 · Modified: Jun 22, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    This easy Strawberry Jello Salad recipe is made with fresh strawberries and cool whip! You can serve strawberry fluff salad year round.

    strawberry jello salad in a bowl

    A friend asked me to bring a strawberry fluff salad to a party at her house. She gave me a recipe for strawberry jello salad over the phone, which I wrote on the back of some random piece of paper in my purse, then and I promptly lost it!

    So, at the grocery store, I called and got the ingredients from her again, thinking I had just left the recipe at home. Since I couldn’t find it, this is what I came up with, and it turned out so well that I wanted to share my recipe!

    In This Post

    • What is Jello Salad?
    • Ingredients Needed For Strawberry Fluff Salad
    • How To Make Strawberry Jello Salad
    • More Jello Salad Recipes
      • Orange Jello Salad
      • Raspberry Jello Salad
      • Lime Jello Salad
    • Strawberry Jello Salad FAQs
    • More Fruit Salads

    What is Jello Salad?

    Let’s start off by talking about what jello salad is. One of the definitions of the word salad is a usually incongruous mixture: hodgepodge. So basically, a jello salad is a mixture containing jello and is served as a sweet side dish or dessert.

    A jello salad can be translucent with pieces of fruit suspended in it. It can be spread out in a 9×13 pan or shaped into a mold. Or it can be a jello fluff salad like the one in this recipe.

    Jello salads contain everything from cream cheese and cottage cheese to diced fruit and vegetables to chopped pretzels and nuts.

    Package of fresh strawberries.

    Ingredients Needed For Strawberry Fluff Salad

    • Strawberries: Choose fresh strawberries when they are available. You can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw them first.
    • Gelatin: This recipe uses one package of strawberry jello.
    • Pudding: You’ll need a package of cook-and-serve vanilla pudding (NOT instant).
    • Water: The water dissolves the powdered gelatin and pudding mixes.
    • Ice: We added ice cubes to the hot jello mixture to make up the rest of the water and to cool it down faster.
    • Whipped Topping: The cool whip makes the salad light and airy. I do not recommend using homemade whipped cream since it won’t hold up in this salad.
    • Garnish: You can add a dollop of cool whip and several strawberries to the top of the salad for garnish.

    How To Make Strawberry Jello Salad

    diced strawberries on cutting board for strawberry jello salad

    Cut up a 16 oz package of fresh (or use frozen strawberries thawed enough to slice) and set them aside.

    vanilla pudding and strawberry jello in sauce pan for strawberry jello salad

    Pour the strawberry gelatin and vanilla pudding mix into a saucepan and whisk to combine.

    pouring water into sauce pan with jello mixture

    Whisk in the water. At this point, the mixture is opaque (you can’t see through it).

    translucent jello in saucepan for strawberry jello salad

    Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, and boil for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes more translucent (you can see through it).

    add ice to strawberry jello in saucepan to thicken

    Adding ice to the hot jello mixture makes up the rest of the water needed and cools the jello down more quickly.

    chilled strawberry jello

    Pour into a heatproof bowl. Chill in the refrigerator until cool and slightly thickened.

    Don’t leave it in the fridge too long, or the jello will set completely, and you won’t be able to incorporate the strawberries and cool whip.

    diced strawberries and cool whip added to strawberry jello salad

    Once it has cooled and thickened slightly, add the cut-up strawberries and cool whip. Put the easy strawberry jello salad into the fridge to chill and thicken.

    strawberry jello salad recipe

    More Jello Salad Recipes

    This strawberry salad with jello can easily be turned into other salads by using different flavors of jello and other fruits! Here are a few jello salad recipes to try:

    Orange Jello Salad

    You can easily turn this into an orange fluff salad by using orange jello instead of strawberry. It tastes like an orange dreamsicle!

    • Substitute the package of strawberry gelatin with a 6-ounce package of orange gelatin.
    • Use a 15-ounce can of well-drained mandarin oranges instead of the strawberries.

    Raspberry Jello Salad

    Raspberry jello salad is another delicious flavor you can make using this recipe! You can choose fresh raspberries in the summer and frozen ones in the winter.

    • Use a 6-ounce package of raspberry gelatin instead of strawberry.
    • Substitute the diced strawberries with three cups of raspberries.

    Lime Jello Salad

    For a lime jello salad, use crushed pineapple for the fruit since limes would be too tart!

    • Substitute a 6-ounce package of lime jello for the strawberry flavor.
    • Use a 20-ounce can of drained crushed pineapple instead of the diced strawberries.
    • Popular additions to lime fluff are 3 cups of mini marshmallows and 1 cup of chopped pecans!
    fluffy strawberry jello salad

    Garnish the strawberry jello fluff salad with a dollop cool whip and several whole strawberries before serving it.

    Make Ahead and Storage

    • Make Ahead: This salad needs time to chill and thicken before serving it, so it is the perfect recipe to make ahead of time. You can even make it the day before!
    • Leftovers: Cover the bowl and store it in the fridge for up to two days.
    • Freezer: You can also freeze it for up to two months.
    strawberry jello salad scoop

    Strawberry Jello Salad FAQs

    Can I use instant vanilla pudding instead of the cook and serve vanilla pudding?

    In this recipe, the strawberry jello and the pudding are cooked in a saucepan on the stovetop, so an instant pudding will not work. That being said, if you do want to use instant pudding, I suggest stirring the powdered instant pudding mix into the salad along with the cool whip.

    Would this strawberry jello salad work in a mold?

    It does get quite firm, so it should work in a mold.

    How can I make a lighter jello salad?

    Use light or sugar free cool whip. Also, several readers have reported using sugar free jello and vanilla pudding with great results.

    Can jello salad be frozen?

    Yes. Spread it in a 9×13 pan (or 8×8 if using leftovers). Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. Uncover and thaw enough to cut into slices. Enjoy while still frozen like a slice of ice cream cake.

    What other flavors of jello salad could I make?

    Try raspberry, mandarin orange, cranberry, pineapple, or banana cream. Or leave the fruit out and make pistachio, lemon, or lime jello salad. 

    More Fruit Salads

    • Strawberry Pretzel Salad has sugared pretzels and diced strawberries!
    • Our Cranberry Salad with marshmallows is a holiday favorite!
    • Blueberry Pretzel Salad has blueberries and pretzels in a creamy filling.
    • This Fruit Salad is coated in a sweet lemon vanilla glaze!
    Strawberry jello salad in a bowl.

    Strawberry Jello Salad Recipe

    This easy Strawberry Jello Salad recipe is made with fresh strawberries and cool whip! You can serve strawberry fluff salad year round.
    4.35 from 29 votes
    ↑ Click stars to rate!
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    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes minutes
    Chilling Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 13 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    Calphalon Knife Block Set
    Calphalon Sauce Pan
    Glass Mixing Bowl Set
    Spoon Spatula

    Ingredients

    • 16 oz fresh strawberries
    • 6 oz pkg strawberry jello
    • 4.6 oz pkg cook ‘n serve vanilla pudding
    • 2 ½ cups water
    • 1 cup ice cubes
    • 16 oz cool whip thawed

    Optional Garnish

    • ½ cup cool whip
    • 6 whole strawberries

    Instructions

    • Cut up a 16 oz package of fresh strawberries and set aside.
    • Whisk together strawberry jello and the cook and serve vanilla pudding in a saucepan.
    • Whisk in the water.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly and boil for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes more translucent.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the ice cubes until melted.
    • Pour into a large heatproof bowl and cool in the refrigerator until slightly thickened.
    • Remove from fridge and stir in the diced strawberries and cool whip.
    • Return the jello salad into the fridge to chill and thicken.

    Optional Garnish

    • Garnish with cool whip and strawberries before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    One: Strawberries

    You can use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones. Allow them to thaw before cutting them.

    Two: Storage

    Cover the bowl and store in the fridge for up to two days. Or transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to two months.

    Three: Orange

    Use a 6-ounce package of orange jello and a 15-ounce can of well-drained mandarin oranges.

    Four: Raspberry

    Use a 6-ounce package of raspberry jello and three cups of raspberries.

    Five: Lime

    Use a 6-ounce package of lime jello and a 20-ounce can of drained crushed pineapple. Add 3 cups of mini marshmallows and 1 cup of chopped pecans.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1/2 cup | Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 84mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 27IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

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    • Watermelon salsa in a watermelon bowl.
      Watermelon Salsa Recipe

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

    « Christmas Oatmeal M & M Cookies
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    Comments

    1. Kelley says

      February 6, 2020 at 3:02 pm

      This looks so delicious. Wondering if you could use crushed pineapple in it instead of the cut up strawberries. Also, do make this in a 9×13″ pan? Having a Valentine’s dinner coming up at church. Thought this would be great to take. Thank you.

      Reply
    2. Rhonda says

      December 20, 2018 at 12:47 pm

      I love jello salad!! This looks so good. Perfect for a potluck…everyone loves it.

      Reply
    3. Starshine says

      October 29, 2018 at 6:18 pm

      Can this recipe be used in a mold?

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        October 30, 2018 at 2:13 pm

        I’ve never tried it but this recipe does get pretty firm so it should work in a mold! ~Tonia

        Reply
    4. Kat says

      May 10, 2017 at 3:50 am

      This salad is delicious and I have never had anything quite like it. I used sugar free pudding, jello and lite cool whip. I am adding the recipe to my favorite lightened desserts recipes and look forward to trying different fruits and jello flavors.

      Reply
    5. CJ says

      September 8, 2016 at 6:32 am

      I read the dessert and thought what a great summer treat. Sadly when I made it it did not gel! I used the correct amounts but it turned out wobbly and more like a thick strawberry cloud soup

      Any suggestions?

      Reply
    6. mary ford says

      September 6, 2015 at 1:50 am

      I just made this and I wonder if you used 8oz cool whip since that is the only ones in the market here or if you used 2 – 8oz cool whips??? It seemed to have stronger berry flavor with just 8oz cool whip.

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        September 7, 2015 at 12:47 pm

        Our grocery stores sell the 16 oz size container but you could use two 8 oz containers instead! Enjoy! ~Tonia

        Reply
    7. Kathy says

      June 27, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      I made the Key Lime Pie and my sister and I just love it.

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        June 29, 2015 at 10:01 am

        Fantastic! I love to hear that. I hope you have a wonderful summer! ~Tonia

        Reply
    8. Nancy Corriveau says

      December 12, 2014 at 1:49 am

      I am having the Sunday school ladies prayer group over Thursday , Dec.18,2014.We will be having lunch.afterward and each of the ladies will be bring a salad.I can Hardily wait to make the Strawberry Salad.I know everyone will love it. Thank you so much. P.S.it’s winter here but I know we. Will still enjoy it.

      Reply
    9. joanmarie says

      May 12, 2014 at 9:46 am

      I have tried this strawberry cloud salad recipe; it is delicious. I have also tried changing the ingredients two different times for a variety.

      One time is used orange jello with crushed pineapple.
      Another time I used pineapple jello with mandarin oranges.
      Good refreshing summer time treats!
      All VERY Good. 🙂

      Reply
    10. Peggy says

      June 9, 2013 at 12:56 pm

      I’d like to make this for monthly bunco but don’t know how many this recipe makes. Anyone got an answer?

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        June 9, 2013 at 9:40 pm

        Hi Peggy,
        Thanks for stopping by! Since it is a salad, it really depends on your serving size. It will make 16 – 4 oz (1/2 cup) servings. I hope your bunco group enjoys it!
        ~Tonia

        Reply
    11. Melissa Kita says

      June 9, 2013 at 10:36 am

      Can this be lightened up with sugar free jello, fat free pudding & light cool whip? Also, could different berries be used? This sounds yummy!

      Reply
    12. Kathy says

      June 9, 2013 at 9:34 am

      This looks and sounds delicious and so refreshing. I would make a couple of changes using sugar free jello and instead of using cool whip, using plain yogurt and some splenda if needed. I’m a diabetic and often have plain yogurt with sugar free jelly or sugar free jello and it’s delicious. I will be making this with those few changes. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        June 9, 2013 at 4:07 pm

        Sounds great! I’m glad you figured out a way to make it work for you!

        Reply
    13. The Better Baker says

      June 8, 2013 at 9:44 pm

      OH.I.WOULD.LOVE.THIS!! Awesome and wonderful…and I can’t wait to make it. Perfect for summertime!

      Reply
    14. Melissa Lawler says

      May 26, 2013 at 7:15 pm

      Yum! I haven’t had Strawberry Fluff since I was a kid.

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        May 27, 2013 at 11:51 am

        My mom still makes it at family gatherings!

        Reply
    15. NoNoNannette says

      May 22, 2013 at 4:30 am

      This look great, but how many does the recipe sever?

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        May 22, 2013 at 8:11 am

        There would be about 16 – 4 oz (1/2 cup) servings.

        Reply
    16. peg says

      May 21, 2013 at 3:40 pm

      I cant wait to make this. Have a baby shower coming up and was looking for something different and tasty. And with the berries plentiful–its on my list to make. Thanks for the great and easy recipe!

      Reply
    17. Lady Behind The Curtain says

      August 16, 2011 at 11:32 pm

      THANK YOU so much for sharing your recipe with me at Cast Party Wednesday. I’d like to invite you back this week.Thanks,I hope to see you again!

      Reply
    18. Ali says

      August 14, 2011 at 12:22 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing this at Recipe Sharing Monday. I hope to see you back tomorrow 🙂

      Reply
    19. Crystal says

      August 13, 2011 at 2:27 am

      shared this with my facebook readers. thanks for much for linking up.

      Reply
    20. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

      August 12, 2011 at 2:43 pm

      Yeeeeuuum! This is a must-make!Jo-Anna

      Reply
    21. Michelle Paige says

      August 12, 2011 at 2:32 am

      Great blog…I’ve been reading and reading and can’t stop…so I think I’m your newest follower!

      Reply
    22. Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy says

      August 11, 2011 at 6:32 pm

      Oh yum!!! I would love it if you linked this up to my Tuesday Confessional link party going on now: http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2011/08/tuesday-confessional-link-party-and.html.See you soon!~Macy

      Reply
    23. Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy says

      August 11, 2011 at 6:32 pm

      Oh yum!!! I would love it if you linked this up to my Tuesday Confessional link party going on now: http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2011/08/tuesday-confessional-link-party-and.html.See you soon!~Macy

      Reply
    24. Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy says

      August 11, 2011 at 6:32 pm

      Oh yum!!! I would love it if you linked this up to my Tuesday Confessional link party going on now: http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2011/08/tuesday-confessional-link-party-and.html.See you soon!~Macy

      Reply
    25. June@I will craft says

      August 11, 2011 at 3:39 am

      Oh this looks delicious. I think I’ll be trying it soon. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    26. Stephanie says

      August 10, 2011 at 10:54 pm

      That looks so yummy! I am going to write down your recipe and give it a try!

      Reply
    27. OnePerfectDay says

      August 10, 2011 at 10:14 pm

      Looks great!I’ll have to give it a go.

      Reply
    28. Something Swanky says

      August 10, 2011 at 8:57 pm

      This looks delicious!!Hoping to see you tomorrow at the Sweet Treats Party and GIVEAWAY!!Ashtonhttp://www.somethingswanky.com{Sweet Treats Thursday} Thu-Sun

      Reply
    29. Anne @ Domesblissity says

      August 10, 2011 at 1:16 pm

      I reckon if I could get half of those ingredients Tonia I’d be making that tomorrow. We’ve just coming into strawberry season here and warmer weather. It’d go down a treat. Anne xx

      Reply
    30. Lindsay @ Delighted Momma says

      August 10, 2011 at 5:54 am

      Yum yum yum!! You always have the best recipes with the greatest how to pictures. Love that

      Reply
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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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