Peach Fluff Salad

Peach Fluff salad is pure nostalgia in a bowl! It’s everything you love about retro comfort food: sweet, light, and absolutely irresistible. 

Every bite features a delightful blend of peaches, marshmallows, and vanilla pudding. It’s tossed in a cloud-like whipped topping for the finishing touch.

This salad disappears quickly, and people always beg for the recipe when I make it!

It’s perfect for summer potlucks, barbecues, or any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Peach Fluff Salad

Party-Perfect: You can prepare it in advance, making it ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and summer BBQs. Less stress on party day!

Budget-Friendly: The recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients readily available at any grocery store. And it can easily feed 12-15 people, making it an economical choice for large gatherings.

Sweet Symphony: The natural sweetness of peaches harmonizes perfectly with vanilla pudding and fluffy whipped topping.

Quick and Easy: This no-bake recipe comes together in minutes with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Sliced Peaches: They’re soft, sweet, and juicy. Used canned peaches for easy prep and a consistent taste.
  
• Peach Gelatin Dessert Mix: This powdered mix creates a sweet, vibrant peach-flavored base.
  
• Hot and Cold Water: Hot water dissolves the gelatin dessert mix crystals completely. The cold water helps cool the mixture.
  
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: It adds creamy vanilla flavor and helps create a rich, mousse-like texture.
  
• Cool Whip: It creates the light, airy texture that makes this dessert a “fluff” salad.
  
• Mini Marshmallows: They add a fun, pillowy texture and extra sweetness.

How to Make Peach Fluff Salad

This dessert is so easy, it practically makes itself.

1. Prep the gelatin. Add the peach gelatin mix to 1 cup of hot water in a large mixing bowl. Stir until completely dissolved. Add the 1/2 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

2. Mix the pudding. Sprinkle the instant vanilla pudding mix into the cooled gelatin mixture. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.

3. Combine. Fold the Cool Whip (thawed) into the gelatin and pudding mixture until combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.

4. Add the peaches and marshmallows. Gently fold in the peach chunks (excluding the reserved slices) and mini marshmallows (excluding the reserved portion). Ensure they are evenly distributed.

5. Chill. Cover the bowl. Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours or until it is set and chilled.

6. Serve. Garnish the top of the salad with the reserved peach slices and marshmallows. Scoop into bowls or serve as a side dish at your favorite gathering.

Tips for the Best Peach Fluff Salad

Here are some of my top tips for making a perfect salad.

• Be patient. Let the gelatin mixture cool to room temperature before adding the pudding mix. This helps to avoid clumping or improper thickening.
  
• Go easy on the pudding. Sprinkle the vanilla pudding mix gradually into the cooled gelatin mixture. Whisk thoroughly for a smooth, creamy texture.
  
• Be gentle! Use a soft folding motion when combining the Cool Whip to keep the mixture airy and fluffy.
  
• Ditch the liquid. Drain the canned peaches well to avoid excess moisture. Excess moisture could make the salad runny.
  
• Keep the peaches proportioned. Dice the peaches into evenly sized chunks to ensure uniform distribution and a consistent texture in every bite.
  
• Let it chill. Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours (or longer if possible). This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to set.

Substitutions, Add-Ins, and Serving Suggestions

• Freshen it up. Substitute canned peaches with fresh ripe peaches. Peel and dice them beforehand.
  
• Select your sweetness. If you prefer a less-sweet salad, use sugar-free peach gelatin or light Cool Whip.
  
• Try tasty add-ins. Include chopped pecans, walnuts, or crushed graham crackers to add a little crunch to the salad. You can also add shredded coconut, crushed pineapple (well-drained), or mandarin oranges for a fruity variation.
  
• Serve it in style. Serve in a clear trifle bowl. Layer the salad with additional garnishes like peach slices or marshmallows. You can divide the salad into serving cups for grab-and-go dessert portions.

How to Store

If you have leftover salad, here’s how to keep it fresh.

To Store: Place the salad in an air-tight container and refrigerate for 3 days. Consume within 1-2 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

To Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and cause separation upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so without the marshmallows and add them after thawing.