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Fluffy Pineapple Walnut Salad

fluffy pineapple walnut salad - featured image
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This easy, nostalgic dessert salad combines creamy Cool Whip, tangy cream cheese, juicy pineapple, and crunchy walnuts for a refreshing treat perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or family picnics. It’s light, fluffy, and comes together in minutes—ideal for busy days and sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed (light or sugar-free optional)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well drained
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (toasted if desired)
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Open the can of crushed pineapple and pour into a colander or fine mesh sieve. Let drain for at least 5 minutes, pressing gently with a spoon to remove excess juice.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat with a hand mixer (or whisk vigorously) until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and blend for 10 seconds more.
  3. Gently fold Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
  4. Add drained pineapple, chopped cherries, walnuts, mini marshmallows, and coconut (if using) to the bowl. Sprinkle in the pinch of salt. Fold everything together gently, making sure not to deflate the whipped base.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt as desired. Add extra marshmallows or walnuts if preferred.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (longer is better for flavor and texture).
  7. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with extra chopped walnuts or cherries if desired, and serve cold.

Notes

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for extra flavor. Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. Chill for at least an hour for best texture. Customize with different fruits, nuts, or swap Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream or Greek yogurt. For vegan or gluten-free versions, use dairy-free and gluten-free substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pineapple salad, walnut salad, cool whip dessert, summer dessert, potluck recipe, creamy fruit salad, easy dessert, picnic salad, vintage dessert, marshmallow salad

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/fluffy-pineapple-walnut-salad-recipe-easy-cool-whip-dessert-for-summer/