Strawberry Cotton Candy Salad
A whimsical and nostalgic dessert salad made with strawberries, marshmallows, whipped topping, and a fluffy cloud of cotton candy. Perfect for any occasion and ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Fruity Base
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped Use ripe, vibrant red strawberries for the best flavor.
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows Colored ones can add a festive touch.
Creamy Mixture
- 1 tub whipped topping, thawed (8 oz) Cool Whip or light/sugar-free versions may be used.
- 1 package strawberry gelatin (3 oz) Ensure it's fresh for optimal flavor.
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3 oz) Other flavors can be used for variety.
- 1/2 cup boiling water Dissolves gelatin and pudding mix.
Fluffy Finish
- 1 cup cotton candy, preferably pink Add just before serving to maintain fluffiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Dissolve the strawberry gelatin and instant vanilla pudding mix in 1/2 cup of boiling water. Whisk until smooth and glossy (about 1-2 minutes).
- Let the mixture cool for about 5-10 minutes.
- Chop the strawberries into bite-size pieces.
Mixing
- Fold the cooled gelatin-pudding mixture into the whipped topping using a spatula.
- Stir in the chopped strawberries and miniature marshmallows.
Chill
- Cover the bowl and chill for at least 1-2 hours, or up to overnight.
Serving
- Before serving, gently fold in half of the cotton candy and nest the remaining on top for presentation.
Notes
For the best texture, thaw whipped topping in the fridge, not on the counter. Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days.