What’s This All About?

Okay, let’s talk about this sweet, fruity, creamy treat that’s basically the dessert version of a salad. It’s fluffy, light, and loaded with juicy berries. Think of it like a retro classic, but with a modern twist. Perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or just when you need a little extra sweetness in your life. It’s not just a salad—it’s a dessert disguised as a salad. With creamy pudding, marshmallows, and a burst of berries in every bite, it’s got the vibe of a light summer dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and possibly thirds).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-bake wonder: Prep it in minutes, chill it, and voilà—you’re ready to impress!
Berry-packed goodness: Sweet strawberries, tart raspberries, and juicy blueberries make this a fresh fruit lover’s dream.
Creamy and fluffy: The perfect balance of whipped topping, pudding, and marshmallows.
Perfect for potlucks: Seriously, it’s always a hit at parties or gatherings!
Totally customizable: Swap out fruits, mix up the flavors, and have fun with it.
Retro vibes: Who doesn’t love a throwback dessert with a modern twist?

What You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list to create this berry bomb:

The Main Ingredients:

1 box (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
1 cup cold milk
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup chopped strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional but delicious)
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (optional for extra richness)

Optional Toppings:

Crushed graham crackers or granola for a little crunch
Mint leaves for garnish (if you’re feeling fancy)

Let’s Get Mixing!

Step 1: Whisk the Pudding

In a large bowl, whisk together the cheesecake pudding mix and cold milk. It only takes about 2 minutes to get that thick, creamy goodness you’re looking for. (Tip: If you’re adding cream cheese, blend it in now for extra creamy goodness.)

Step 2: Add the Whipped Topping

Now, gently fold in your thawed whipped topping. Take your time here—you want the mixture to stay light and fluffy, so avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Stir in the Fruit and Marshmallows

Gently stir in the mini marshmallows, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and coconut. Fold it all together, but keep the berries intact—no mushy fruit here, please!

Step 4: Chill Out

Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. The chilling process lets all the flavors come together, and trust me, it only gets better with time!

Step 5: Serve It Up

Right before serving, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or granola on top for a sweet crunch. Add a few mint leaves if you’re feeling like a pro chef. Now, dig in and enjoy your berry, fluffy heaven!

Make It Your Own

Swap the pudding flavor: Go with vanilla, or even try a chocolate pudding mix for a twist.
Change the fruits: Blackberries, cherries, or peaches would all work beautifully.
Make it a dip: Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or fruit for dipping.
Add a little zing: Throw in some lemon zest or lime juice to balance out the sweetness.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: This salad is perfect for making the day before. It actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know that it might start to lose a little of its fluffiness after the first day.
Freeze it: Freeze it? Sure, why not? You can freeze this, but it’ll be more like a frozen dessert than a salad. Let it thaw a bit before serving.