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Peach Fluff Salad

Peach Fluff Salad - A Light, Creamy Crowd-Pleaser

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Peaches: 3 cups chopped. Fresh when in season, or canned peaches (well-drained), or frozen (thawed and drained).
  • Cottage cheese: 1 cup, small curd. Adds creaminess and protein without heaviness.
  • Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened. Gives the salad structure and a silky base.
  • Whipped topping: 8 ounces, thawed (like Cool Whip). For that classic fluff texture.
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix: 1 small box (3.4 ounces). Helps set the salad and adds flavor.
  • Marshmallows: 1 to 1½ cups mini marshmallows. Optional but traditional and fun.
  • Toasted pecans or slivered almonds: ½ cup for crunch (optional).
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon to brighten the peaches and balance the sweetness.
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon for extra flavor depth.
  • Pinch of salt: Just a pinch to round out the sweetness.

Instructions
 

  • Prep the peaches: If using fresh peaches, peel (optional), pit, and chop them into bite-size pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If using canned, drain very well. If using frozen, thaw fully and drain.
  • Beat the base: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cottage cheese and beat again until mostly smooth. A few small curds are fine.
  • Add flavor and structure: Sprinkle in the instant pudding mix, then add vanilla, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly combined. The mixture will thicken slightly.
  • Fold in the fluff: With a spatula, gently fold in the whipped topping until no streaks remain. Don’t overmix—keep it airy.
  • Stir in the mix-ins: Add the chopped peaches and mini marshmallows. If using nuts, fold those in too. Keep the peach pieces intact by stirring gently.
  • Chill to set: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. This step helps the pudding hydrate and the flavors blend.
  • Serve: Give it a gentle stir before serving. Spoon into a serving bowl, garnish with a few peach slices or a sprinkle of nuts if you like, and enjoy cold.