Name: Phyllis's Strawberry Cotton Candy Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 ounces); 2 cups Crushed Pineapple (Well drained); 1 cup Strawberry Pie Filling; 12 oz Cool Whip (Thawed); 8 large Strawberries (Halved (for topping)); 3/4 cup Pecans (Chopped (lightly toasted if desired))

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Creamy, fruity, and delightfully nostalgic, Phyllis’s Strawberry Cotton Candy Salad is the kind of dessert salad that brings a smile to the table and seconds before anyone asks. This recipe blends cool, whipped texture with bright strawberry flavor and a hint of tropical pineapple for a simple, crowd-pleasing treat. Fun fact: dessert salads like this were staples at potlucks and holiday tables in the mid-20th century, and they keep coming back because they’re irresistibly easy and comforting.

If you love easy, family-friendly desserts you can throw together in minutes, this is for you. It’s simple to prep, needs no baking, and the whole family — kids included — will enjoy it. For more variations and sweet salad inspiration, see this strawberry cotton candy salad page for a related take. Try it for weeknight gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick treat after dinner. You’ll want to make it again and again.

What is Phyllis’s Strawberry Cotton Candy Salad?

What’s in a name? Why would a salad sound like a carnival treat? Phyllis’s Strawberry Cotton Candy Salad gets its playful name from the light, fluffy texture and pastel strawberry sweetness that remind people of cotton candy — but in a spoonable, family-friendly form. Curious why Phyllis? Maybe Phyllis brought it to a church picnic and everyone fell in love.

Is it dessert or side dish? Both. It’s sweet enough to satisfy dessert cravings yet familiar enough to sit alongside casseroles at family dinners. And who can resist the old adage “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”? Give it a try and let Phyllis’ charm win over your guests. Grab a bowl and start folding — you’ll see why everyone keeps asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This:

Light and creamy highlight: A pillowy cool whip base mixed with strawberry pie filling and crushed pineapple creates a silky, fruity experience that’s cool on the palate.
Budget-friendly at-home treat: Using simple pantry ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and canned pineapple keeps costs low while delivering big flavor — much cheaper than specialty store desserts.
Texture and toppings that pop: Fresh strawberries and toasted pecans add bright freshness and crunchy contrast to every bite.

Compared to richer desserts like cheesecake, this salad is quicker to assemble and easier to serve for large groups. If you enjoyed our cotton candy cake, you’ll love how this salad captures the same whimsical sweetness in an effortless, no-bake format. Make it and watch it disappear.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is a breeze: no baking, minimal chopping, and a satisfying mix of creamy and fruity textures. Preparation takes about 15 minutes and chilling for an hour or more sets it perfectly. Expect a creamy sauce-like filling with pops of strawberry and a nutty crunch from pecans.

Approximate time:

Prep: 15 minutes
Chill: 1–2 hours
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
2 cups crushed pineapple, well drained
1 cup strawberry pie filling
12 oz tub Cool Whip, thawed
8 large strawberries, halved (for topping)
3/4 cup pecans, chopped (lightly toasted if desired)

Fold all ingredients together. Top with strawberries. Chill and serve.

Directions

Prepare your workspace by draining the crushed pineapple thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer or by pressing with paper towels; excess liquid will make the salad runny.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and drained crushed pineapple. Stir until the pineapple is evenly distributed.
Add the strawberry pie filling and gently fold it into the pineapple mixture so you maintain some streaks of jammy color for visual appeal.
Carefully fold in the thawed Cool Whip by scooping it in and folding with a rubber spatula. Work gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
Fold in the chopped pecans, reserving a small handful for garnish.
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual cups. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Arrange the halved fresh strawberries on top and sprinkle the reserved pecans.
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and the salad set.
Serve chilled. Leftovers are best enjoyed within a few days.

Phyllis's Strawberry Cotton Candy Salad

What to Serve With:

Savory contrast: Serve alongside roasted chicken or ham for a sweet complement at dinner.
Salads: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dessert salad.
Drinks: Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a light sparkling wine for a festive touch.
Other sides: Sweet potato casserole or baked beans for a classic potluck spread.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Drain pineapple well: This prevents the salad from becoming too watery.
Thaw Cool Whip properly: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.
Toast pecans: Lightly roast pecans in a skillet for 3–4 minutes to deepen flavor.
Make ahead: The flavors improve after chilling, but add fresh strawberries right before serving to keep them bright.
Allergy substitution: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit nuts for nut-free options.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep fresh strawberries separate if you want them to stay firm.
Freezing: Not recommended; Cool Whip texture changes when frozen and thawed, becoming watery.
Best practice: Chill for at least an hour before serving. If it becomes slightly watery after extended refrigeration, gently stir before serving to recombine.

FAQs

What makes a salad called a “cotton candy” salad?
The term comes from its light, fluffy texture and sweet, candy-like flavor — not actual cotton candy. It’s nostalgic and whimsical.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute fresh chopped strawberries for pie filling, but the pie filling adds sweetness and preserves the bright color. If using fresh, add a bit of sugar or honey to taste.

Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely. It travels well when kept chilled in an insulated cooler and is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and family gatherings.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
For dairy-free, use a coconut-based whipped topping and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative. Texture will be slightly different but still tasty.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Properly drain the crushed pineapple and don’t overmix after adding the Cool Whip. Chill uncovered briefly to firm up before covering for longer storage.

Conclusion

Phyllis’s Strawberry Cotton Candy Salad is a light, dreamy dessert salad that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and any time you want a no-bake, crowd-pleasing treat. If you’d like to explore the recipe’s roots or try a classic variation, check out this original Cotton Candy Salad recipe by Madonna. For a fun summer pairing idea, you might enjoy learning about local treats on the Maryland Ice Cream Trail – Northeast MD. Give Phyllis’s salad a try — it’s simple, nostalgic, and sure to bring smiles to the table.