This cherry fluff salad is a classic potluck favorite made with cream cheese and real heavy whipping cream instead of Cool Whip. It’s creamy, fluffy, and filled with maraschino cherries, pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans for the perfect sweet side dish or easy potluck dessert.
Beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl until completely smooth and lump-free. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing so the base blends easily.
Add the heavy whipping cream and the reserved 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and holds its shape, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Fold in the quartered maraschino cherries, well-drained crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.