Banana Split Fluff Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Banana Split Fluff Salad is a nostalgic, light, and fruity dessert perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. Combining creamy banana pudding with fresh fruit and a fluffy whipped topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and delightfully refreshing.

A white plate holds a round layered dish starting with a base of creamy mashed potatoes mixed with small cubes of pink ham. On top, there is a layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese covering the mashed potatoes. Scattered on the very top are small browned pieces of crispy bacon. Some green herbs like thyme add a small touch of color sprinkled over the dish. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a silver fork next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 (3.4 ounces) box banana cream instant pudding
  • 1 (20 ounces) can crushed pineapple with juice
  • 1 (10 ounces) jar maraschino cherries (without stems), drained and halved
  • 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 2 bananas, halved and sliced
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • ½ cup miniature chocolate chips
  • 1 (8 ounces) container whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the banana cream instant pudding mix with the crushed pineapple including the juice. Stir well until the pudding mix is fully incorporated and the mixture begins to thicken.
  2. Step 2: Add the maraschino cherries, diced strawberries, miniature marshmallows, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and sliced bananas to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold in half of the whipped topping until evenly mixed to maintain lightness. Then add the remaining whipped topping and fold again until fully combined. Avoid overmixing to preserve the fluffy texture.
  4. Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up nicely.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Optionally garnish with extra chocolate chips, nuts, or cherries. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful treat.

Tips & Variations

  • For added texture, try using chopped fresh nuts such as pecans or walnuts and toast them lightly for a deeper flavor.
  • Substitute strawberries with other seasonal berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
  • To make it nut-free, omit the nuts and add extra marshmallows or fruit instead.
  • Use frozen fruit if fresh is unavailable; just thaw and drain before adding.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the fluffiness, stir gently before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture will change and become watery upon thawing.

How to Serve

A white plate with a round serving of mashed potatoes mixed with pink cubes of ham sits on a white marbled surface. The mashed potatoes are creamy and soft in texture. On top, there is a thick layer of melted yellow cheddar cheese that covers the whole potato and ham mixture. Scattered on the cheese are small pieces of crispy browned bacon. A few small green herb sprigs are placed on top for color. A silver fork rests on the side of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad benefits from chilling for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. It can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of banana cream pudding mix?

If you can’t find banana cream pudding mix, vanilla instant pudding works well as a substitute and still gives a creamy base for the salad.

Print
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Banana Split Fluff Salad Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Banana Split Fluff Salad is a delightful and creamy no-bake dessert combining banana cream pudding, fresh fruit, nuts, marshmallows, and whipped topping for a light, fluffy texture. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, it captures the classic flavors of a banana split in a refreshing and easy-to-make salad.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 (3.4 ounces) box banana cream instant pudding
  • 1 (20 ounces) can crushed pineapple with juice

Fruits & Mix-ins

  • 1 (10 ounces) jar maraschino cherries (without stems), drained and halved
  • 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
  • 2 bananas, halved and sliced

Additional Ingredients

  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • ½ cup miniature chocolate chips
  • 1 (8 ounces) container whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

  1. Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the banana cream instant pudding with the crushed pineapple including the juice. Stir well until the pudding mix is fully incorporated and the mixture begins to thicken.
  2. Add the Mix-Ins: Add the maraschino cherries, diced strawberries, miniature marshmallows, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and sliced bananas to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  3. Fold in the Whipped Topping: Gently fold in half of the whipped topping until evenly mixed to maintain lightness. Then add the remaining whipped topping and fold again until fully combined. Avoid overmixing to preserve the fluffy texture.
  4. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up nicely.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Optionally garnish with extra chocolate chips, nuts, or cherries. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful treat.

Notes

  • For best results, chill the salad for at least 2 hours before serving so it fully sets.
  • Fresh strawberries add a vibrant flavor, but can be substituted with other berries if desired.
  • Use walnuts or pecans depending on your preference or nut availability.
  • To keep the salad light and fluffy, be careful not to overmix when folding in the whipped topping.
  • Optional garnishes like extra chocolate chips, nuts, or cherries add a nice decorative touch.
  • This salad is best served cold and eaten within 1-2 days for freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Banana Split Fluff Salad, no-bake dessert, banana pudding salad, fruit salad dessert, creamy banana dessert

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