Description

Banana Split Fluff Salad is a light, fluffy, and fruity dessert combining banana cream pudding, crushed pineapple, fresh strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, nuts, chocolate chips, and whipped topping. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare, it offers a deliciously sweet and creamy treat reminiscent of the classic banana split.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

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

Fruits and Mix-ins

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

Add-ins

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
½ cup miniature chocolate chips

Topping

1 (8 ounces) container whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

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 begins to thicken.
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 all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Fold in the Whipped Topping: Gently fold in half of the whipped topping to the mixture until evenly mixed. Then add the remaining whipped topping and fold again carefully to maintain the light and fluffy texture.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend and the salad to firm up perfectly.
Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Optionally garnish with additional chocolate chips, nuts, or cherries. Serve chilled for the best taste.

Notes

Make It Healthier: Substitute the whipped topping with Greek yogurt or a light whipped topping alternative.
Add More Fruit: Include tropical fruits like mango or mandarin oranges for a flavor twist.
Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts or replace with sunflower seeds if allergies are a concern.
Homemade Whipped Cream: Whip fresh heavy cream with a touch of vanilla and sugar as a natural topping alternative.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bananas may brown slightly.
Do Not Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture due to whipped topping and fresh fruit.
Prevent Banana Browning: Toss sliced bananas in lemon juice before adding to the salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: banana split fluff salad, banana pudding salad, fruit salad dessert, no bake banana dessert, easy summer dessert, picnic dessert