Description
A fun, fruity, and creamy dessert salad inspired by the classic banana split. This no-bake treat is packed with bananas, pineapple, cherries, marshmallows, and a luscious whipped cream dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Serves 8-10:
- For the salad:
- 1 (8 oz / 227 g) container of whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 (3.4 oz / 96 g) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 1 (20 oz / 567 g) can of crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup (175 g) maraschino cherries, halved and drained (reserve a few for garnish)
- 2 cups (100 g) mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup (90 g) chocolate chips (optional)
- For garnish:
- Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate syrup
- Extra chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy base:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully combined.
- Add the mix-ins:
- Gently fold in the sliced bananas, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, mini marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chips (if using). Mix until evenly distributed.
- Chill the salad:
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the mixture set.
- Garnish and serve:
- Just before serving, garnish with additional maraschino cherries, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for that classic banana split look.
Notes
- Serve immediately after garnishing to prevent the bananas from browning.
- For added flavor, try using banana-flavored pudding mix instead of vanilla.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance, but wait to slice and add the bananas until just before serving.