Description
This Banana Split Fluff Salad is a delightful, no-cook dessert combining the classic flavors of a banana split with a light, fluffy texture. It features creamy banana pudding, juicy pineapple, sweet marshmallows, crunchy walnuts, and chocolate chips mixed together and chilled to perfection, making it an easy and irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 – 3.4 ounce box instant banana pudding mix
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
Wet Ingredients
- 1 – 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (do not drain)
- 1 – 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
Fresh Fruit
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 – 10 ounce jars maraschino cherries, halved and patted dry
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding Base: In a mixing bowl, stir together the dry banana pudding mix and the undrained crushed pineapple until the pudding mix is fully dissolved and the mixture has thickened.
- Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pudding and pineapple mixture using a spatula, ensuring an even, fluffy consistency without deflating the whipped topping.
- Add Mix-Ins: Carefully stir in the mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, sliced bananas, and halved maraschino cherries. Mix just enough to combine all ingredients.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow it to chill and the flavors to meld. Before serving, sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of walnuts and 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips on top for garnish and added texture.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled and should be eaten within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts and garnish with extra cherries or chocolate chips.
- If mini marshmallows are not available, standard marshmallows chopped into smaller pieces can be used.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor, but add them just before serving to avoid browning.
- Ensure the pineapple is not drained to maintain the right consistency and moisture balance.
