Banana Split Fluff Salad

All the sweet and creamy flavors of a banana split come together in this easy Banana Split Fluff Salad. It’s packed with cherries, pineapple, and fun toppings, all mixed into a smooth, pudding-based fluff.

banana split fluff salad in white bowl

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Some days call for a dessert that feels like a hug, and this banana split fluff salad is just that. Itโ€™s sweet, creamy, full of fruit, and tastes like a banana split exploded into a bowl of happiness.

I grew up eating something like this at potlucks, so it has that old-school charm I canโ€™t get enough of, and even my kids love it. Itโ€™s a no-bake dream that works any time of year.

Why I love this recipe

What makes this recipe so great is how low-effort yet high-reward it is. It can be made ahead of time and still taste delicious hours later. I also love that itโ€™s a hit with kids and adults, and I get to call it a โ€œsaladโ€ and no one questions it!

For more easy and delicious treats that keep things fresh and fun in the kitchen, you should try my watergate salad recipe!

Ingredients

I usually have most of the ingredients sitting in my pantry or fridge already. This recipe is great because everything comes together quickly, and thereโ€™s no cooking involved. Just mix and chill.

banana split fluff salad ingredients on countertop
  • banana instant pudding
  • pineapple + juice from the can
  • Cool Whip
  • mini marshmallows
  • walnuts
  • mini chocolate chips
  • bananas
  • maraschino cherries

Step by step

  1. In a large bowl, mix the banana pudding, crushed pineapple with its juice, and whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
  2. Stir in the mini marshmallows, chopped walnuts, and chocolate chips until everything is evenly mixed.
  3. Gently fold in the sliced bananas and halved maraschino cherries, being careful not to mash the fruit. Chill for 30 minutes if you have time for the flavors to come together.
  4. Transfer the mixture to your serving bowl, finish with a handful of extra walnuts, chocolate chips, and a cherry on top.
gif of stirring bowl

Tips for best results

  • Choose ripe bananas with yellow peels and just a few brown spots.
  • Dry the cherries well with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps keep the salad from turning watery or pink.
  • Chill before serving for at least 30 minutes when possible so the flavors can blend and the texture sets nicely.
banana split fluff salad in white bowl

Variations

If you donโ€™t have banana pudding, vanilla or cheesecake pudding works just as well. For a fresher taste, use real strawberries or pineapple chunks instead of canned. If you want to make a nut-free banana pudding salad, leave the nuts out or swap them for crushed graham crackers or granola. And a drizzle of chocolate? Highly recommend.

Storage

Transfer any leftover banana split salad to a container with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the fridge. Itโ€™s still good the next day, but best when enjoyed right away.

I do not recommend freezing fluff salad as the whipped topping and bananas donโ€™t freeze well.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

If you liked this recipe, youโ€™ll love my free 5-Ingredient Dinner Challenge.

Iโ€™ll send you super simple meals that use just five ingredients and come together fast โ€” perfect for busy weeknights when you donโ€™t want to overthink dinner.

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banana split fluff salad in white bowl with cherry on top

Banana Split Fluff Salad


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  • Author: Melissa Riker
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

All the sweet and creamy flavors of a banana split come together in this easy Banana Split Fluff Salad. It’s packed with cherries, pineapple, and fun toppings, all mixed into a smooth, pudding-based fluff.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 (3.4 oz.) box of banana instant pudding
  • 20 ounces crushed pineapple, plus the juice from the can
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping
  • 1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved, drained well, and patted dry with paper towels

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the banana pudding, crushed pineapple with its juice, and whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
  2. Stir in the mini marshmallows, chopped walnuts, and chocolate chips until everything is evenly mixed.
  3. Gently fold in the sliced bananas and halved maraschino cherries, being careful not to mash the fruit.
  4. Transfer the mixture to your serving bowl, finish with a handful of extra walnuts, chocolate chips, and a cherry on top.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 244
  • Sugar: 30.9 g
  • Sodium: 188.5 mg
  • Fat: 9.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 2.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.5 mg

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