Banana Split Fluff Salad

Whip up this banana split fluff salad for a fun and delicious summer treat that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or just because.

If you’re looking for a fun, fruity dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth, then look no further than this creamy Banana Split Fluff Salad recipe!

With just 15 minutes of prep time and minimal ingredients, it’s the perfect way to transform ordinary bananas and strawberries into an ooey-gooey delight.

The Banana Split Fluff Salad is bursting with bananas, strawberries, Cool Whip, crushed pineapple – all the juicy sweetness of a classic banana split in an easy-to-make dessert salad. Don’t forget about those mini marshmallows and toppings like chocolate chips and chopped nuts – they add an extra crunch to each bite.

Not only do you get the nostalgic flavors of a classic banana split in every bite – this sweet treat is perfect for topping off a summer gathering or just as a delightful indulgence for those hot days at home.

We guarantee that everyone will be going back for seconds (and thirds!) once they’ve tasted this Banana Split Fluff Salad!

Why You Will LOVE This Fluff Salad

• Fun twist on the classic banana split
• No melting!
• No bake dessert
• Quick and easy to make
• Creamy, sweet, tangy, and delicious
• Perfect for potlucks, parties, cookouts, and family get-togethers

What are Fluff Salads?

Fluff Salads are a light dessert salad made with mostly fruit mixed with marshmallows. They can be served as a side dish or as a dessert.

The marshmallows add sweetness and texture to the dish. Common ingredients include fresh fruit, canned pineapple, walnuts and mini marshmallows. Fluff salads are usually dressed with cool whip and yogurt or pudding for an extra creamy texture.

This type of salad is very popular at potlucks and family gatherings because it is easy to make and requires no cooking time.

What To Serve With Banana Split Dessert Salad?

Eat it with a spoon or serve with dippers. If you want some great choices for dippers, here are some favourites:

• Pretzels
• Cookies
• Nilla Wafers
• Graham crackers
• Animal crackers
• Oreos
• Sugar cookies
• Waffle or sugar cone pieces
• Pie crust “chips”

Banana Split Fluff Salad Topping Ideas

We top our fluff with nuts, chocolate chips, and maraschino cherries. Make it more decadent with a selection of other toppings like:

• Chocolate syrup
• Whipped cream
• Sprinkles
• Coconut flakes
• Candied nuts

Tips for Making the BEST Ambrosia Salad

• Carefully fold together the dressing and the fruit so you don’t break apart the fruit pieces.
• Make sure to give it some time to chill before serving. It’s worth the wait. The marshmallows will soften and soak in all the flavors and fruit juices.
• Drain the fruit and cherries as much as possible so that the cream does not get too watery as it sits.
• BUT do not drain the pineapple juice unless substituting with milk etc…

How to Store Leftover Ambrosia Salad

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Ambrosia is best served the day of but leftovers will be perfect for the next few days. If stored any longer the marshmallows will become unpleasantly soggy and mushy from sitting in the cream and fruit juices.

I do not recommend freezing Ambrosia salad.

About the Ingredients for Banana Split Fluff Salad

Banana pudding – You can also use the sugar free and fat free version instant banana pudding. Just make sure it is the Iinstant variety and not the cook and serve. If you can’t find instant banana pudding, you can use vanilla, cheesecake, or even coconut cream flavour.

Crushed pineapple – There is no need to drain the canned pineapple in this recipe as the juice helps dissolve the powder and thicken the pudding mix. Using the pineapple juice makes it that much more flavourful. If you don’t want a strong pineapple flavour, you can drain the canned pineapple juice and instead use 1 cup of milk, sour cream, or yogurt to mix with the instant pudding powder. You can also drain half of the juice and use the remaining if you want the salad to be a little thicker and creamier. Do not use fresh pineapple.

Cool whip – You can use a light/low fat Cool Whip or make your own stabilised whipped cream.

Bananas – I would recommend using perfectly ripe but firm bananas that have just turned yellow. Do not worry about the bananas turning yellow as the pineapple juice should prevent that.

Strawberries – Use only fresh strawberries.

Marshmallows – Only mini marshmallows will do, skip the regular sized marshmallows. Regular or the fruit flavoured ones will work, although regular will taste better in this mix.

Cherries – You can substitute with halved pitted cherries if you prefer. Make sure you drain the cherries really well, and to completely avoid a pink tinged salad you will want to pat them dry with paper towels as well.

Chocolate chips – I prefer semisweet to cut some of the sweetness of the rest of the fluff, but you can use milk chocolate chips instead if you like.

Nuts – Peanuts or walnuts are great here, make your own choice. Gives a nice texture and helps to cut the sweetness as well.

Looking for More Fluff Salad Recipes?

Check out more of my favourite dessert salads!

A classic ambrosia salad recipe that is sure to impress – this vintage salad features fruit tossed in a creamy dressing with marshmallows!

With just 6 simple ingredients you can make this creamy, fluffy, and tasty Oreo Fluff Salad recipe. Perfect for parties or special occasions!

Packed full of island flavours, our easy tropical fruit fluff salad recipe is a perfect dessert or side dish for any occasion!

How to Make Banana Split Fluff Salad

Yields: 12 Servings | Prep time: 15 Minutes | Chill time: 2 Hours

Ingredients:

• 3.4 ounce box instant banana pudding
• 40 ounce can crushed pineapple in juice
• 8 ounce tub Cool Whip, thawed
• 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
• 16 ounce fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 4 cups mini marshmallows (about ⅔ of a 10 ounce bag)
• 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained well and stems removed (reserve some for topping)
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping
• ½ cup chopped peanuts OR walnuts, plus more for topping

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine together the instant banana pudding mix powder with the crushed pineapple with it’s juice.

Mix until the powder fully dissolves and the pudding thickens.

Add the Cool Whip and fold it together using a rubber spatula.

Add the bananas, strawberries, marshmallows, maraschino cherries, semisweet chocolate chips, and nuts.

Stir together to combine until everything is evenly coated in the banana pudding cream mix.

Place in the refrigerator to chill for 2-4 hours. This gives the pudding time to thicken and get creamier and the flavours to merge together.

When ready to serve, top with additional nuts, semisweet chocolate chips, and maraschino cherries. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and add sprinkles if desired.