Banana Split Fluff Salad 🍌🍓🍒

A no-bake dessert salad that tastes like a banana split in creamy, fluffy form!

This Banana Split Fluff Salad is a delicious and nostalgic twist on the classic ice cream dessert—only there’s no melting and no mess. With a creamy whipped base, chunks of banana, pineapple, strawberries, mini marshmallows, and a hint of chocolate, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight desserts.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 (8 oz) tub of light or sugar-free whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice, well drained
  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant sugar-free vanilla pudding mix (dry mix only)
  • 1½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 2 medium bananas, sliced
  • 1½ cups mini marshmallows
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

🍴 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Peel and slice the bananas. Hull and slice the strawberries. Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid making the salad watery.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, fold together the whipped topping and the dry vanilla pudding mix until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Fruit & Mix-ins

Gently stir in the crushed pineapple, sliced strawberries, and banana slices. Then fold in the mini marshmallows. If you’re using walnuts and mini chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Step 4: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld together and gives the salad a firmer, fluffier consistency.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Before serving, give the fluff salad a gentle stir. Garnish with a few maraschino cherries, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup if desired.

📌 Tips & Variations

  • Use Greek yogurt: For more protein, substitute half the whipped topping with nonfat Greek yogurt.
  • Prevent browning: Toss the banana slices in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
  • Make it ahead: This salad can be made the night before—just wait to add bananas and strawberries until shortly before serving.
  • Low-sugar option: Use sugar-free pudding, light whipped topping, and omit the chocolate chips and cherries.
  • Make it nut-free: Simply omit the walnuts.

🍓 Flavor Additions

Want to customize it? Try folding in:

  • Crushed graham crackers or waffle cone pieces for a sundae-like crunch
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • A swirl of peanut butter or chocolate syrup

📦 Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. It’s best eaten within the first 24 hours for peak freshness. Avoid freezing.

🧁 Nutrition Estimate (Per ½ cup serving — varies with ingredients used)

  • Calories: ~140
  • Fat: 3–5g
  • Carbs: 22g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Protein: 1–2g

For WW SmartPoints and low-point adaptations, I can provide a full WW version too.