Creamy Strawberry Banana Salad
Looking for a refreshing and easy dessert perfect for summer potlucks and BBQs? Look no further than this creamy strawberry banana salad! This delightful recipe combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries and bananas with a smooth and creamy vanilla pudding base. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. It uses readily available ingredients like instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, yogurt, and fresh fruit. Plus, it’s easily customizable! Want it richer? Add whipped topping. Craving a bit of crunch? Fold in chopped nuts.
This creamy strawberry banana salad is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. So ditch the store-bought desserts and whip up this delightful treat for a taste of summer in every bite!
Questions I often get asked about his recipe:
Fresh strawberries are out of season, can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess juice.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, use vegan pudding mix, plant-based milk, and vegan yogurt/whipped topping.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
Blueberries, raspberries, chopped pineapple, etc.
How can I prevent the bananas from browning?
Toss them with lemon juice or a light sugar syrup before adding them to the salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.
What you need to make Creamy Strawberry Banana Salad:
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup plain vanilla yogurt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 lbs strawberries, hulled and sliced
4 ripe bananas, sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
How to make it:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
Fold in the yogurt and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, toss the strawberries and lemon juice to coat. This will help prevent browning.
Gently fold the strawberries and bananas into the pudding mixture. Be careful not to overmix, or the bananas will become mushy.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
Tips:
For a richer flavor, use whipped topping instead of yogurt. Fold in 1 container (8 oz) of thawed whipped topping after combining the pudding and yogurt.
Want to add a bit of crunch? Before serving, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
If your strawberries are very juicy, you may want to drain some of the excess juice before adding them to the salad to prevent it from becoming too runny.
This salad is best enjoyed the day it is made, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Latest Reviews:
Perfect for Summer Parties! – This recipe is a lifesaver! I needed something light and refreshing to bring to a last-minute BBQ, and this creamy strawberry banana salad was a total hit. It was so easy to throw together, and everyone loved the combination of sweet fruit and creamy pudding. I even snuck in a little extra vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost. Definitely recommend this for any summer gathering! Sarah.
Delicious and Easy for Busy Weeknights – This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want a quick and easy dessert. The kids loved it, and it was definitely a step up from the usual ice cream routine. I did find the pudding mix a little too sweet for my taste, so next time I might try using less sugar or even a light version. But overall, a great recipe with lots of room for customization! John.
Creamy Dream! – Oh my goodness, this creamy strawberry banana salad is pure heaven! I followed the recipe exactly, and it turned out perfectly. The pudding was light and fluffy, and the strawberries and bananas were so fresh and juicy. I even convinced my husband (who usually isn’t a big dessert fan) to try it, and he couldn’t stop raving about it. This is definitely going into my recipe box for future potlucks and family gatherings! Mike.
Printable Recipe:
Creamy Strawberry Banana Salad
This refreshing salad is perfect for a potluck, BBQ, or a light and fruity dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup plain vanilla yogurt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 lbs strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in the yogurt and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, toss the strawberries and lemon juice to coat. This will help prevent browning.
- Gently fold the strawberries and bananas into the pudding mixture. Be careful not to overmix, or the bananas will become mushy.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook