Looking for a refreshing and easy dessert or side dish that’s both creamy and fruity? This Creamy Strawberry Banana Salad is the perfect combo of sweet strawberries, bananas, and a silky pudding-yogurt base. It’s quick to put together and a total crowd-pleaser for any occasion—whether it’s a picnic, BBQ, or a family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pkg Instant Banana Cream Pudding (3.4 oz)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 lbs strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 4 ripe bananas (peeled and sliced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding Base:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Instant Banana Cream Pudding mix and 1 cup milk. Whisk until the pudding is well-blended and thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Yogurt and Vanilla:
- Stir in the 1 cup vanilla yogurt and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Prep the Fruit:
- Hull the strawberries (remove the stems) and cut them in half. Place them in a separate bowl.
- Peel the bananas and slice them into rounds. Add them to the strawberry bowl.
- Toss with Lemon Juice:
- Add the 2 tbsp lemon juice to the fruit mixture and toss to coat evenly. The lemon juice helps keep the bananas from browning and adds a fresh, zesty kick.
- Combine the Fruit and Creamy Base:
- Gently fold the fruit mixture into the yogurt-pudding mixture. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Chill:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. The flavors will meld together, and the salad will be cool and refreshing.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of this simple and delicious salad!
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
- A: Yes, you can experiment with other flavors of pudding mix, like vanilla or pistachio, for a twist. Just note that banana pudding gives it that extra flavor boost!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
- A: Absolutely! This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually get better the longer it sits, so it’s perfect for making ahead for a party or event.
Q: Can I add other fruits?
- A: Yes! Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries, grapes, or even pineapple to make it even more colorful and flavorful.
Q: Is there a way to make this a little healthier?
- A: You can swap the vanilla yogurt for Greek yogurt for added protein, or use low-fat or sugar-free pudding mix if you’re watching your calories.
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
- Simple & Quick: It comes together in no time and requires just a few basic ingredients.
- Refreshing & Sweet: The mix of fresh fruit and creamy base is so light, refreshing, and perfect for summer!
- Customizable: You can adjust the fruit, add-ins, or even switch up the pudding flavor to fit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a BBQ, holiday gathering, or just a sweet snack, this dish will always be a hit!
This Creamy Strawberry Banana Salad is a must-try treat that will be the star of any spread! It’s the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and refreshing—your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy! 🍓🍌