Ever had a fruit salad so creamy and comforting, it felt like dessert? Fruit salad with pudding takes your basic bowl of fruit to the next level with rich, velvety goodness. It’s the perfect way to bring a little indulgence to your table without a lot of fuss. You’ll love how simple ingredients can create something this dreamy.
This delightful dessert is a creamy fruit salad with vanilla pudding that combines the sweetness of strawberries, the tropical notes of mandarin oranges, and the classic taste of bananas. The mini marshmallows add a fun, chewy texture to the mix. It’s super easy to prepare and always a hit, especially when served in individual cups for a classy touch.
Ingredients
– 1 cup chopped strawberries
– 2 bananas, sliced
– 1 cup mandarin orange segments
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
– 2 cups cold milk
– 1/2 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
Instructions
Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk. Whisk together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
Step 2:
Fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping gently until fully incorporated into the pudding mixture. This will make your base extra creamy.
Step 3:
Add the chopped strawberries, banana slices, mandarin orange segments, and mini marshmallows into the pudding mixture. Gently fold them in to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld together.
Step 5:
Serve chilled with a gold spoon for an elegant touch.
Ways to Improve It
1. Add a splash of lemon juice to prevent the bananas from browning.
2. Mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
3. Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
4. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce for extra decadence.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This fruit salad is quite versatile and pairs well with grilled chicken or fish dishes for a light summer meal. It also complements savory brunch items such as quiche or frittatas beautifully.
Substitutions
1. Substitute almond or coconut milk for regular milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
2. Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for a tangier flavor profile.
3. Try using canned peaches or pineapple chunks instead of mandarin oranges if preferred.
4. Replace vanilla pudding mix with cheesecake-flavored pudding mix for a unique twist.
Recipe Variations
1. Add diced kiwi or blueberries for more fruit variety.
2. Incorporate crushed graham crackers on top for a crunchy texture.
3. Mix in some white chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise.
4. Create individual parfaits by layering fruit salad with granola in small glasses.
5. Add a splash of your favorite liqueur, like Grand Marnier, for an adult version of this dessert.
