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Sunshine Salad with Pineapple, Mandarin Oranges, and Vanilla Pudding Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 30 reviews
  • Author: Deborah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A refreshing and easy-to-make Sunshine Salad featuring a medley of tropical fruits coated with sugar-free vanilla pudding mix. This sweet and tangy no-cook dessert or snack is perfect for a light treat or a summer gathering, delivering vibrant flavors and a creamy texture without adding extra sugar.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 1 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into chunks
  • 1 can (15 oz) Mandarin oranges in light syrup
  • 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced

Other Ingredients

  • 1 box (4-serving size) Jell-O sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Combine Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, place the pineapple chunks, Mandarin oranges with their syrup, and the sliced bananas to create a colorful fruit base.
  2. Add Pudding Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry sugar-free vanilla pudding mix over the fruit mixture without adding milk to ensure the flavors coat the fruit properly instead of forming pudding.
  3. Mix Gently: Stir gently until all pieces of fruit are evenly coated with the pudding powder to achieve a light, creamy texture throughout the salad.
  4. Chill and Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the salad to slightly thicken before serving.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the salad for a fresh herbal garnish that complements the sweetness.

Notes

  • Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Do not add milk to the pudding mix as this recipe uses the dry mix as a coating, lending a unique texture.
  • Refrigeration time can be extended up to 3 hours for enhanced flavor melding.
  • Optional: add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added tanginess.