Sunshine Salad is a bright, fruity, and refreshing dish that comes together in minutes and is perfect for potlucks, brunches, or a simple family dessert. With a sweet, creamy coating created by dry vanilla pudding mix (no milk needed!), it transforms basic fruit into a dessert-like salad that’s bursting with tropical flavors.
The juicy pineapple, sweet Mandarin oranges, and soft bananas blend beautifully with the pudding mix to create a lightly creamy texture that clings to the fruit without overwhelming it. It’s a no-fuss, no-cook recipe with simple ingredients and big flavor — a great way to enjoy fruit in a slightly unexpected way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Just 5 minutes of prep and no cooking required.
- Naturally sweet & creamy – The pudding mix adds sweetness and creaminess without extra sugar or dairy.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great as a side, snack, or dessert.
- Customizable – Add berries, apples, or grapes if you’d like to change it up.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into chunks
- 1 can (15 oz) Mandarin oranges in light syrup (do not drain)
- 2 bananas, peeled and sliced
- 1 box (4-serving size) Jell-O sugar-free vanilla instant pudding (dry mix only)
Instructions
- Prep the Fruit:
- Chop the fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks.
- Peel and slice the bananas.
- Open the Mandarin oranges without draining the syrup.
- Combine the Fruit:
- In a large bowl, add the pineapple, Mandarin oranges (with syrup), and banana slices.
- Add the Pudding Mix:
- Sprinkle the dry vanilla instant pudding mix evenly over the fruit. Do not mix it with milk beforehand.
- Stir to Combine:
- Gently stir everything together. The syrup from the oranges and the juice from the fruit will naturally activate the pudding mix, forming a creamy coating.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the pudding to thicken.
- Serve:
- Spoon into bowls or cups. Each serving is about 1 cup.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Best eaten the day it’s made—bananas can brown slightly over time.
Optional Add-Ins
- Sliced strawberries
- Halved grapes
- Mini marshmallows
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
This Sunshine Salad is sunshine in a bowl—bright, sweet, and so satisfying. Perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or anytime you want something sweet without turning on the oven!
