Sunshine Salad is a creamy, dreamy fruit salad made with juicy pineapple, mandarin oranges, and ripe bananas—all tossed in sweet vanilla pudding mix. It’s a chilled, no-bake treat perfect for brunches, potlucks, or your next family dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Sunshine Salad
- Super Easy, No Cooking Needed: Just open, chop, sprinkle, and stir.
- Creamy & Fruity Combo: Sweet pudding hugs every bite of juicy fruit.
- Perfectly Refreshing: Chilled and light—ideal for sunny days.
- Only 4 Ingredients: Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh Pineapple (cut into chunks) | 1 whole |
| Mandarin Oranges (in syrup) | 1 can (15 oz, do not drain) |
| Bananas (sliced) | 2 |
| Sugar-Free Instant Vanilla Pudding | 1 box (4-serving size, dry mix only) |
How to Make Sunshine Salad
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
- Chop pineapple into bite-sized chunks.
- Slice bananas into rounds.
- Pour the entire can of mandarin oranges—including syrup—into a large bowl.
Step 2: Mix Together
- Add pineapple and banana to the bowl with the oranges.
- Sprinkle the dry vanilla pudding mix evenly over the top.
Step 3: Stir It Up
- Gently mix everything together until the fruit is fully coated in a thick, creamy dressing.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the pudding mix thicken and flavors blend.
Recipes You’ll Love
Want more fruity goodness? Don’t miss these crowd-pleasing favorites:
👉 Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk
👉 Peach Berry Fruit Salad
👉 Millionaire Peach Salad
Expert Tips
- Don’t Drain the Oranges: Their syrup replaces milk for the pudding—this is key!
- Use Ripe Bananas: Not overripe—they’ll break down too much in the salad.
- Serve It Cold: Chill at least an hour for the best texture.
- Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: It keeps the bananas from browning too quickly.
- Optional Add-Ins: Add shredded coconut or mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
FAQs
What is Sunshine Salad made of?
Sunshine Salad is made with pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges (in syrup), bananas, and dry vanilla pudding mix—no milk or extra sugar needed.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes! Just drain it well before mixing. Fresh pineapple gives better texture, but canned works too.
Do I really need to use the syrup from the oranges?
Yes, it’s crucial. The syrup mixes with the pudding to create the creamy coating—don’t drain it.
How long does Sunshine Salad last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, Sunshine Salad stays fresh for 1–2 days.
Can I make it the night before?
Yes! Just prep it a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Add banana just before serving to keep it fresh.
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely. Try strawberries, mango, or even grapes—but keep the base combo for that “sunshine” flavor.
Is it gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free pudding mix, then yes—Sunshine Salad is a naturally gluten-free treat.
Can I add whipped topping or marshmallows?
Totally! A dollop of whipped topping or a handful of marshmallows can make it even more fun and fluffy.
Sunshine Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz mandarin oranges (undrained)
- 1 can 20 oz pineapple chunks (chopped)
- 2 ripe bananas sliced
- 1 box 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding (dry mix only)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Chop pineapple and slice bananas.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix all the fruit together (including mandarin orange syrup).
- Add Pudding Mix: Sprinkle dry pudding mix over the fruit—do not add milk.
- Mix: Stir until well combined and pudding starts to thicken.
- Chill (optional): Refrigerate before serving for best flavor.