Sunshine Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Fresh and canned fruits
01 -
1 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into chunks
02 -
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges in light syrup (do not drain)
03 -
2 bananas, peeled and sliced
→ Dressing
04 -
1 box (4-serving size) sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix, dry (do not prepare with milk)
# Instructions:
01 -
Core and chop the fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Peel and slice the bananas into rounds about ½-inch thick. Open the can of mandarin oranges but do not drain the syrup – you'll need this liquid to help activate the pudding mix.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the pineapple chunks, banana slices, and mandarin oranges with their syrup. Try not to break up the fruit pieces as you mix.
03 -
Sprinkle the dry vanilla pudding mix evenly over the fruit mixture. The key here is to use it dry – do not prepare it with milk as the package directs. The fruit juices will react with the pudding mix to create a light, sweet dressing.
04 -
Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until the pudding mix is fully incorporated and beginning to thicken from the fruit juices. Make sure all the fruit pieces are coated with the developing sauce.
05 -
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. This allows the pudding mix to fully activate with the fruit juices and develop a thickened, creamy consistency.
06 -
Scoop about one cup of the sunshine salad per serving into individual bowls or dessert dishes. The salad can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days, though the bananas may darken slightly.
# Notes:
01 -
For best appearance, add the bananas just before serving to prevent browning, or toss them with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
02 -
You can substitute fresh oranges for the canned mandarin oranges, but you'll need to add about 3 tablespoons of juice (orange, pineapple, or apple) to provide enough liquid for the pudding mix.
03 -
Try adding other fruits like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi for color and flavor variations.