Refreshing Summer Berry Bliss Salad
This Refreshing Summer Berry Bliss Salad is a delightful and colorful medley of fresh fruits that bursts with flavor and sweetness. The creamy twist of instant vanilla pudding mixed with juicy pineapple sets this salad apart, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or family barbecues. With bright strawberries, luscious blueberries, and sweet bananas, this simple yet impressive salad will be a hit at any occasion. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of your time and some chilling in the refrigerator to enhance its flavors. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat on hot days!
6-8
Servings
150
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
1 (5 1/8 ounce package)
Pineapple Tidbits in Juice
1 (20 ounce can)
Fresh Strawberries
1 (1 lb, quartered)
Fresh Blueberries
1 (1 cup, optional)
Bananas
3 (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and the canned pineapple tidbits along with their juice. Stir well until the pudding mix is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2
Gently fold in the quartered strawberries and, if desired, the fresh blueberries. Ensure the fruits are well-coated with the pudding mixture for enhanced flavor.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
4
Just before serving, carefully fold in the sliced bananas to maintain their texture and prevent browning.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
31g
Carbs
1g
Protein
19g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor of the Refreshing Summer Berry Bliss Salad?
The salad features a sweet and creamy vanilla-pineapple base that complements fresh strawberries, blueberries, and bananas.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and for the mixture to chill thoroughly.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit for this salad?
Fresh fruit is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor, though you can use frozen berries if they are completely thawed and drained.
What type of pineapple is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 20-ounce can of pineapple tidbits in juice.
Do I need to drain the pineapple juice?
No, you should use the pineapple tidbits along with their juice to dissolve the instant pudding mix.
When is the best time to add the sliced bananas?
Bananas should be added just before serving to maintain their texture and prevent them from turning brown.
Why should I wait to add the bananas until the end?
Adding bananas at the last minute ensures they stay firm and look fresh rather than becoming mushy or discolored during the chilling process.
Can I prepare this fruit salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the base with the pudding, pineapple, and berries earlier in the day, but wait until serving time to add the bananas.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
Is this Berry Bliss Salad gluten-free?
While the fruit is naturally gluten-free, you should check the label of your instant vanilla pudding mix to ensure it does not contain gluten additives.
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes, while vanilla is traditional, cheesecake or white chocolate instant pudding mixes would also taste excellent.
What size package of pudding mix is needed?
You will need a 5 1/8 ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix.
Do I follow the pudding box directions to make the salad?
No, do not use milk as directed on the box; instead, mix the dry pudding powder directly with the canned pineapple and its juice.
Are the blueberries mandatory for this recipe?
No, the fresh blueberries are listed as an optional ingredient, so you can omit them if you prefer.
How should I prepare the strawberries for this salad?
The strawberries should be washed, hulled, and quartered before being folded into the mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer picnic?
Absolutely! It is a refreshing and popular choice for picnics, though it should be kept in a cooler until it is time to serve.
What is the general texture of this salad?
It has a creamy, pudding-like consistency that coats chunks of juicy fruit.
Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?
Yes, you can substitute sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix if you want to reduce the sugar content.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The salad is best eaten within 24 hours, as the fruit (especially the bananas) will release moisture and soften over time.
Can I double this recipe for a large party?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double; simply use two cans of pineapple, two packages of pudding, and double the amount of fresh fruit.
Does this recipe contain any nuts?
No, this recipe is nut-free as written, making it safe for those with nut allergies.
Can I add other fruits like grapes or melon to this salad?
Yes, you can customize the salad with other fruits such as seedless grapes, mandarin oranges, or raspberries.
Is this dish served as a side or a dessert?
It is versatile and can be served either as a sweet side dish or a light dessert.
What quantity of blueberries is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of fresh blueberries.
How much fat is in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 2 grams of fat per serving.
Is this salad considered a quick recipe?
Yes, the actual preparation time is very fast, requiring only a few minutes of mixing and chopping.
What kind of mixing bowl is best?
A large mixing bowl is best to ensure you have enough room to gently fold in the fruit without mashing it.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You can use fresh pineapple, but you will need to add about 1 to 1.5 cups of pineapple juice or white grape juice to dissolve the pudding mix properly.