This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad Recipe is a creamy mix of cheesecake pudding, yogurt, bananas, strawberries, and marshmallows—a perfect summer treat!
You ever have one of those moments where you completely forget you need to bring something to a party? Yep. That was me. I had about 15 minutes before heading out to a backyard BBQ, staring at my fridge like it would magically offer a solution.
That’s when I spotted some yogurt, Cool Whip, and a big bowl of strawberries and bananas. Hmm… I grabbed an instant cheesecake pudding mix from the pantry, threw it all together, and hoped for the best.
Fast forward to the party: Everyone was obsessed. “What is this?” “Did you make this from scratch?” “Can you bring this to every event from now on?”
So yeah, that’s how this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad became my go-to for potlucks, BBQs, and lazy summer afternoons when I want a sweet treat with zero effort.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad Recipe?
- It takes 10 minutes. No baking, no fancy equipment, just mix and chill!
- Tastes like cheesecake, but lighter. It’s creamy and indulgent without being too heavy.
- Perfect for summer gatherings. Because who doesn’t love fresh fruit in a dessert?
- Great for kids and adults. It’s sweet, fruity, and marshmallow-y—basically irresistible.
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient here plays a part in making this salad absolutely amazing.
- Strawberry Banana Yogurt – It’s the base of the creamy goodness and gives a fruity kick.
- Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix – The secret to getting that thick, rich cheesecake flavor.
- Cool Whip – Because fluffy, dreamy texture is everything.
- Mini Marshmallows – Adds a little chew and extra sweetness.
- Bananas – Fresh, soft, and naturally sweet.
- Strawberries – Juicy and tart, balancing out all the flavors.
How To Make Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad?
Step 1: Mix the Base
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the strawberry banana yogurt and cheesecake pudding mix until it’s smooth and creamy. It’ll thicken a little as it sits, so don’t worry if it looks too runny at first.
Step 2: Fold in the Cool Whip
Gently fold in the Cool Whip, making sure it stays light and airy. You don’t want to overmix here—you’re aiming for a mousse-like texture.
Step 3: Add the Fruit & Marshmallows
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, banana slices, and quartered strawberries. If you’re worried about the bananas turning brown, a quick toss in lemon juice helps keep them fresh.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Want To Save This Recipe?
You can serve this immediately, but if you have time, let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors really come together and makes everything extra creamy.
Garnish with extra strawberries and bananas for a picture-perfect finish.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Avoid Freezing: The texture won’t hold up well after thawing, so just make it fresh!
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Try these fun twists:
- Swap the yogurt – Greek yogurt gives a tangier, protein-packed version.
- Change up the pudding – Vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix would work just as well.
- Add extra fruit – Blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches would be delicious.
- Make it crunchy – Toss in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.
What to Serve with Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad?
This sweet, creamy salad pairs perfectly with:
- BBQ chicken or burgers – A light, refreshing contrast to smoky flavors.
- Grilled fish – A great match for something like salmon or shrimp.
- Brunch favorites – Serve it alongside pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! Just wait to add the bananas until right before serving so they stay fresh.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Just whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
How do I keep the bananas from turning brown?
A little lemon juice does the trick—just a quick toss before adding them in!
This Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad Recipe is proof that the best recipes are the simplest ones. Whether you’re making it for a summer BBQ, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something sweet, it’s always a hit.
Try it out and let me know what you think!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberry banana yogurt
- 1 3 oz. package instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 8 ounces Cool Whip whipped topping
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 2 cups sliced bananas
- 2 cups strawberries quartered
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the strawberry banana yogurt and instant cheesecake pudding mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The pudding mix will thicken as it sits, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
Incorporate the Whipped Topping
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip using a spatula, ensuring that the mixture remains light and airy. Avoid over-mixing to preserve the fluffy texture.
Add the Fruit and Marshmallows
- Carefully fold in the miniature marshmallows, followed by the sliced bananas and quartered strawberries. If desired, set aside a few banana slices and strawberry pieces for garnish.
Chill and Serve
- For best results, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the creamy consistency.
- Before serving, garnish with the reserved banana slices and strawberry pieces. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Notes
- The instant cheesecake pudding mix is labeled gluten-free.
- The Cool Whip or any whipped topping used is free of gluten additives.
- Any additional mix-ins, such as marshmallows, are verified gluten-free.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
