Delicious Ripe Banana Snowball Salad Recipe – Try Now!
In a world where culinary trends come and go, forgotten foods from the past are making a comeback. One such dish is the Snowball Salad, an iconic dish from the 1970s that is making waves again in modern homes. With its creamy texture and sweet taste, this dessert salad has become an instant favorite.
Allow me to introduce you to my Ripe Banana-Snowball Salad Recipe, a modern take on this classic dish. Made with ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, sour cream, and Cool Whip, this recipe promises to make you feel like you are having a banana split fluff salad.
This salad recipe not only tastes amazing but also brings back fond memories of forgotten foods from the past. I am excited to take you on a journey back in time and share with you how to recreate this delicious snowball salad recipe right in your own kitchen. So why not dust off your serving bowls, get your chef’s hat on, and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a sweet, light and refreshing dessert or side dish that is loved by both adults and kids alike, then this ripe banana snowball salad recipe is perfect for you.
Combining the all-time favorite fruits of bananas, crushed pineapple, and maraschino cherries with the crunch of pecans and the creaminess of Cool Whip and sour cream, this salad is just like enjoying a banana split fluff in salad form.
What’s even better? This recipe requires no baking or cooking – it’s as simple as mixing all the ingredients together. That means you can whip up a bowl of goodness in no time!
Not only is this snowball salad creamy and delicious, but also versatile. It serves equally well as a side dish or a dessert during potlucks, parties or summer barbecues. You can also customize it to your liking by adding some variations such as apple bananas, pistachios, lemon juice or substitutes such as Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Moreover, this snowball salad recipe brings back memories of forgotten foods from the 70s – recalling the days of Watergate Salad and fruit salads with marshmallows. But now it’s even better! With its unique combination of flavors, our interpretation of snowball salad is sure to become a new family favorite.
So whether you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, or aiming to bring back some nostalgia from the past, our ripe banana snowball salad recipe is simply irresistible!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need for this snowball salad recipe:
-
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
-
2 cups cool whip
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1 cup sour cream
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1 and ½ cups granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 (8 ounce) container maraschino cherries, drained and halved
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1 and ½ cups chopped ripe banana
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1 cup chopped pecans
Note: You can adjust the amount of sugar or cool whip according to your preference.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let me guide you through the process of making this “Ripe Banana–Snowball Salad Recipe” step by step:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 ounce) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups banana cake or pound cake, cubed
- 6 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
- 1 jar (10 ounce) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 2 cups Cool Whip
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the crushed pineapple (undrained), sugar and lemon juice.
- Add the cubed cake and mix until thoroughly coated with the mixture.
- Gently fold in sliced bananas, chopped pecans and maraschino cherries.
- Stir in Cool Whip and sour cream until well combined.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Note: This recipe serves 8 to 10 people.
Tips:
Here are some tips for making the perfect “Ripe Banana–Snowball Salad Recipe” everytime:
- Use ripe bananas to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Toasting the pecans brings out a nuttier flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit.
- You can use any type of cake for this recipe, but banana or pound cake works particularly well.
- Make sure to drain the maraschino cherry well to prevent excess liquid from seeping into your salad.
Enjoy your delicious “Ripe Banana–Snowball Salad”!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is the ability to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. With the ripe banana-snowball salad recipe, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative with substitutions and variations.
Firstly, if you don’t have all the required ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make swaps with similar items in your pantry. Instead of pecans, try using chopped walnuts or almonds. If you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, consider substituting them with dried cranberries or raisins. And if you don’t have crushed pineapple on hand, feel free to substitute it for some canned fruit cocktail.
For a healthier twist on this decadent dessert salad, you can use light sour cream and sugar-free Cool Whip. You may also replace cool whip with whipped cream for a less artificial taste. And if you’re looking to add some extra fiber and nutrients to your snowball salad, consider tossing in some chia seeds or flax meal.
If you want to switch up the flavor profile of your salad, try adding different complementary ingredients. For instance, apple banana and pistachios would be an interesting addition and change taste and texture.
Lastly, you can transform this salad recipe into other dishes. Utilize it as a sandwich spread instead of mayonnaise or bread spread sauce on top of your favorite cake or ice cream sundae. A chocolate or white cake coupled with “Banana Pudding Fluff Salad” or “Watergate fruit salad” is always a hit among guests.
Remember that tweaking recipes is an excellent way to make them more personalized for your tastes and dietary needs while keeping the core flavors intact. So don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Snowball salad is a perfect dish for any gathering. The banana-sour cream salad has a light and refreshing consistency that pairs well with a variety of different foods. This versatile salad is perfect for serving at brunch, lunch, or dinner.
One great pairing for Snowball Salad is a hearty meat dish. The creamy texture of the salad provides a counterbalance to stronger flavors, such as those found in beef or lamb dishes. It also pairs well with rice or potato dishes, which can serve as a savory base for the sweet flavors of the salad.
Another great pairing option is to serve Snowball Salad alongside fruit or fruit-based desserts. The banana and crushed pineapple in the salad make it an excellent accompaniment to other fresh fruit salads or desserts, like banana pudding fluff salad or Watergate Salad.
For an unexpected pairing option, consider serving Snowball Salad together with chocolate-covered bananas for dessert. The cool whip combined with flavorful ingredients makes this blend work like magic.
When it comes to serving Snowball Salad, use your creativity and have fun. It can be presented either molded into a decorative shape, scooped into a bowl or chilled dessert glass, depending on the occasion.
Overall, Snowball Salad is an incredibly versatile dish and scores well both as a starter and dessert that’s tough not to impress your guests at any gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Planning ahead is key for a successful party, and this Ripe Banana-Snowball Salad recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Once prepared, you can keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. However, keep in mind that the bananas can turn brown if left sitting out for too long.
To avoid this, you can prepare the salad step-by-step, and add the ripe bananas just before serving. Another option is to add a small amount of lemon juice to the mix, as the acid will help slow down the browning process.
If you have leftovers, which is unlikely with this delicious dish, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When it comes to reheating this snowball salad recipe, there’s really no need. This salad is meant to be cold and creamy. But if you insist on warming it up, remove some of the Cool Whip from the top and then put it in the microwave on low power for a few seconds at a time just until it reaches room temperature. Be sure not to overheat because it will ruin the texture of your salad.
Overall, this salad is excellent because you can prepare it well in advance and focus on other last-minute preparations that make parties special.
Tips for Perfect Results
Looking to perfect your snowball salad recipe? Look no further than these tips for perfect results.
1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and softer they will be in the dish. Make sure to use bananas that have brown spots and are soft to the touch.
2. Drain the Crushed Pineapple: Before adding the crushed pineapple to the mixture, use a strainer to fully drain any excess juice. This will prevent the salad from being too watery.
3. Avoid Overmixing: When it comes to incorporating all of the ingredients together, it’s important not to overmix. Fold in everything gently until just combined to avoid creating a mushy texture.
4. Chill before Serving: Allow the mixture to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This will help everything set up and create a dish with better texture.
5. Experiment with Substitutions: Don’t be afraid to experiment with changing up some of the ingredients in this recipe. Try different fruits or nuts depending on what you have available and see what unique flavour combinations you can come up with.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to make this delicious snowball salad confidently every single time with perfect results!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique and delicious recipe to add to your collection, the ripe banana-snowball salad recipe is the perfect choice. The combination of sweet ripe bananas, tangy pineapple, crunchy pecans, and fluffy Cool Whip creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress both you and your guests.
This recipe is versatile and can be eaten as a dessert or a side dish, and it pairs well with a variety of main courses. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients that are readily available at your local grocery store.
By trying out this recipe, you’ll not only be in for an enjoyable culinary experience but will also indulge in a trip down memory lane as this dish is derived from the forgotten foods of the 70s. It’s an opportunity to explore flavors from generations before us that are still just as delicious today.
So what are you waiting for? Give the ripe banana-snowball salad recipe a try and experience all the joys of this classic dish. From preparing it to enjoying it with your friends and family, this recipe is sure to impress all who try it.
Ripe Banana--Snowball Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 (12 ounce) container Cool Whip
- 1 (16 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherry, well drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
Instructions
- Mix in order listed.
- Pour into dish and freeze overnight.
- Serve frozen.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!