If you are looking for a bright, refreshing dish that bursts with tropical flavors and creamy sweetness, this Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining juicy pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and lively fruit cocktail with fluffy marshmallows and a smooth blend of sour cream and orange gelatin, this salad brings a delightful balance of textures and tastes. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want a sweet treat that feels like a mini tropical vacation in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe. Each component plays a special role, from the juicy fruits providing vibrant color and natural sweetness to the marshmallows adding a fun, soft bite and the gelatin-sour cream mix delivering creaminess with a citrusy zing.
- Fruit cocktail (30 oz can): A mix of various fruits that bring variety and sweetness to the salad.
- Pineapple chunks (20 oz can): Sweet and tangy pineapple adds tropical flair and juiciness.
- Mandarin orange slices (8 oz can): These bright citrus pieces brighten the flavor and contribute a lovely pop of color.
- Mini marshmallows (10 oz bag): They add a playful, chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the fruits.
- Sour cream (24 oz container): Provides a smooth, creamy base that balances the sweetness and acidity.
- Orange-flavored gelatin (1 box): This gives a subtle citrus flavor and helps thicken the salad for an irresistible consistency.
How to Make Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe
Step 1: Drain the Fruits
Begin by draining the canned fruits thoroughly using a colander. Let them sit for about four hours to remove any excess liquid. This is a crucial step because it prevents the salad from becoming watery, ensuring each spoonful is perfectly creamy and packed with flavor.
Step 2: Combine Sour Cream and Gelatin
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream and orange-flavored gelatin until the mixture is completely smooth. This creamy base is what makes the salad so luscious, and the orange gelatin adds a fresh citrus twist that wakes up your taste buds.
Step 3: Fold in Fruits and Marshmallows
Gently fold the drained fruits and mini marshmallows into the sour cream and gelatin mixture. Take your time to distribute everything evenly without crushing the fruit. The marshmallows add a fun surprise in every bite and complement the softness of the fruit perfectly.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour, though four hours is ideal. This chilling step allows the gelatin to set and all the flavors to meld together into that signature creamy yet refreshing texture you expect from this Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe.
Step 5: Stir Before Serving
Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to fluff up the marshmallows and ensure an even consistency. Now, it’s ready to enjoy—refreshing, colorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To take your presentation up a notch, consider topping the salad with some toasted coconut flakes or a sprig of fresh mint. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also play nicely with the tropical theme, enhancing the taste experience.
Side Dishes
Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like teriyaki chicken or sticky ribs, adding a cool and sweet contrast. It’s also a lovely complement to picnic sandwiches or light brunch dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the salad in hollowed-out pineapple halves or individual clear cups layered with granola. This makes it both fun and convenient for serving at parties or potlucks, inviting everyone to dive into that tropical goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe keeps well when stored covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers to restore its creamy consistency and redistribute the fruits evenly.
Freezing
Because of the gelatin and sour cream, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing may alter the texture, causing it to become watery or grainy when thawed, which takes away from the delightful mouthfeel.
Reheating
This fruit salad is best enjoyed chilled and never reheated. Serving it cold keeps the flavors vibrant and the texture just right, making it a refreshing dish especially during warm weather.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple, mandarin oranges, and other tropical fruits can be used. Just ensure they are well-drained and cut into bite-sized pieces. Fresh fruits will give a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream to keep it creamy while catering to dietary needs. Keep the other ingredients the same for the best balance of flavor.
How long does the salad need to chill?
While one hour will set the gelatin enough for serving, chilling for about four hours is ideal to let the flavors meld and the texture reach its perfect creaminess.
Can I prepare this salad the day before a party?
Definitely! In fact, making the Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe a day ahead helps the flavors develop beautifully. Just make sure to keep it covered and refrigerated until serving.
What can I substitute for orange-flavored gelatin?
If you can’t find orange-flavored gelatin, lemon or lime gelatin works as a substitute, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. You could also omit it, but the salad will be less firm and less tangy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about this Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe that makes every bite feel like a celebration of sunshine and sweetness. It’s wonderfully simple to make, delightful to eat, and a fantastic way to brighten up any meal or occasion. Trust me, once you try it, this tropical gem will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for sharing with friends and family.
Print
Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and creamy Hawaiian Fruit Salad featuring a mix of tropical canned fruits, mini marshmallows, sour cream, and orange-flavored gelatin. Perfect as a dessert or a sweet side dish for gatherings, this salad offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures with a chilled, creamy finish.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 can (30 oz) fruit cocktail in juice
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice
- 1 can (8 oz) mandarin orange slices
Other Ingredients
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1 container (24 oz) sour cream
- 1 box orange-flavored gelatin
Instructions
- Drain the fruits: Drain the canned fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, and mandarin orange slices using a colander. Let them sit for four hours to remove excess liquid and prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream with the orange-flavored gelatin powder. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and the gelatin is fully incorporated.
- Combine fruits and marshmallows: Gently fold the drained fruits and the mini marshmallows into the sour cream and gelatin mixture. Mix carefully to ensure everything is evenly coated without crushing the fruit pieces.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably four hours, to let the flavors meld and the gelatin to slightly set, resulting in a creamy, chilled salad.
- Serve: Before serving, stir the salad gently to redistribute any settled ingredients. Enjoy your refreshing Hawaiian Fruit Salad cold as a delightful dessert or side dish.
Notes
- Draining the fruit thoroughly is key to avoiding a watery salad.
- For added texture, you can sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut before serving.
- The salad can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use low-fat sour cream for a lighter version, but note the change in creaminess.
- If fresh fruits are preferred, substitute canned fruits with equal amounts of pineapple, oranges, and mixed tropical fruits but adjust juice accordingly.
