Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hawaiian Fruit Salad is a light and healthy dessert that’s bursting with tropical flavors. The combination of sweet fruits like pineapple, mango, and bananas, paired with a creamy coconut dressing, makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, with bright colors that are perfect for any occasion. This salad can be made ahead of time and is always a hit at family gatherings, parties, and holiday celebrations. Plus, it’s customizable to your taste—add or swap in your favorite fruits!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
1 cup mango, diced
1 cup grapes, halved (red or green)
1 banana, sliced
1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, based on preference)
1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for extra sweetness and texture)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup coconut yogurt or regular yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, for added freshness)

Directions

Prepare the fruit: Start by washing and preparing the fruit. If using fresh pineapple, mango, or any other fruits, peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the banana and halve the grapes.
Combine the fruit: In a large bowl, gently combine the pineapple chunks, diced mango, halved grapes, and banana slices. If you like, you can add a few other tropical fruits like papaya or kiwi for more variety.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, coconut yogurt (or regular yogurt), honey (or maple syrup), and lime juice (if using). Stir until smooth and well-combined.
Toss everything together: Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit mixture and toss gently to coat the fruit evenly. Be careful not to mash the fruit while mixing.
Add coconut and marshmallows: Stir in the shredded coconut and mini marshmallows (if using) for extra texture and flavor. You can add more or less coconut based on your preference.
Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to serve it cold. You can make it ahead of time and keep it chilled for a few hours or overnight.
Serve: Garnish with extra coconut or a few fresh mint leaves if desired before serving. Enjoy the refreshing and tropical flavors of this Hawaiian Fruit Salad!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings. Prep time is around 10-15 minutes, with an optional chilling time of 30 minutes or more for the best flavor.

Variations

Add nuts: For extra crunch, add chopped macadamia nuts or almonds to the salad.
Use whipped cream: Replace sour cream and yogurt with whipped cream for a richer, sweeter version.
Make it vegan: Use coconut yogurt and swap honey for maple syrup to make this fruit salad vegan-friendly.
Add tropical fruit juice: For extra flavor, drizzle some orange juice or pineapple juice over the fruit before mixing it with the dressing.
Use different fruits: Swap or add in fruits like kiwi, strawberries, or papaya for more variety.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This salad is best eaten fresh, but it will last for a little while in the fridge. Avoid freezing it as the texture of the fruit will change when thawed.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but make sure it’s drained well to avoid excess moisture. Fresh pineapple gives the salad a more vibrant and fresh flavor.

2. Can I make this fruit salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it. The dressing and fruits will blend together beautifully, and it will stay fresh and delicious.

3. Can I make this without marshmallows?

Yes, the marshmallows are optional, but they add a fun sweetness and texture. You can leave them out or substitute with mini chocolate chips or dried coconut flakes.

4. Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely! You can replace the sour cream and yogurt dressing with a mixture of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a different texture and flavor.

5. How do I keep the fruit from turning brown?

To prevent the bananas from turning brown, toss them in a little lemon or lime juice before adding them to the salad. This will help preserve their color.

6. Can I use frozen fruit in this recipe?

While fresh fruit works best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen fruit if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using it in the salad.

7. Can I add more sweetness to the salad?

If you like your fruit salad sweeter, you can add more honey, maple syrup, or even a little powdered sugar to the dressing. Taste as you go to achieve your desired sweetness level.

8. Can I make this salad without yogurt?

Yes, you can skip the yogurt and use just sour cream or whipped cream for a different consistency. You can also add a bit more honey if you want extra sweetness.

9. Can I use other types of coconut in this recipe?

Yes, you can use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut, depending on your preference. Toasted coconut flakes also make a great topping.

10. Can I make this salad with other fruits?

Yes, this recipe is incredibly versatile! You can swap in your favorite fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, or papaya to suit your tastes.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Fruit Salad is a bright, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tropical fruits, creamy dressing, and the crunch of coconut makes it a flavorful and satisfying treat. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday party, a summer picnic, or just as a healthy snack, this salad is sure to impress with its sweet, tangy, and tropical flavors. Easy to prepare, customizable, and always delicious, this Hawaiian Fruit Salad is a must-try!