“Hawaiian” Fruit Salad
This delightful Hawaiian fruit salad is a perfect blend of tropical flavors and creamy goodness. It’s an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The combination of sour cream, fruity cocktail elements, and a hint of orange Jello provides a refreshing twist that makes it stand out. Serve this dish chilled, and watch it disappear in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just five minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad effortlessly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe yields 16 servings, making it perfect for large gatherings or family events.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a dessert or side dish at parties, barbecues, or holiday feasts.
- Tropical Flavor: The combination of pineapple, mandarin oranges, and marshmallows creates an irresistible taste.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it the night before to save time on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Hawaiian fruit salad, having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth. Below are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Spoon
- Refrigerator
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Colander: Using a colander ensures that excess juice drains from the fruit for a better texture.
- Spoon: A sturdy spoon helps in mixing the ingredients evenly without breaking the fruit pieces.
- Refrigerator: Chilling the salad enhances its flavor and texture before serving.
Ingredients
This is an easy Hawaiian fruit salad made with sour cream, canned fruit cocktail, and orange Jello, perfect for big crowds and picnics.
Fruit Ingredients
- 1 30- oz can fruit cocktail in juice
- 1 20- oz can pineapple chunks in juice
- 1 8- oz can mandarin orange slices
Creamy Base Ingredients
- 1 24- oz container of sour cream
- 1 box orange flavored gelatin
Additional Ingredients
- 1 10- oz bag mini marshmallows
How to Make Hawaiian Fruit Salad
Step 1: Drain the Fruit
Pour all the fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, and mandarin oranges into a colander over the sink. Allow them to drain for about four hours to ensure they are as dry as possible. You may place a bowl underneath or put it in the fridge if preferred. If you’re short on time, gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and orange Jello. Stir until completely blended together.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the drained fruit along with the mini marshmallows to your mixing bowl. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Chill
Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour; however, chilling it for four hours or overnight is recommended for best results.
Step 5: Serve
Just before serving, give your salad a gentle stir to mix everything again. Serve chilled for maximum enjoyment!
How to Serve Hawaiian Fruit Salad
Hawaiian fruit salad is a delightful and colorful dish that adds a tropical touch to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a luau or simply enjoying a summer picnic, serving this fruit salad can be both fun and easy.
As a Standalone Dessert
- Enjoy it plain: Serve the salad in individual cups for a simple and delightful dessert.
- Pair with whipped cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy treat.
At Potlucks
- Bring in a large bowl: This dish is perfect for sharing; just make sure to label it as Hawaiian fruit salad!
- Offer serving utensils: Provide spoons for guests to easily help themselves to this fruity delight.
For Breakfast or Brunch
- Add to yogurt: Serve alongside yogurt for a refreshing breakfast option.
- Use as a topping: Top fresh pancakes or waffles with the fruit salad for added flavor.
During Summer Gatherings
- Serve in pineapple halves: Hollow out pineapples and fill them with the salad for an eye-catching presentation.
- Chill before serving: Ensure it’s cold, making it perfect for hot summer days.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Fruit Salad
To make your Hawaiian fruit salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavor and presentation of your dish.
- Drain thoroughly: Ensure all canned fruits are well-drained to prevent excess liquid from making the salad soggy.
- Chill longer: For the best taste, let the salad chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Use fresh fruits: Consider adding fresh fruits such as bananas or strawberries for extra texture and flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste before serving; you can add honey or sugar if you prefer a sweeter salad.
- Garnish creatively: Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top for an added crunch and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Fruit Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Hawaiian fruit salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated in teriyaki sauce, these skewers add protein and balance the sweetness of the fruit salad.
- Pork Fried Rice: A savory dish that pairs well with the sweet notes of the Hawaiian fruit salad.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh and light, these rolls provide a crunchy counterpart to your creamy dessert.
- Macaroni Salad: A classic side that brings comforting flavors, making it a great match for any gathering.
- Tropical Coleslaw: With pineapple and coconut, this slaw echoes the tropical theme of your fruit salad.
- Teriyaki Meatballs: Sweet and savory meatballs add depth and heartiness, balancing out the lightness of the salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Hawaiian Fruit Salad, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Not draining the fruit properly: Failing to drain the canned fruit can lead to a watery salad. Make sure to let it sit in a colander for at least four hours.
- Skipping the chilling time: Serving this salad immediately after mixing may not allow the flavors to meld. Chill for at least one hour, but longer is better!
- Ignoring ingredient proportions: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can throw off the balance of flavors. Stick to the recipe measurements for the best taste.
- Using expired gelatin: Old gelatin will not dissolve properly and can ruin your salad’s texture. Always check your ingredients before starting.
- Not customizing: Sticking strictly to the recipe may prevent you from making it your own. Feel free to add nuts, shredded coconut, or other fruits that you love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- It lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hawaiian Fruit Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture; however, if you must, use a freezer-safe container.
- Use within 2 months for best taste.
Reheating Hawaiian Fruit Salad
- Oven: Not recommended, as this dish is served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid reheating; enjoy chilled for optimal flavor.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; this salad is best served fresh and cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and storing Hawaiian Fruit Salad:
How do I make Hawaiian Fruit Salad more tropical?
You can add fresh fruits like mangoes or kiwi for an extra tropical flair. Coconut flakes also enhance the Hawaiian vibe.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh fruits can be used, but ensure they are well-drained and chopped into similar sizes for consistency.
How long does Hawaiian Fruit Salad last?
It typically stays fresh for about 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is Hawaiian Fruit Salad a good option for parties?
Yes! It’s perfect for large gatherings due to its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors.
Final Thoughts
This delightful Hawaiian Fruit Salad is not just easy to make; it’s also a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. You can customize it with various fruits or toppings according to your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy its refreshing taste at your next gathering!
Hawaiian Fruit Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the tropical delight of “Hawaiian” Fruit Salad, a creamy and refreshing dish that transports you straight to paradise with every bite. This delightful salad combines the sweetness of canned fruit cocktail, juicy pineapple chunks, and zesty mandarin oranges, all enveloped in a smooth sour cream and orange Jello mixture. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any festive gathering, this easy-to-make dessert will impress your guests without requiring extensive effort. Serve it chilled for a vibrant addition to your menu that promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 30-oz can fruit cocktail in juice
- 1 20-oz can pineapple chunks in juice
- 1 8-oz can mandarin orange slices
- 1 24-oz container of sour cream
- 1 box orange-flavored gelatin
- 1 10-oz bag mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Drain all canned fruits using a colander for about four hours to remove excess liquid.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream and orange Jello until well blended.
- Gently fold in the drained fruit and mini marshmallows until evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour (preferably four hours or overnight).
- Stir gently before serving chilled.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: none
- Category: Dessert
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/16 of the salad (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
