“Hawaiian” Fruit Salad
The Hawaiian fruit salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for picnics, parties, or family gatherings. This easy-to-make dish combines vibrant fruits with creamy sour cream and sweet orange Jello. Whether you’re hosting a luau or looking for a refreshing dessert, this Hawaiian fruit salad is sure to impress your guests with its tropical flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only five minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves 16, making it perfect for big gatherings or potlucks.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever canned or fresh fruits you have on hand for a customized salad.
- Chill Worthy: Prepare ahead and chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Refreshing Taste: The combination of sweet fruits and creamy dressing offers a refreshing treat.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Hawaiian fruit salad, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Spoon
- Refrigerator
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine all ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
- Colander: Draining the fruit properly ensures your salad isn’t watery, enhancing its taste.
- Spoon: A sturdy spoon is essential for mixing without damaging the fruit pieces.
- Refrigerator: Chilling the salad allows flavors to meld together perfectly.
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
Other Ingredients
- 1 10- oz bag mini marshmallows
- 1 24- oz container of sour cream
- 1 box orange flavored gelatin
How to Make Hawaiian Fruit Salad
Step 1: Drain the Fruits
- Pour all the fruit into a colander over the sink to allow the juices to drain.
- Let it drain for four hours to ensure it’s as dry as possible. For quicker results, use a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Mix Sour Cream and Jello
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and orange Jello.
- Stir until completely mixed together for an even consistency.
Step 3: Add Fruits and Marshmallows
- Add the drained fruit and mini marshmallows to the bowl.
- Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the sour cream mixture.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour; four hours or overnight is preferable.
Step 5: Serve
- Stir right before serving to refresh its texture.
- Serve chilled for a delightful dessert experience!
How to Serve Hawaiian Fruit Salad
This delightful Hawaiian fruit salad is not only a treat for the taste buds but also visually appealing. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or a refreshing dessert at home. Here are some fun ways to serve it!
In Individual Cups
- Serve the fruit salad in small cups for easy portion control. This makes it convenient for guests to grab and enjoy.
Topped with Toasted Coconut
- Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top just before serving. This enhances the tropical flavor and adds a crunchy texture.
With Fresh Mint Garnish
- Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint. It adds a pop of color and freshness to your presentation.
Alongside Grilled Meats
- Pair the fruit salad with grilled chicken or pork. The sweet flavors complement savory dishes beautifully.
As a Layered Parfait
- Create a layered parfait by alternating layers of Hawaiian fruit salad and yogurt in a glass. This makes for an elegant dessert option.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Fruit Salad
To ensure your Hawaiian fruit salad is always a hit, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
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Drain Well: Make sure to thoroughly drain the canned fruits. Excess juice can make the salad watery, which affects its overall consistency.
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Chill Longer: Allowing the salad to chill overnight intensifies the flavors. It gives all ingredients time to meld together perfectly.
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Use Fresh Fruits: If possible, combine canned fruits with fresh pineapple or berries. This adds freshness and elevates the dish.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste before serving; if you prefer it sweeter, you can mix in a little honey or agave syrup for added sweetness.
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Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts like macadamias or pecans for an extra crunch and flavor contrast.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Fruit Salad
Pair your Hawaiian fruit salad with these side dishes that complement its tropical flavors perfectly.
- Grilled Pineapple Skewers – Sweet, caramelized pineapple pieces on skewers make for an easy and delicious side.
- Teriyaki Chicken – The savory umami flavor of teriyaki chicken balances the sweetness of the fruit salad beautifully.
- Coconut Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with coconut milk adds a creamy texture that pairs well with fruity dishes.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Shrimp Tacos – Lightly seasoned shrimp in soft tortillas offer a refreshing contrast to the sweet fruit salad.
- Baked Ham – A sweet glazed ham can serve as a hearty main dish alongside the lightness of the fruit salad.
- Cornbread Muffins – The subtle sweetness of cornbread muffins complements fruity desserts nicely.
- Garden Salad – A fresh garden salad with zesty dressing provides balance and additional textures in your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Hawaiian fruit salad, be aware of common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.
- Not draining the fruits properly: Failing to drain the canned fruits can lead to a watery salad. Make sure to let them sit in a colander for at least four hours.
- Skipping the chilling time: Serving the salad too soon can result in a less flavorful dish. Always chill it for at least one hour, but longer is better for the best taste.
- Using expired ingredients: Check expiration dates on sour cream and gelatin. Using fresh ingredients ensures your salad has the best flavor.
- Overmixing the salad: Stirring too vigorously can break down the fruits and marshmallows, making the salad mushy. Gently fold in ingredients for a better texture.
- Not customizing flavors: Sticking strictly to the recipe limits creativity. Feel free to add your favorite fruits or nuts for a personal touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep it chilled at all times to maintain freshness.
Freezing Hawaiian Fruit Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of the fruits.
- If necessary, freeze without marshmallows for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hawaiian Fruit Salad
- Oven: Not recommended; this dish is best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid reheating; serve straight from the fridge.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; enjoy chilled for optimal taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hawaiian fruit salad.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit! Just be sure to cut them into small pieces and adjust chilling times accordingly.
What variations can I try with Hawaiian Fruit Salad?
Feel free to add nuts, shredded coconut, or different flavored gelatin for unique twists on this classic recipe.
How long does Hawaiian Fruit Salad last?
It lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Is Hawaiian Fruit Salad suitable for potlucks?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for potlucks due to its large serving size and refreshing taste.
Final Thoughts
This delightful Hawaiian fruit salad is perfect for warm gatherings and celebrations. Its versatility allows you to mix in various fruits or toppings based on your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy a fruity treat that everyone will love!
Hawaiian Fruit Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 16 1x
Description
Experience the tropical delight of “Hawaiian” Fruit Salad, a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings the flavors of the islands to your table. This creamy fruit salad is easy to prepare, combining bright canned fruits like pineapple and mandarin oranges with a luscious mixture of sour cream and orange Jello. Perfect for picnics, parties, or family gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that serves up to 16 people. Chill it overnight for a burst of flavor that will impress your guests and leave them craving more. Whether you’re hosting a luau or simply want a light dessert, this “Hawaiian” Fruit Salad is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 can (30 oz) fruit cocktail in juice
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice
- 1 can (8 oz) mandarin orange slices
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1 container (24 oz) sour cream
- 1 box orange flavored gelatin
Instructions
- Drain all canned fruits in a colander for at least four hours.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream and orange Jello until well mixed.
- Gently fold in the drained fruits and mini marshmallows until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour (preferably overnight).
- Stir before serving and enjoy chilled.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup (120g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
