“Hawaiian” Fruit Salad
This delightful Hawaiian fruit salad is a vibrant and fruity dish that will brighten any gathering. Bursting with flavor, this easy-to-make salad combines creamy sour cream, sweet canned fruits, and tangy orange Jello. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing dessert, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Its cheerful colors and delicious taste make it a standout option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of total time, this salad can be whipped up in no time.
- Perfect for Large Groups: This recipe serves 16, making it an excellent choice for parties or gatherings.
- No Baking Required: Enjoy a delicious dessert without the hassle of an oven.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever fruits you have on hand or swap them out for your favorites!
- Chilled Delight: The longer it chills, the better the flavor develops—great for meal prep!
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious Hawaiian fruit salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Spoon
- Refrigerator
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Colander: Draining the fruit properly helps prevent a watery salad.
- Spoon: A sturdy spoon is necessary for mixing everything evenly.
- Refrigerator: Chilling is crucial for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
This is an easy Hawaiian fruit salad made with sour cream, canned fruit cocktail, and orange Jello, perfect for big crowds and picnics.
Fruits
- 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 and allow the juices to drain. Let it sit for about four hours to ensure it’s as dry as possible. If you’re pressed for time, use a clean kitchen towel to gently dry the fruit instead.
Step 2: Mix Sour Cream and Jello
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and orange Jello. Stir until fully combined. This mixture will serve as the creamy base of your salad.
Step 3: Add Fruits and Marshmallows
Add the drained fruits and mini marshmallows to your mixing bowl. Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the sour cream mixture.
Step 4: Chill Your Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. For best results, let it sit for four hours or overnight to enhance flavor.
Step 5: Serve Chilled
Before serving, give it a good stir to mix everything up again. Serve your Hawaiian fruit salad chilled for maximum refreshment!
How to Serve Hawaiian Fruit Salad
Hawaiian fruit salad is a delightful treat that can brighten up any gathering. Whether it’s a family picnic or a festive luau, serving this refreshing fruit salad can elevate your event.
For Picnics
- In Individual Cups: Serve the fruit salad in clear cups for easy handling and a fun presentation.
- On a Buffet Table: Place a large bowl of salad at the center of your buffet. Use decorative serving spoons for added flair.
As a Dessert Option
- With Whipped Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream for extra sweetness and creaminess.
- With Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top to enhance the tropical flavors of the salad.
At Potlucks
- In a Large Dish: Bring the Hawaiian fruit salad in a large dish to share with everyone. Make sure to label it so guests know what they’re enjoying!
- As Part of a Luau Theme: Serve alongside other Hawaiian dishes like teriyaki chicken or coconut rice for a cohesive menu.
For Family Gatherings
- Alongside Grilled Meats: Pair the fruit salad with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal that contrasts savory and sweet.
- At Breakfast Brunches: Offer as a side dish during brunch to complement pancakes or waffles.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Fruit Salad
To make your Hawaiian fruit salad truly exceptional, consider these expert tips.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill for several hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: If possible, incorporate fresh fruits alongside canned options for added texture and taste.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before serving; you can add sugar or honey if desired to enhance sweetness.
- Mix Well: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed so every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Customize It: Feel free to add other fruits like bananas or strawberries for variety and personal preference.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Fruit Salad
Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian fruit salad can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Teriyaki: Juicy pieces of chicken glazed in teriyaki sauce complement the sweetness of the salad.
- Pineapple Rice: Fluffy rice infused with pineapple chunks adds an extra tropical touch to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides contrast in texture and balances out the sweetness of the fruit salad.
- BBQ Ribs: Tender, smoky ribs provide savory flavors that pair well with fruity desserts.
- Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers loaded with grilled vegetables offer freshness alongside your sweet dish.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a comforting side that enhances any Hawaiian-inspired menu.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hawaiian fruit salad can be easy, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are a few tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.
-
Not draining the fruit properly: Failing to drain the canned fruit can lead to a watery salad. Make sure to let the fruit sit in a colander for at least four hours.
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Skipping the chilling time: Rushing this step can prevent the flavors from melding. Aim to chill your salad for at least one hour, but longer is better!
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Using non-flavored gelatin: Using plain gelatin instead of orange-flavored can change the taste significantly. Stick with orange Jello for that classic flavor.
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Neglecting to stir before serving: If you don’t stir well before serving, some ingredients may settle. Always give it a good mix to distribute everything evenly.
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Forgetting about ingredient freshness: Using expired or old canned goods can affect taste and texture. Always check expiration dates before starting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store in an airtight container.
- item It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Hawaiian Fruit Salad
- item This salad does not freeze well due to its creamy texture.
- item It’s best enjoyed fresh, so avoid freezing if possible.
Reheating Hawaiian Fruit Salad
- Oven: Not recommended; it’s best served chilled.
- Microwave: Not applicable; do not heat.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; do not heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hawaiian fruit salad that may help you as you prepare this dish.
What is Hawaiian Fruit Salad?
Hawaiian fruit salad is a delightful mix of fruits combined with sour cream and orange Jello, making it sweet and creamy.
Can I customize the fruits in Hawaiian Fruit Salad?
Absolutely! You can add or substitute fruits like bananas or strawberries according to your preferences.
How long can I store Hawaiian Fruit Salad?
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container for the best quality.
Is Hawaiian Fruit Salad suitable for parties?
Yes! This salad is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or potlucks due to its crowd-pleasing flavors and easy preparation.
Can I make Hawaiian Fruit Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing this salad a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing its taste.
Final Thoughts
This easy Hawaiian fruit salad is perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and fruity goodness make it a delightful treat. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite fruits or adjusting the sweetness level. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how versatile and delicious it is!
Hawaiian Fruit Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 16 1x
Description
Hawaiian Fruit Salad is a vibrant and creamy delight that captures the essence of tropical flavors in every bite. This easy-to-make salad combines sweet canned fruits, tangy orange Jello, and smooth sour cream, creating a refreshing dish that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or family gatherings. Its cheerful colors and delightful taste make it a crowd-pleaser sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
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 using a colander and let sit for four hours or dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream and orange Jello until fully mixed.
- Add the drained fruits and mini marshmallows to the bowl. Gently stir until well coated.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, ideally four hours or overnight.
- Give the salad a good stir before serving chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
