Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is the perfect balance of sweet and creamy with the refreshing taste of tropical fruit. The cheesecake filling gives it a rich, indulgent flavor, while the marshmallows add a light, airy texture that makes each bite irresistible. It’s quick and easy to make, and it doesn’t require any baking! Plus, it’s versatile—you can add or swap fruits based on what’s in season or your preferences. This no-bake salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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

Directions

Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until it’s light and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the texture to remain fluffy.
Add the fruit and marshmallows: Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges, followed by the mini marshmallows. If you like, you can add in shredded coconut and chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Chill the salad: Once everything is mixed together, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up.
Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir and serve it as a side dish or dessert. Garnish with additional shredded coconut or nuts if desired.
Enjoy: This creamy, fruity salad is perfect for any occasion—serve it at a potluck, BBQ, or as a refreshing dessert after a meal!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 day

Variations

Different fruits: Swap the mandarin oranges and pineapple for other tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, or papaya for a different twist.
Add granola: For some extra crunch, add granola or toasted coconut on top just before serving.
Make it lighter: For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and a sugar-free whipped topping.
Make it festive: Add maraschino cherries or colorful fruit for a fun, festive touch, especially for holidays or special events.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served chilled and does not need to be reheated.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it’s better after it has been chilled for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together.

2. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple and mandarins instead of canned, but make sure to drain the fresh fruit thoroughly before mixing it into the salad.

3. Can I skip the marshmallows?

You can omit the mini marshmallows if you prefer, but they add a nice light and fluffy texture to the salad. You could replace them with other small additions like dried fruit or chopped nuts if desired.

4. Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?

To make this salad vegan or dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy whipped topping (such as coconut whipped cream) as substitutes for the dairy ingredients.

5. How can I make this salad less sweet?

If you find the salad too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use a sugar substitute to make it less sugary.

6. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can use any type of nut you prefer, such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios. You can also skip the nuts entirely if you have nut allergies.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing treat that brings a tropical twist to any meal. The combination of rich cream cheese, juicy fruit, and fluffy marshmallows makes for an irresistible dessert or side dish. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or any gathering, this simple salad is sure to impress your guests. It’s easy to make, deliciously refreshing, and customizable to fit your taste, making it a must-try for any occasion!