If you love creamy, tropical desserts, then this Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is about to become your new favorite! Imagine a rich, velvety cheesecake filling mixed with juicy pineapple, sweet mandarin oranges, ripe bananas, and fresh berries—all in one refreshing bowl. It’s light, luscious, and bursting with tropical flavors! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a sunny Hawaiian beach.
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad
Versatile: Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or even as a simple weekday treat.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
Quick and Easy: Takes just minutes to prepare with no baking required!
Customizable: Swap out fruits, add nuts, or drizzle with honey for extra flair.
Crowd-Pleasing: A creamy, fruity favorite that’s always a hit at gatherings!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad
This salad is a tropical dream, loaded with fresh fruit and a rich, cheesecake-inspired dressing.
Cream Cheese: The secret to that creamy, luscious texture.
Greek Yogurt: Adds a slight tang and makes the dressing extra smooth.
Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cheesecake mixture.
Pineapple Chunks: Juicy and packed with tropical sweetness.
Mandarin Oranges: A burst of citrusy goodness.
Bananas: Soft, sweet, and perfect for pairing with creamy cheesecake.
Strawberries & Blueberries: Fresh, colorful, and packed with antioxidants.
Marshmallows: A fun, sweet addition for a little extra fluff!
Instructions
Make the Cheesecake Dressing
Blend the Base: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the luscious coating for your fruit.
Prepare the Fruit
Drain Excess Liquid: If using canned fruits, drain them well to avoid a watery salad.
Slice the Bananas: Cut the bananas into bite-sized pieces and add them last to prevent browning.
Assemble the Salad
Combine Everything: Gently fold the pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows into the cheesecake mixture. Be careful not to overmix to keep the fruit intact.
Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 210 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad
- As a Dessert: Serve it chilled in bowls for a light and creamy treat.
- With Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola on top for added texture.
- On Pancakes or Waffles: Use it as a delicious tropical topping!
- In a Parfait: Layer it with extra fruit and yogurt for a beautiful presentation.
Additional Tips
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them.
- If the salad is too thick, add a splash of pineapple juice to loosen it up.
- You can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt if you prefer a richer taste.
- Add shredded coconut or chopped macadamia nuts for an extra Hawaiian touch!
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best when made a few hours ahead, but wait to add the bananas until just before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
3. Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit works best, but if using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained.
4. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can swap it for sour cream or vanilla pudding mix for a different twist.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt as substitutes.
6. How do I keep it from getting watery?
Drain canned fruits well and pat them dry before mixing them in.
7. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Mango, kiwi, or raspberries would be delicious additions.
8. Do I have to use marshmallows?
No, they’re optional! But they do add a fun, fluffy texture.
9. How can I make this salad even creamier?
Fold in a little whipped cream for an extra luxurious texture.
10. Can I make this a low-sugar version?
Yes! Use a sugar substitute or skip the sugar entirely—the fruit is naturally sweet!
Conclusion
Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is a tropical twist on classic fruit salad, combining creamy cheesecake flavors with fresh, juicy fruit for an irresistible dessert. It’s easy, refreshing, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite! So whether you’re making it for a summer BBQ, a family brunch, or just to treat yourself, this salad is a must-try. Enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert, Salad
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is a tropical and creamy fruit salad that combines fresh pineapple, strawberries, mandarin oranges, and bananas with a luscious cheesecake-flavored dressing. This refreshing dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you crave a sweet, fruity treat.
Ingredients
**For the Salad:**
– 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped
– 1 cup strawberries, sliced
– 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
– 2 bananas, sliced
– 1 cup grapes, halved
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
**For the Cheesecake Dressing:**
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whipped topping)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple, strawberries, mandarin oranges, bananas, and grapes. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add the heavy cream, beating until smooth and creamy.
5. Gently fold the cheesecake dressing into the fruit mixture until evenly coated.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Sprinkle with shredded coconut before serving, if desired.
8. Enjoy chilled!
Notes
– For best results, use fresh fruit instead of canned for a more vibrant taste.
– If making ahead, toss the banana slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
– You can substitute whipped topping for a lighter dressing.
– Add chopped macadamia nuts for extra crunch and Hawaiian flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg