Hawaiian Fruit Salad with Cool Whip – Easy Summer Treat

I still remember the first time I tasted Hawaiian fruit salad at a family luau in Honolulu—sweet pineapple, juicy mandarin oranges, and a creamy hint of Cool Whip that melted in my mouth. That experience inspired my love for tropical flavors and easy, family-friendly recipes. On Eminent Recipes, I aim to recreate those joyful moments with every dish. This Hawaiian fruit salad is simple, customizable, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hawaiian fruit salad is a tropical delight that’s quick to prepare and perfect for families. It’s creamy, refreshing, and customizable, making it suitable for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Using pineapple, mandarin oranges, and shredded coconut, this Hawaiian fruit salad delivers the sweet, tangy flavors everyone loves. You can add Cool Whip for extra creaminess or keep it old-fashioned with just fruit and condensed milk. This dish is versatile, easy, and always crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in this Hawaiian fruit salad contributes to its tropical, creamy flavor. Pineapple and mandarin oranges provide sweetness, while grapes and cherries add bursts of juiciness. Cool Whip and sweetened condensed milk create a silky, luscious texture. Shredded coconut adds a chewy, tropical element, and optional nuts give a subtle crunch. Vanilla enhances the aroma and flavor. Together, these ingredients make a Hawaiian fruit salad that’s simple, indulgent, and unforgettable.

🛒 Ingredients (serves 6–8):

Fruits:
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup seedless grapes, halved (optional)
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved

Creamy Base:
1 cup Cool Whip or whipped topping
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional for extra creaminess)

Add-ins / Toppings:
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

How to Make This Recipe

Creating Hawaiian fruit salad is simple, yet every step ensures maximum flavor. First, drain your canned pineapple and mandarin oranges, and slice any additional fruit. Then, mix your creamy base with Cool Whip and optional sweetened condensed milk for a silky texture. Gently fold the creamy mixture into the fruit until coated. Top with coconut and nuts if desired, and chill for a few hours. This method preserves freshness while intensifying tropical flavor in every bite.

🛒 Steps:
Step 1: Drain canned pineapple and mandarin oranges. Slice grapes and cherries if using. Place all fruit in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine Cool Whip, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Fold the creamy mixture into the fruit until all pieces are coated evenly.
Step 4: Sprinkle shredded coconut and optional nuts over the salad.
Step 5: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Hawaiian fruit salad is all about balance. Use fresh or well-drained canned fruit to avoid excess liquid. Adjust the amount of Cool Whip or condensed milk to suit your preferred creaminess. For added texture, lightly toast coconut or nuts before adding. This salad is versatile: for a retro version, skip Cool Whip; for a tropical twist, add diced mango or papaya. Chilling the salad enhances the flavors, making it refreshing and ready to impress any crowd.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Use well-drained canned fruit to prevent watery salad
• Adjust Cool Whip for creaminess or skip for old-fashioned style
• Add toasted coconut or nuts for texture
• Chill 1–2 hours to intensify flavors
• Optional: incorporate mango, papaya, or berries for extra tropical flair

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Hawaiian fruit salad is a quick, easy, and family-friendly dessert full of tropical flavors. With pineapple, mandarin oranges, cherries, and a creamy base, it’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight treats. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and simple to prepare, bringing a taste of the islands to your table. Whether you keep it traditional or add a modern twist, Hawaiian fruit salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Hawaiian Fruit Salad

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy, tropical fruit salad combining juicy pineapple, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut. Often mixed with Cool Whip or sweetened condensed milk, this refreshing dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a nostalgic Hawaiian treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (serves 6–8):

Fruits:

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained

• 1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained

• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (optional)

• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, halved

Creamy Base:

• 1 cup Cool Whip or whipped topping

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional for extra creaminess)

Add-ins / Toppings:

• 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut

• 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts (optional)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Drain canned pineapple and mandarin oranges thoroughly. Slice grapes and cherries if needed. Place all fruit in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a separate bowl, combine Cool Whip with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine
Gently fold the creamy mixture into the fruit, making sure all pieces are lightly coated.

Step 4: Add Toppings
Sprinkle shredded coconut over the salad. Add nuts if desired.

 

Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving to let flavors meld. Serve cold.

Notes

• Old-Fashioned Version: Skip Cool Whip and use only sweetened condensed milk for a retro Hawaiian fruit salad flavor.
• Cheesecake Variation: Layer fruit salad over a graham cracker crust with cream cheese for a tropical cheesecake twist.
• Make Ahead: Best prepared a few hours in advance; avoid storing longer than 2–3 days to prevent fruit from becoming watery.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1–2 hours
• Category: Hawaiian / Tropical
• Method: No-bake / Chilled
• Cuisine: Dessert / Fruit Salad