This tropical fruit salad combines sweet fruit cocktail, pineapple, and mandarin oranges with fluffy marshmallows and creamy sour cream. It’s a refreshing, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or summer gatherings. With a delightful mix of juicy fruit, soft marshmallows, and a creamy dressing, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – No cooking required, just mix and chill.
- Perfect for gatherings – A great side dish for BBQs, holidays, and potlucks.
- Tropical flavors – A sweet, creamy blend of pineapple, oranges, and marshmallows.
- Customizable – Add nuts, coconut, or other fruits for a unique twist.
- Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better after chilling!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can fruit cocktail, drained
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions
- Drain the Fruit – In a colander, drain the fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, and mandarin oranges well to remove excess juice.
- Mix Everything – In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained fruit, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut (if using).
- Add Sour Cream – Gently fold in the sour cream, stirring until everything is well coated.
- Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve – Garnish with chopped nuts (if using) and enjoy cold!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Sweeter Option – Add 2 tablespoons of honey or powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Whipped Cream Version – Substitute half the sour cream with Cool Whip for a lighter texture.
- Extra Fruity – Add sliced bananas, grapes, or diced apples.
- Ambrosia Salad Twist – Mix in maraschino cherries and chopped pecans.
- Dairy-Free Option – Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or dairy-free whipped topping.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as the texture will change when thawed.
- Make-Ahead Tip – Prepare up to a day in advance, but stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple, oranges, and grapes work great—just be sure to remove excess liquid.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming too watery?
Make sure to drain the canned fruit completely and avoid overmixing.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a lighter version.
What are the best nuts to add?
Pecans and walnuts add a nice crunch, but almonds or macadamia nuts work too.
Can I add Cool Whip instead of sour cream?
Yes! It will make the salad lighter and sweeter.
How long should I chill this before serving?
At least 1 hour, but overnight chilling enhances the flavor.
Can I make this salad sugar-free?
Yes! Use fresh fruit instead of canned and swap sour cream for unsweetened Greek yogurt.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with BBQ dishes, grilled meats, or as a light dessert.
Can I add maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Just drain and pat them dry before mixing them in.
Will the marshmallows dissolve in the salad?
No, but they will soften slightly and absorb some of the flavors.
Conclusion
Auntie Midge’s Hawaiian Fruit Salad is a delightful mix of tropical flavors, creamy dressing, and soft marshmallows that makes for a refreshing side dish or dessert. Whether you’re bringing it to a summer cookout or a holiday potluck, this easy-to-make dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy every fruity, creamy bite!
Print
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hawaiian fruit salad is a creamy, tropical delight made with sweet fruit cocktail, juicy pineapple, mandarin oranges, fluffy marshmallows, and tangy sour cream. A retro-style, no-bake dessert, it’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or summer gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut (if using), and chopped pecans.
- Add the Creaminess – Gently fold in the sour cream until all ingredients are well coated.
- Chill for Best Flavor – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve & Enjoy – Give it a quick stir before serving. Enjoy this creamy, fruity, and refreshing salad!
Notes
- Want it sweeter? Swap sour cream for Cool Whip or vanilla yogurt for extra creaminess.
- For added freshness, mix in sliced bananas or fresh strawberries just before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- chill time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert, Fruit Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
Find it online: https://yumandjoy.com/auntie-midges-hawaiian-salad/
