Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

Craving something sweet, creamy, and just a little bit tropical? Look no further than this Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad! It’s the perfect balance of rich, creamy cheesecake flavors with a burst of tropical fruit that’ll transport you straight to a sunny beach. This salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser at any summer barbecue, holiday gathering, or potluck. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and requires no baking, which is always a win. Trust me, once you serve this, people will be asking for the recipe (and you’ll be happy to share it!).

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

Tropical Flavors: It’s like a vacation in a bowl with sweet pineapple, creamy cheesecake, and a hint of coconut. It’s everything you love about tropical desserts in one simple dish!

Super Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, you can have this salad ready in no time. It’s so simple, even the most novice cook can pull it off.

No-Bake: No need to turn on the oven, making it the perfect dessert for hot weather or when you’re just too busy to bake.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together, a holiday dinner, or a potluck, this cheesecake salad is always a hit.

Customizable: Feel free to adjust the fruit or add-ins based on what you have on hand, and make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened – For that classic, rich cheesecake flavor.
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping – Adds a light, fluffy texture to the salad.
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained – Brings that tropical, juicy sweetness.
• 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained – Adds a pop of citrusy goodness.
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut – For a touch of tropical flavor and a slight chew.
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows – For a little fluffiness and sweetness.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the mixture and helps with texture.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined.

2. Fold in the Whipped Topping
Next, gently fold in the whipped topping, ensuring it’s fully incorporated into the cream cheese mixture. This gives the salad its light and airy texture.

3. Add the Fruit and Coconut
Stir in the drained crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a nice balance of fruit and sweetness.

4. Chill
Cover the bowl and place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the salad a nice, chilled consistency.

5. Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, give the salad a quick stir and serve it cold. It’s now ready to be enjoyed—whether as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 200
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 45mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 25%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 2%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1.5 hours (including chill time)

How to Serve Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

This Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ideas to serve it up:

• Summer BBQ: Serve it as a refreshing dessert alongside grilled burgers and hot dogs. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and creamy!
• Potluck Party: This salad is easy to make in advance and always a hit at potlucks. People will be diving into the bowl to get seconds.
• Holiday Table: Add it to your holiday spread for a colorful, tropical touch that’ll brighten up the dessert table.
• Brunch Spread: Serve a scoop alongside pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit for a brunch everyone will rave about.

Additional Tips

• Fruit Variety: You can swap the mandarin oranges for other fruits, like diced mango, strawberries, or even kiwi, to mix up the flavors.
• Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day ahead, making it a great option for busy days or parties.
• Texture Options: For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts, like macadamia nuts or almonds, on top before serving.
• Less Sweet: If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or marshmallows.
• Coconut-Free: If you’re not a fan of coconut, feel free to leave it out or replace it with a bit of crushed graham crackers for a cheesecake-like texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q2: Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit?
A2: Absolutely! Fresh pineapple and mandarin oranges will work, but you may need to drain them thoroughly before adding to avoid extra moisture.

Q3: How long can I store the salad?
A3: The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Q4: Can I make this salad without the marshmallows?
A4: Yes! You can omit the marshmallows if you prefer, or replace them with something else, like chopped nuts or graham cracker crumbs for added texture.

Q5: Can I make this salad in advance?
A5: Yes, this salad actually gets better the longer it sits in the fridge, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Prepare it a day in advance for best results.

Q6: Can I use regular whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A6: Yes, you can use freshly whipped cream, but be sure to whip it until stiff peaks form so it holds up in the salad.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
A7: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.

Q8: Can I add more fruits to the salad?
A8: Definitely! You can add fresh berries, diced mango, or even chopped bananas for more flavor and variety.

Q9: Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes?
A9: Yes, unsweetened coconut flakes will work if you want to reduce the sugar content. You may want to add a bit more sugar to balance the flavor.

Q10: Can I freeze this salad?
A10: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the whipped topping may lose its texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves creamy, fruity, and tropical flavors! It’s easy, quick, and guaranteed to be the hit of your next gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a party, bringing it to a potluck, or just treating yourself to something sweet, this salad is sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy the creamy goodness and tropical vibes!

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