Description
This Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is a delightful, creamy fruit salad combining the tropical flavors of pineapple, mandarin oranges, kiwis, banana, and grapes with a smooth cheesecake-flavored dressing. It’s a refreshing, no-cook dessert perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks, offering a sweet and tangy mix that is both light and indulgent.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Dressing
- 8 ounce package cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 3.4 ounce package instant cheesecake pudding mix (or vanilla pudding)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (from the can of pineapple below)
Fruit Salad
- 1 pound strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup green or red grapes (halved)
- 15 ounce can mandarin oranges (drained)
- 20 ounce can pineapple chunks (drained)
- 3 kiwis (peeled and sliced)
- 1 banana (sliced)
Instructions
- Whip the Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the softened cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dressing.
- Add Pudding Mix and Pineapple Juice: Incorporate the instant cheesecake pudding mix and pineapple juice into the whipped cream cheese. Beat the mixture thoroughly until it is completely smooth and well combined, forming a creamy cheesecake-flavored dressing.
- Prepare the Fruit: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, halved grapes, drained mandarin oranges, drained pineapple chunks, peeled and sliced kiwis, and sliced banana, ensuring an even fruit mixture for the salad.
- Toss the Fruit with Dressing: Gently fold the creamy cheesecake mixture into the bowl of fruit, carefully tossing until all the fruit is coated with the dressing without mashing the fruit.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture, or chill briefly if desired to serve cold.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the texture of the fruit, especially the banana.
- If preparing ahead, add the banana slices just before serving to prevent browning.
- You can substitute vanilla pudding mix if cheesecake flavor is not preferred.
- Use fresh fruit wherever possible for the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese.
