This vibrant Hawaiian Fruit Salad is a tropical twist on classic dessert salads.
It’s creamy, colorful, and filled with juicy fruit, soft mini marshmallows, and a tangy orange dressing that brings sunshine to any table.
Perfect for holidays, BBQs, church potlucks, or a sweet weeknight treat, this easy fruit salad is loved by kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Fruit Salad
No-bake and stress-free – comes together in minutes
Tropical flavor explosion – thanks to pineapple, oranges, and fruit cocktail
Great for feeding a crowd – makes a big bowlful
Flexible and forgiving – adjust fruit, mix-ins, or dressing
Chill and serve – perfect cold dessert on hot days
Make-ahead friendly – even better the next day!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Fruit cocktail – colorful blend of fruits in juice
Pineapple chunks – tropical base with juicy sweetness
Mandarin oranges – bright and zesty citrus flavor
Mini marshmallows – for soft, sweet chewiness
Sour cream – tangy and creamy binder
Orange gelatin powder (jello) – adds citrus punch and fun color
Pro Tips Before You Start
Drain canned fruit well – prevents a watery salad
Use sour cream at room temp for easier mixing
Fold gently to keep fruit and marshmallows whole
Chill at least 1 hour – the longer, the better flavor melds
Optional add-ins: chopped pecans, coconut flakes, maraschino cherries
How to Make Hawaiian Fruit Salad
Drain the fruit
Empty all canned fruits into a strainer and let them drain for at least 4 hours (or pat dry with a clean towel if you’re short on time).
Mix the dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream with orange jello powder.
Stir until smooth.
Add fruit and marshmallows
Add the drained fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and mini marshmallows to the bowl.
Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
Chill the salad
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—ideally overnight—to allow flavors to develop.
Serve cold
Give the salad a quick stir before serving. Enjoy chilled!
What to Serve It With
Grilled BBQ chicken or ribs
Ham sliders or teriyaki pork
Macaroni salad or coleslaw
Sweet rolls or Hawaiian bread
Tropical mocktails or iced tea
Variations / Substitutions
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist
Add sweetened coconut flakes for more island flavor
Use lime or cherry gelatin for a flavor variation
Include chopped nuts for texture
Top with whipped cream right before serving
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Not recommended – texture will break down
Make-ahead: Assemble and chill overnight for best flavor
Do not stir too often or the marshmallows may break down
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, just dice evenly and drain well if juicy.
Why orange jello powder instead of prepared gelatin?
The powder mixes into the sour cream and adds citrus flavor and color without extra liquid.
Can I skip the jello?
Yes, but you’ll miss out on the vibrant color and sweet citrus boost.
Is this salad too sweet?
Nope! The sour cream balances it out.
You can use plain Greek yogurt for more tang.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes – use dairy-free yogurt and vegan marshmallows.
What can I do with leftovers?
Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 2–3 days. Stir before serving.
Can I double this for a party?
Absolutely—it scales up beautifully for a crowd!
Final Thoughts
This easy, no-fuss Hawaiian Fruit Salad brings bright island flavor to any occasion.
It’s creamy, fruity, nostalgic, and fun to make with just a handful of pantry staples.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or need a quick sweet dish for a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
1 (30 oz) can fruit cocktail in juice, drained
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained
1 (8 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
1 (24 oz) container sour cream
1 (3 oz) box orange-flavored gelatin (jello powder)
Instructions
Drain all canned fruits thoroughly (preferably for 4 hours).
In a large bowl, mix sour cream and orange gelatin powder until smooth.
Add fruit and marshmallows. Fold gently to combine.
Cover and chill for 1 hour or overnight.
Stir gently and serve cold.
