Hawaiian Fruit Salad: A Delicious Treat for the Family

Name: Hawaiian Fruit Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 30-oz can fruit cocktail in juice; 20-oz can pineapple chunks in juice; 8-oz can mandarin orange slices; 10-oz bag mini marshmallows; 24-oz container of sour cream; 1 box orange flavored gelatin; Optional extras: diced bananas, apples, or shredded coconut

Posted on May 23, 2026

Trending

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Hawaiian Fruit Salad comes together in about 30 minutes and requires absolutely no baking for a quick side dish that your family will love! Trust me, this refreshing salad is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delightful without breaking a sweat!

Ingredients Breakdown

Fruit Cocktail

30-oz can fruit cocktail in juice

Pineapple

20-oz can pineapple chunks in juice

Mandarin Oranges

8-oz can mandarin orange slices

Mini Marshmallows

10-oz bag mini marshmallows

Sour Cream

24-oz container of sour cream

Orange-Flavored Gelatin

1 box orange flavored gelatin

Optional Extras

Feel free to add in diced bananas, apples, or even shredded coconut. The best part? You can customize this salad however you like!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Drain the Fruit
- Pour all the fruit from the cans into a colander and let the juicy goodness drain over the sink. Let it sit for about four hours if you can, so the fruit is nice and dry. (Pro tip: place a towel under the colander and pop it in the fridge to keep everything cool!)
Prepare the Creamy Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and orange jello. Stir until it’s completely blended, you want it to all come together nicely!
Mix in the Fruits
- Next, gently fold the drained fruit and mini marshmallows into the creamy mixture. Make sure everything is coated well, this is where the fun begins!
Chill Out
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour. (But honestly? If you can wait four hours or, even better, overnight, do it! The flavors marry beautifully.)
Serve and Enjoy!
- Before serving, give it a good stir to combine everything again. Serve it chilled for a refreshing side that’ll make everyone feel like they’re on a tropical escape!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my cranberry chicken salad, my Caribbean Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad, or my Leprechaun Fruit Salad!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

You’ll love how this comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when time is tight but you still want to serve something your family will gobble up.

Customizable

This salad is all about flexibility! Have some leftover fruit in the fridge? Toss it in! Want to switch the flavors? Go for it! You can make this dish uniquely yours with everything from fresh berries to a sprinkle of nuts.

Budget-Friendly

Using canned fruits makes this an incredibly economical dish. You can create a delightful dessert or side without breaking the bank, just utilizing products that you probably already have at home!

Family-Friendly

The entire family will love this sweet salad! It’s perfect for kids of all ages. Honestly, even my picky eaters launch themselves at this dish, who can resist that colorful mound of deliciousness?

Make-Ahead Friendly

This is so perfect for meal prep! Make it a day in advance and let the flavors deepen overnight. The fruit is juicy and the marshmallows remain soft, making it a great dish to have on hand.

How to Serve This Delightful Salad

Serving Suggestions: This “Hawaiian” fruit salad makes a fantastic side dish at summer BBQs but also shines as a light dessert after dinner. My kids love it as a snack!
Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days, though trust me, you’ll probably finish it long before then!
Reheating Instructions: Honestly, this salad is best served chilled, so just give it a quick stir before serving and enjoy!
Freezer Friendly: Nope, I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture of the fruits won’t hold up well once thawed.

Final Thoughts

You’ll want to keep this recipe handy, trust me! It’s a true crowd favorite that looks so vibrant and tastes amazing. Plus, bringing a dish to a potluck that everyone can enjoy? That’s a win in my book! So go ahead. Try making this “Hawaiian” Fruit Salad soon, and let me know how it turns out! You’ll be the star of the next family gathering. I promise.

So, grab your fruit, cue up a fun playlist, and let’s get cooking!

Did you know that food brings people together in ways that we hardly realize? It’s incredible how a simple dish can spark joy and create lasting memories. So, what’s holding you back? Dive into making this delightful fruit salad, and enjoy all the smiles it brings! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.