Description
This Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is a tropical twist on a classic fruit salad, blending creamy cheesecake flavor with the sweetness of pineapple, mandarin oranges, bananas, and berries. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing dessert, it’s easy to make and bursting with island vibes!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Creamy Cheesecake Dressing:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (or milk, to thin if needed)
For the Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple (cut into chunks)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh grapes (halved, optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges (drained)
- 2 bananas (sliced, added just before serving)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Cheesecake Dressing:
-
Beat the cream cheese:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Add the sugar and vanilla:
- Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined.
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Thin with cream:
- Gradually add the heavy whipping cream (or milk) to thin the mixture to a pourable consistency, whisking until smooth. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
4. Combine the fruits:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and mandarin oranges.
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Add the dressing:
- Pour the cheesecake dressing over the fruit and gently fold to combine, ensuring all the fruit is coated.
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Add bananas and garnish:
- Just before serving, fold in the banana slices to prevent browning. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and macadamia nuts, if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
7. Chill before serving:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add bananas just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Add variety: Include other tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, or papaya for extra tropical flavor.