If you’re looking for a potluck showstopper that blends tropical flair with creamy decadence, look no further than this delightful Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad. This refreshing fruit salad is bursting with juicy berries, luscious mangoes, and citrusy accents, all folded into a dreamy cheesecake-inspired cream. Bright, beautiful, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering, the Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad strikes that perfect balance between dessert and side dish—always a favorite during warm weather months, but truly irresistible year-round!

Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup for this recipe is delightfully simple, but each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that signature taste and luscious texture. Consider these your edible building blocks for a salad that’s as stunning to serve as it is delicious to eat!

Cream Cheese: The creamy foundation—softened for easy blending and a rich cheesecake tang.
Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix: Adds silkiness and that classic cheesecake flavor without baking!
French Vanilla Creamer: Lends extra smoothness and aromatic vanilla notes; feel free to use a good quality vanilla coffee creamer.
Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and the fruity backbone here—fresh is best!
Mandarin Oranges: A burst of citrusy brightness in every bite; drain well to avoid extra liquid.
Pineapple Tidbits: Bring sweet-tart tropical flavor and luscious color to the mix.
Kiwi: Offers a tangy punch and vibrant green color—peel and slice for best texture.
Mangoes: Dense, sweet, and juicy—ripe mangoes make all the difference.
Banana: Creamy and subtly sweet, plus a bit of lemon juice helps prevent browning.
Lemon Juice: Besides keeping the fruit bright, it punches up the overall flavor and zest.

How to Make Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Start by washing and drying your strawberries, then hull and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Peel the mandarin oranges and separate them into segments, drain the pineapple tidbits, peel and chop the kiwi and mangoes, and slice the banana. Toss the banana slices gently with lemon juice to keep them from browning and to help all the flavors pop!

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Cream

In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth—no lumps allowed! Sprinkle in the instant cheesecake pudding mix and blend until combined. Gradually pour in the French Vanilla creamer, mixing as you go, until you have a thick, velvety base that smells like a dream.

Step 3: Fold It All Together

Add all your prepared fruits right into the bowl with the cheesecake cream. With a gentle hand (and a big rubber spatula), fold everything together until the fruit is evenly coated and glossy. Be careful not to overmix; you want the pieces to hold their shape.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover the Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better!). This allows the flavors to meld and lets the salad firm up to that perfect creamy consistency.

How to Serve Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

Garnishes

Give your salad some extra pizzazz just before serving! Sprinkle fresh mint leaves or a few extra diced strawberries on top for a vibrant burst of color. A handful of toasted coconut flakes can add a delicious crunch and an even more tropical vibe.

Side Dishes

Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad pairs beautifully with savory summer fare. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, barbecue pork, or a spread of picnic favorites like sliders and potato chips. It’s also a popular addition to Easter, Mother’s Day, or spring brunch buffets where lighter, fruit-based sides are celebrated.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad the centerpiece by spooning it into a large hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shell. For parties or showers, serve individual portions in parfait glasses or mini mason jars. You could even layer it trifle-style for a dramatic potluck presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The fruit may release some juices, so give it a gentle stir before serving to reincorporate the creamy base. The banana will soften over time, so it’s best eaten sooner rather than later.

Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended for Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad. The fresh fruits and creamy pudding base don’t thaw well and can turn watery or separate. For best texture and flavor, enjoy this salad fresh or within a couple days of preparation.

Reheating

This is a chilled dessert salad, so no reheating required! Just serve straight from the fridge. If it’s been sitting out at a party for a while, return any leftovers to refrigeration as soon as possible so they stay safe and tasty.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit in Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad?

While you can use frozen fruit in a pinch, fresh fruit is highly recommended for the best texture and vibrant color. If you opt for frozen, thaw and drain very well to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

What if I can’t find French Vanilla creamer?

Vanilla coffee creamer of any brand works wonderfully, and you can even substitute half-and-half plus a splash of vanilla extract for a similar effect. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed!

Can I make Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad the night before?

Absolutely! Prepping it the night before lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just assemble everything except the bananas (add those right before serving to prevent browning and mushiness).

How do I make this dairy-free?

Swap in dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based vanilla creamer. While the instant pudding mix is usually dairy-free, always check the label for your specific dietary needs.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Definitely! Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is a shining star at potlucks, picnics, showers, and any large gathering. You can easily double or triple the recipe—just make sure you have a big enough bowl!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your guests with something fresh, colorful, and utterly mouthwatering, don’t hesitate to try this Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad. Every creamy, fruity spoonful is a little taste of the tropics and pure joy at the table—give it a spin and watch those rave reviews roll in!