If you’re dreaming of a dessert that tastes like sunshine in every bite, this Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe will sweep you away! Tangy cream cheese and pudding blend into a luscious, tropical dressing that softly hugs bursts of juicy strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, mango, and sweet mandarin oranges. Every spoonful is a mini vacation for your taste buds, and you won’t believe how quickly this Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe disappears at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings. Prepare to fall in love with dessert salad like you never have before!

Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe is all about fresh, simple ingredients coming together for a burst of flavor and color. Each one plays a part—some add creaminess, others brightness, and together they create something you’ll crave again and again!

Strawberries: Washed, tops removed, and quartered for juicy sweetness and a beautiful pop of red.
Mandarin Oranges: Drained well so the salad isn’t watery—these add a lovely citrus zing.
Pineapple Chunks: Make sure they’re drained thoroughly for maximum tropical flavor with no excess moisture.
Kiwi Fruit: Peeled, sliced, and halved—these little green gems bring tartness and color.
Mangoes: Cubed for sunshiny flavor and irresistible juiciness.
Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature so it blends easily and gives a luxuriously smooth base.
Instant Cheesecake Flavored Pudding: Adds that signature cheesecake tang, plus it thickens the dressing beautifully.
French Vanilla Coffee Creamer: Sweet, creamy, and infused with vanilla flavor—this secret ingredient brings everything together in one dreamy swoop.

How to Make Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by prepping all your fruit: wash, hull, and quarter the strawberries; drain both the mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks thoroughly; peel and slice the kiwi fruit, then halve each slice; and cube those juicy mangoes. Place every gorgeous piece into a big mixing bowl. Give the fruit a gentle toss so each kind is nicely distributed—this creates that beautiful, colorful base for the Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Dressing

Grab a separate bowl and add the softened cream cheese. Give it a good beating until it’s perfectly smooth and no lumps remain—it should look creamy and inviting. Sprinkle in the instant cheesecake pudding mix and slowly pour in the French vanilla coffee creamer. Beat everything together on low speed at first, just until it’s combined, then crank it up to medium-high and whip until you have a smooth, silky dressing. It’s okay to taste test (for research purposes, of course)!

Step 3: Combine Fruit and Dressing

Pour that cheesecake dressing over your prepared fruit and use a large spatula or spoon to gently toss it all together. The key is to coat every piece of fruit with that irresistible creamy mixture, but don’t stir too aggressively—this keeps the fruit from breaking down and turning mushy.

Step 4: Chill

Cover the bowl tightly and slide your Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe into the fridge. Let it chill for at least four hours; trust me, this step is worth the wait! The flavors meld, the dressing sets up a bit, and your salad will be wonderfully cold and refreshing when served.

How to Serve Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra slices of fresh fruit on top, maybe some sprigs of mint, or a dusting of shredded coconut for true tropical flair. If you’re feeling playful, tiny edible flowers or toasted nuts can take your Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe presentation right over the top!

Side Dishes

This dessert salad shines alongside grilled meats, barbecue favorites, or savory brunch bakes. It’s equally at home next to crispy fried chicken or tucked beside a platter of pastries for brunch. The creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with salty, smoky flavors and can be a delightful palate cleanser between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping twist, try serving Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe in hollowed-out pineapple halves, pretty mason jars, or mini dessert cups for parties. Layer it parfait-style with granola for breakfast, or freeze individual portions on sticks for a tropical cheesecake salad popsicle!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) have leftovers, transfer your Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, though the fruit will naturally release some juices over time. Give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing, as the creamy dressing can separate and the fruit may lose its texture. If you’re hoping for a cold treat, try serving the chilled salad instead of freezing, or make a fresh batch when you’re ready for more.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold and creamy, straight from the fridge. If you do want it a little less chilly, let it sit out for just a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit in this Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe?

Fresh fruit is highly recommended for the best taste and texture since frozen fruit tends to release a lot of liquid and can turn mushy. If you’re in a pinch, just make sure to thaw and drain the fruit extremely well before mixing it in.

What if I can’t find cheesecake-flavored pudding?

If cheesecake pudding isn’t available near you, vanilla pudding mix is a fine substitute! For extra tang, add a tiny splash of lemon juice or a bit of softened cream cheese to capture more of that cheesecake flavor.

Is there a dairy-free option for Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based vanilla creamer. Keep an eye on your pudding mix, too—some instant puddings are dairy-free, but double-check the labels to be sure.

How long in advance can I make this salad?

You can assemble Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe up to 24 hours ahead. For best texture, keep the dressing and fruit separate until a few hours before serving, then mix and chill together.

Can I customize the fruits in this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to swap in grapes, blueberries, peaches, or whatever ripe, juicy fruits you adore. The beauty of this salad is how adaptable it is to your favorite flavors and what’s in season.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to whisk up this Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe for your next gathering or a simple weeknight treat. It’s a little bit nostalgic, a little bit tropical, and a whole lot irresistible. Share it with your favorite people and watch it disappear—it’s that good!