Name: Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened; 3.4 ounce package instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix; 1 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple); 1 pound strawberries, sliced; 1 cup green or red grapes, halved; 15 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained; 20 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained; 3 kiwis, peeled and sliced; 1 banana, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking to steal the show at your next gathering, look no further than Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad! This luscious, no-bake treat is an explosion of color and flavor, mixing tropical fruits like pineapple, kiwi, and oranges with a smooth, creamy cheesecake base. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of tangy fruit and rich, velvety cream—a true summer escape in every bite. Perfect for any potluck, picnic, or “just because” occasion, Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad puts a playful, crowd-pleasing spin on classic fruit salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe so charming is how incredibly easy the ingredient list is. Each item has a special role—whether it’s bringing natural sweetness, creaminess, or that unmistakable pop of tropical flavor, making Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad both beautiful and unforgettable.

Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): The heart of the creamy base—let it come to room temp for ultimate smoothness and no lumps.
Instant Cheesecake or Vanilla Pudding Mix (3.4 ounces): Adds that signature cheesecake flavor and thickens the salad without any fuss.
Pineapple Juice (1 cup, reserved from the pineapple can): Brightens the whole salad and ties the flavors together with tropical flair.
Strawberries (1 pound, sliced): Adds sweetness and vibrant color—choose ripe, juicy berries for best results.
Green or Red Grapes (1 cup, halved): Crisp and juicy for bursts of freshness throughout the salad.
Mandarin Oranges (15-ounce can, drained): Sweet, tender segments that melt right into each spoonful.
Pineapple Chunks (20-ounce can, drained): Juicy bites that amp up the tropical vibes—don’t forget to save the juice!
Kiwis (3, peeled and sliced): Tangy and eye-catching, they bring gorgeous green color and a brisk tartness.
Banana (1, sliced): Soft and mellow, bananas balance the tang with creamy sweetness—add right before serving to avoid browning.

How to Make Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese

Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and using an electric mixer to whip the softened cream cheese until it’s fluffy and light. This is the foundation for the salad’s creamy texture—whipping it well now prevents any lumps later and makes sure every bite is velvety smooth.

Step 2: Blend in Pudding Mix and Pineapple Juice

Add your instant cheesecake (or vanilla) pudding mix and the reserved pineapple juice to the whipped cream cheese. Beat everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and luxuriously thick—this powerhouse combo will give your salad its signature taste and texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruit

In a large bowl, combine your sliced strawberries, halved grapes, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, sliced kiwis, and banana. Make sure the fruits are drained well so the salad doesn’t get watery, and slice the banana last to keep it from browning.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Gently fold the decadent cream cheese mixture into the bowl of fruit, making sure every piece is lovingly coated. Take your time with this step—fold rather than stir—to keep the fruit intact and avoid breaking up the soft bananas and berries.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

The Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is ready to steal the spotlight! Serve immediately for the freshest flavors, or chill for up to 30 minutes to help the flavors meld. Just beware—it may be hard to wait that long with such a tempting bowl on hand.

How to Serve Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Amp up the visual appeal by topping with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, a handful of chopped macadamia nuts, or a few extra fresh mint leaves. Even a simple dusting of powdered sugar can make Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad look like it came straight from a tropical resort.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on any dessert table alongside grilled skewers or as part of a brunch spread with croissants and yogurt parfaits. If you want to lean into the theme, serve it with barbecued chicken, pulled pork, or any summery picnic fare.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun with your plating—spoon Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad into hollowed-out pineapple halves, serve in mason jars for picnics, or layer it wth extra fruit in individual parfait glasses for a dinner party wow moment that requires zero extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give everything a gentle stir before serving again, as the fruit can release a bit of extra juice as it sits.

Freezing

As tempting as it sounds, freezing Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad isn’t recommended—the creamy base tends to separate and the fruit might lose its lovely texture after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh!

Reheating

There’s no reheating needed for this cool, refreshing dessert! Just scoop straight from the fridge and enjoy. If your salad seems a bit runny after chilling, give it a gentle mix to recombine the creamy dressing.

FAQs

Can I make Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep it a few hours in advance—just hold off on stirring in the bananas and kiwi until right before serving to keep them looking their best. The other fruits and creamy base hold up beautifully in the fridge.

What’s the best way to keep the bananas from browning?

Slice the banana right before serving, and if you want a little insurance, gently toss the slices in a splash of reserved pineapple juice. The acidity helps slow down browning and keeps everything tasting extra fresh.

Can I substitute fresh fruit for canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple and oranges are fantastic if you have them on hand—just be sure to have enough juice for the cheesecake base, and drain everything well to avoid extra moisture.

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?

You can swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free instant pudding mix. Many grocery stores now offer great options, so everyone can savor the tropical goodness.

Can I add other fruits to Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad?

Definitely! Mango, blueberries, or even papaya are lovely additions. Just remember to balance the acidity and sweetness, and avoid fruits that might turn mushy when mixed.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad is truly more than a dessert—it’s a vibrant celebration of flavor, texture, and the best fruits of the season, all bundled up in a dreamy, creamy base. I hope you’re as excited to try it as I am to share it. Grab a spoon and treat yourself to a little taste of the tropics!