Description
Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad is a delightful and refreshing fruit salad that combines crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, sweet mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and a creamy mixture of whipped topping, sour cream, and vanilla yogurt. This chilled dessert salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where a light and sweet treat is desired. Garnished with nuts and extra marshmallows, it offers a fluffy texture with tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Mix-ins
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Creamy Dressing
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges to create the fruity base for the salad.
- Add Mix-ins: Add the mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans or walnuts if using. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly without breaking the fruit chunks.
- Prepare Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together the whipped topping, sour cream, vanilla yogurt, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Fold in Dressing: Gently fold the creamy mixture into the fruit and marshmallow mixture. Stir carefully to combine while preserving the texture of the fruit pieces.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling step allows the salad to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, sprinkle extra mini marshmallows and chopped nuts on top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled as a sweet, fluffy tropical dessert or a refreshing side dish at your next gathering.
Notes
- For added crunch and flavor, substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- To make it less sweet, reduce the amount of mini marshmallows or use plain yogurt instead of vanilla yogurt.
- This salad is best served within 24 hours of preparation for optimal freshness.
- You can replace the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- If nut allergies are a concern, omit nuts altogether or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
