Tropical Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe

Fresh Island Paradise: Zesty Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe

Fresh summer days call for vibrant flavors that dance on your palate, and this tropical hawaiian fruit salad bursts with sunshine.

Ripe, juicy chunks of pineapple, mango, and papaya create a colorful medley of sweetness.

Coconut flakes sprinkled generously add a delightful crunch and tropical essence.

Tangy passion fruit drizzle weaves through the fruit, bringing a zesty brightness to each bite.

The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad more than just a side dish—it’s a tropical escape on a plate.

Serve chilled for a refreshing treat that transports you to a beachside paradise.

Prepare to savor every delectable spoonful of this island-inspired delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything In Hawaiian Fruit Salad

For Honey-Lime Dressing:
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind the dressing with a golden glow.
  • Lime Juice: Brings zesty brightness and helps prevent fruit from browning.
  • Lime Zest: Intensifies citrusy aroma and adds vibrant flavor notes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides subtle depth and rounds out the dressing's flavor profile.
For Fresh Tropical Fruits:
  • Pineapple: Offers juicy tropical sweetness with a tangy undertone.
  • Mango: Delivers creamy texture and rich, sun-kissed flavor.
  • Kiwi: Provides tart brightness and beautiful green speckled appearance.
  • Strawberries: Adds sweet-tart burst of color and classic berry essence.
  • Blueberries: Contributes antioxidant-rich deep purple hue and subtle sweetness.
  • Grapes: Brings crisp texture and natural sugary pop.
  • Banana: Creates soft, smooth element and helps absorb dressing's flavors.
For Garnish and Finishing Touches:
  • Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical crunch and authentic Hawaiian-inspired texture.

Tools To Slice For Hawaiian Fruit Salad

  • Small bowl: Perfect for whisking the honey-lime dressing smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing ingredients together evenly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine and toss all the fresh fruits.
  • Cutting board: Required for slicing fruits into bite-sized pieces.
  • Sharp knife: Crucial for chopping fruits precisely and safely.
  • Zester or grater: Helpful for extracting lime zest without bitter white pith.

Steps To Toss Hawaiian Fruit Salad Quick

  • Create Zesty Tropical Dressing

Grab a small mixing bowl and whisk together fresh honey, tangy lime juice, bright lime zest, and smooth vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky and well-blended.

  • Combine Colorful Fruit Medley

In a spacious serving bowl, toss together chunks of sweet pineapple, vibrant mango, emerald kiwi, ruby strawberries, deep blue blueberries, and juicy grapes. Gently pour the honey-lime dressing over the fruit and softly mix to ensure every piece gets a delicious coating.

  • Garnish and Present

Just before you’re ready to serve, delicately fold in fresh banana slices to keep them pristine. Sprinkle a generous handful of fluffy shredded coconut across the top for a tropical crunch. Enjoy immediately for the freshest flavor, or let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Tips To Keep Hawaiian Fruit Salad Sweet And Bright

  • Fruit Freshness Hack: Add bananas just before serving to prevent browning and maintain their crisp texture. The citrus in the dressing will help slow down oxidation.
  • Tropical Texture Boost: Toast the coconut flakes in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the fruit salad.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dressing and chop fruits separately up to 24 hours in advance. Combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
  • Dietary Twist Options: For a vegan version, swap honey with agave nectar. Create a protein-packed variation by adding chopped macadamia nuts or Greek yogurt dollops. Gluten-free and naturally low-calorie, this salad works for multiple dietary needs.
  • Seasonal Swap Trick: Replace summer fruits with winter options like pomegranate seeds, mandarin oranges, or persimmons when seasonal availability changes. Keep the honey-lime dressing consistent for a year-round treat.

Serve Hawaiian Fruit Salad Cold And Juicy

  • Tropical Paradise Plating: Serve in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the fruit, creating a stunning visual presentation that looks like a Hawaiian sunset.
  • Brunch Companion: Pair this refreshing salad with coconut pancakes, macadamia nut french toast, or as a light side dish alongside breakfast egg dishes for a tropical morning meal.
  • Dessert Transformation: Scoop the fruit salad over vanilla ice cream or greek yogurt, creating an instant tropical dessert that's both healthy and indulgent with a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
  • Summer Party Star: Bring this colorful salad to potlucks, picnics, or beach gatherings where its bright ingredients and light dressing will be a crowd-pleasing hit that screams summer fun.

Store Hawaiian Fruit Salad The Right Way

  • Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it crisp and delicious for 1-2 days.
  • Smart Ingredient Layering: Place more delicate fruits like bananas and strawberries on top to prevent crushing and maintain their vibrant texture during storage.
  • Dressing Separation Strategy: If planning to store longer, keep the honey-lime dressing separate from the fruits and add just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain optimal crunchiness.
  • Freezing Alternative: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions in sealed containers for future smoothies or quick dessert toppings, with bananas and berries working perfectly for this purpose.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tropical Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe

Tropical Hawaiian Fruit Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hawaiian fruit salad showcases tropical ingredients in a refreshing medley of flavors. Pineapple, mango, and papaya combine with coconut and a zesty lime dressing that will transport you to island paradise.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml / 16 fl oz) pineapple, diced
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup (237 ml / 8 fl oz) strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 cup (237 ml / 8 fl oz) blueberries
  • 1 cup (237 ml / 8 fl oz) grapes, halved
  • 1 banana, sliced (add right before serving)
  • ¼ cup (59 ml / 2 fl oz) coconut, shredded (toasted for extra flavor)
  • ¼ cup (59 ml / 2 fl oz) macadamia nuts or toasted almonds for crunch
  • ½ cup (118 ml / 4 fl oz) mini marshmallows for a fun twist
  • ½ cup (118 ml / 4 fl oz) coconut yogurt for a creamy version
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ tsp lime zest
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Dressing Creation: Whisk honey, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract in a compact mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, harmonious blend.
  2. Fruit Assembly: In a generous serving vessel, artfully combine a vibrant mosaic of tropical and local fruits – pineapple chunks, mango cubes, kiwi slices, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes, creating a colorful palette of textures and flavors.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Cascade the prepared honey-lime elixir over the fruit constellation, employing a delicate folding motion to ensure each morsel is gracefully embraced without compromising the fruit’s structural integrity.
  4. Finishing Touches: Moments prior to serving, introduce banana slices to preserve their pristine appearance, then crown the salad with a delicate sprinkle of shredded coconut, adding a luxurious tropical dimension and intriguing textural contrast.
  5. Serving Recommendation: Present the fruit salad immediately at ambient temperature or allow a brief 15-30 minute refrigeration to amplify flavor integration and deliver a refreshingly crisp culinary experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Banana Browning: Add sliced bananas just before serving to maintain their fresh, white appearance and prevent enzymatic browning that occurs quickly after cutting.
  • Customize Fruit Selection: Swap or add seasonal fruits based on availability and personal preference while maintaining a balanced mix of tropical and local varieties for diverse flavors and textures.
  • Balance Dressing Intensity: Adjust honey and lime juice proportions to suit taste preferences, ensuring the dressing enhances rather than overwhelms the natural fruit sweetness.
  • Enhance Presentation: Chill the salad briefly to intensify flavor melding and create a refreshing dessert, serving at a cool room temperature to maximize fruit taste and textural experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star