Spread the love

Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad is a sweet, creamy Summer Salad that’s bursting with tropical flavors and guaranteed to bring smiles to any gathering. Loaded with pineapple, marshmallows, and a fluffy whipped topping, this nostalgic dish doubles as a side or dessert, perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and so irresistible, you’ll want to serve it all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad

This Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad is a standout Summer Salad:

Tropical Bliss: Pineapple, coconut, and marshmallows create a vacation-like flavor.
Super Easy: No cooking, just mix and chill for a quick prep.
Make-Ahead: Perfect for stress-free party planning.
Kid-Friendly: Sweet and fluffy, it’s a hit with picky eaters.
Flexible: Swap fruits or nuts to suit your taste.
I brought this Summer Salad to a family picnic, and it vanished in minutes, with everyone begging for the recipe.

Ingredients for Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad

Here’s what you’ll need for Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad (serves 8):

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
8 oz whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
¼ cup maraschino cherries, halved (optional)

Ingredient Tips:

Pineapple: Drain well to avoid a runny salad; fresh works if chopped finely.
Mandarin Oranges: Canned for convenience; rinse if too syrupy.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip for fluffiness; homemade whipped cream needs stiff peaks.
Cream Cheese: Soften at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Marshmallows: Mini size for even distribution and soft texture.

Directions for Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad

Let’s whip up this delightful Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad!

Prep Fruit

I drain 1 can crushed pineapple and 1 can mandarin oranges thoroughly, setting them aside to keep the salad from getting watery.

Make Creamy Dressing

In a large bowl, I beat 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in ½ cup sweetened condensed milk until fully combined. I fold in 8 oz whipped topping to create a light, fluffy base.

Combine Salad

I gently fold in the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, 2 cups mini marshmallows, 1 cup coconut flakes, and optional ½ cup pecans or ¼ cup maraschino cherries, mixing carefully to keep the fruit intact.

Chill Salad

I transfer the salad to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the texture set.

Garnish and Serve

Before serving, I sprinkle with extra coconut flakes, pecans, or cherries for flair, then scoop this Summer Salad into bowls for a tropical treat.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: ~280 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 38g carbs, 3g protein, 14g fat, 2g fiber

Variations for Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad

Try these twists on Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad:

Fruity Swap: Add diced mango, strawberries, or bananas for variety.
Nut-Free: Skip pecans or use sunflower seeds for crunch.
Lighter: Use low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free whipped topping.
Tropical Boost: Stir in ¼ cup toasted coconut for extra flavor.
Festive: Top with colorful sprinkles for a party vibe.

Serving Ideas:

Serve as a Summer Salad with grilled chicken or BBQ ribs.
Offer as a dessert alongside cookies or brownies at potlucks.
Pair with a tropical drink like iced tea or lemonade for summer vibes.

Storage

I store Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, giving it a quick stir before serving to refresh the fluffiness. I avoid freezing, as the whipped topping and fruit may separate upon thawing, affecting texture.

FAQs:

Can I make Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad ahead of time?
Yes, I prep it a day ahead and chill overnight for the best flavor in this Summer Salad.

Can I add other fruits to this Summer Salad?
I swap in mango, grapes, or berries, but drain juicy fruits to keep the salad fluffy.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?
I can, but I whip it to stiff peaks to maintain the salad’s signature fluffiness.

How do I store leftovers?
I keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, stirring before serving.

Can I freeze Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad?
I don’t recommend freezing, as the whipped topping and fruit may not thaw well.

More Summer Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

Conclusion

Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad is the perfect dish to bring a little sunshine to your table. Whether you’re serving it as a sweet treat or a refreshing Summer Salad, it’s a guaranteed favorite that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy!