Ingredients
Scale
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 cans (15 oz each) mandarin oranges, thoroughly drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1.5 cups miniature marshmallows (ensure agar agar-free or suitable for dietary needs)
- 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
Instructions
- Begin by prepping your fruit. Ensure the pineapple chunks are uniform in size and the mandarin oranges are drained completely in a colander to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, coconut extract, and lime zest, mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Gently fold the pineapple, drained mandarin oranges, shredded coconut, and marshmallows into the dressing. Use a spatula to turn the mixture over carefully so you don't crush the orange segments.
- Add the drained maraschino cherries and chopped macadamia nuts, giving the salad one final gentle toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften slightly.
- Remove from the refrigerator, give it a quick stir, and serve chilled. Garnish with extra lime zest or coconut if desired.
Notes
Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature to avoid lumps in the dressing. For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with whipped topping, though the texture will be airier. This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg