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Vibrant Tropical Salad Recipe

Vibrant Tropical Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Refreshing Tropical Delight Salad combines mango, pineapple, and coconut for a Caribbean-inspired treat. Sweet and tangy ingredients create a perfect summer side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
  • 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 can (11 oz / 312 g) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Position a spacious mixing bowl on your workspace, ready to craft a vibrant tropical medley that captures the essence of island flavors.
  2. Fruit Foundation: Cascade pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges into the bowl, creating a luminous base that radiates sunshine and freshness.
  3. Textural Layers: Gently fold in mini marshmallows and shredded coconut, introducing pillowy softness and delicate tropical undertones that will dance through the salad.
  4. Creamy Fusion: Incorporate sour cream and whipped topping, blending these silky elements with a light touch to create a luxurious binding that embraces the fruit components.
  5. Accent and Garnish: Sprinkle maraschino cherries and chopped pecans throughout the mixture, adding bursts of color, unexpected crunch, and nutty depth to the tropical composition.
  6. Flavor Melding: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a more integrated, sophisticated flavor profile.
  7. Final Touch: Before serving, delicately stir the salad to reinvigorate the ingredients and ensure each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of tropical sweetness, creamy texture, and nuanced crunch.

Notes

  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow ingredients to blend and develop a richer, more cohesive taste profile.
  • Prevent Ingredient Breakdown: Fold ingredients gently to maintain the integrity of delicate fruits and prevent mushy texture.
  • Customize Crunch Factor: Add pecans just before serving to preserve their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Serve Cold for Maximum Enjoyment: Keep the salad thoroughly chilled until serving to maintain its refreshing tropical essence and prevent marshmallow melting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 153
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 57 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg