Mixed Fruit and Macapuno Filipino Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing and creamy Filipino fruit salad combining tropical fruits, sweetened cream, and tender macapuno strands. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers macapuno (coconut sport) strings, pineapple chunks, drained, ripe mango, diced into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup macapuno strings, 1 cup drained pineapple chunks, 1 cup diced ripe mango, and 1 cup halved seedless green grapes.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup all-purpose cream, and 1/4 cup evaporated milk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Pour the milk mixture over the fruit and gently fold in 1/2 cup mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup cheese cubes if using, mixing carefully to avoid breaking the fruit.
  4. Step 4: Cover and chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to become cold and refreshing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mixed Fruit and Macapuno Filipino Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Mixed Fruit and Macapuno Filipino Salad?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mixed Fruit and Macapuno Filipino Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mixed Fruit and Macapuno Filipino Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mixed Fruit and Macapuno Filipino Salad?

Filipino desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.