How to make creamy and refreshing Philippine-style fruit salad with coconut jelly

☰ Table of contents

When summer arrives in the Philippines, chilled fruit salad becomes a must-have dessert, which is why GC Food shares an easy homemade version inspired by this classic, topped with chewy, crispy coconut jelly for added freshness.

1. Ingredients

1.1 Fruits

• Canned tropical fruit cocktail: pineapple, papaya, guava, peach… (pick your favorites)
• Frozen young coconut (if you can’t find it, you can use macapuno instead)

1.2 Chewy toppings

To make your fruit salad more appealing and enjoyable, chewy jelly toppings are a must:

• Coconut jelly (nata de coco): Clear, chewy cubes made from fermented coconut water.
• Pineapple jelly (nata de piña): Similar in texture but made from pineapple juice. If it’s hard to find, pineapple-flavored coconut jelly is a good alternative.

1.3 Creamy sauce

This is the secret behind the rich, creamy dressing for the fruit salad:

• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creates a smooth, creamy base.
• Sour cream: Using a small amount of sour cream (instead of heavy cream) helps balance the sweetness, giving the dressing a light, tangy note without being too rich.

Once all the ingredients are ready, you can easily put together a delicious, well-balanced fruit salad at home.

2. Step-by-step guide to making creamy fruit salad with coconut jelly topping

This creamy fruit salad takes just about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and convenient option, especially for busy days. Below are three simple steps to make an authentic Philippine-style fruit salad at home:

2.1 Step 1: Prep the fruit

Preparing the ingredients correctly helps ensure a fruit salad with a smooth and creamy texture:

• Open all the fruit cans/jars (peaches, pineapple, coconut jelly, pineapple jelly, etc.) and transfer the contents to a large strainer.
• Let them drain thoroughly for 15 - 20 minutes. This step eliminates excess moisture, ensuring the sauce coats the fruit evenly without becoming watery.

2.2 Step 2: Make the creamy sauce

In a large bowl, prepare the rich, creamy sauce that defines the salad’s signature flavor.

• Add the sweetened condensed milk and sour cream to the bowl.
• Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.

2.3 Mix and chill

Add the drained fruit and coconut jelly to the bowl of creamy sauce.

• Gently toss with a spoon until all pieces are evenly coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
• This chilling time helps the salad cool properly before serving.

Once chilled, the fruit salad is ready to serve, offering a light and refreshing option for warm days. To make your fruit salad even more delicious, you can use coconut jelly from GC Food. Made from fresh coconut water sourced in Bến Tre - Vietnam’s coconut capital, it adds a clean, naturally refreshing finish that complements the creamy fruit base.

Using modern pasteurization technology, the aloe is produced under strict hygiene standards while preserving its natural sweetness and nutritional value. Each piece of jelly offers a clean, satisfying bite, complemented by a lightly sweet syrup for a cool, refreshing finish.

To learn more about our brand and explore creative recipes featuring coconut jelly, visit our official website.

With this simple fruit salad recipe with coconut jelly from GC Food, you’ll enjoy a refreshing, nutritious treat that cools you down and nourishes your body - perfect for making and sharing with family and friends.

The article was written by the GC Food team - Experts in natural ingredients.