Quick and Simple Frozen Fruit Salad
Indulge in the ultimate refreshment with this Frozen Fruit Salad, a vibrant and sweet concoction perfect for cooling down on hot days or adding a burst of color and flavor to any meal. This easy-to-make dessert or side dish combines a variety of fruits with a creamy base, resulting in a frozen treat that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a festive holiday side, or simply craving a healthy sweet treat, this frozen fruit salad is versatile, delightful, and sure to please all palates.
Why You’ll Love Frozen Fruit Salad:
- Cooling and Refreshing: Perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser between courses.
- Versatile: Serve as a dessert, snack, or alongside brunch and dinner dishes.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite fruits or what’s in season.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare in advance for parties, gatherings, or easy snacking throughout the week.
Ingredients Notes For Frozen Fruit Salad:
- Fruits: Use a colorful mix of berries, pineapple, grapes, and mandarin oranges for variety and flavor. Both fresh and canned (drained) fruits work well.
- Creamy Base: A blend of cream cheese, whipped cream (or whipped topping), and yogurt or condensed milk for sweetness and creaminess.
- Sweetener: Adjust the sweetness with honey, sugar, or condensed milk based on your preference and the sweetness of the fruits used.
- Add-Ins: Customize with nuts, mini marshmallows, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Fruits: If using fresh fruits, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Drain canned fruits well.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese with whipped cream and yogurt (or condensed milk) until smooth. Sweeten as desired.
- Combine: Gently fold the fruits into the creamy mixture until well coated. Stir in any additional add-ins like nuts or marshmallows.
- Freeze: Transfer the mixture into a large baking dish or individual cups. Cover and freeze until solid, typically 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Let the frozen fruit salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier scooping. Serve chilled.
Storage Options:
- Keep Frozen: Store the frozen fruit salad in the freezer, covered, for up to 1 month for optimal taste and texture.
Quick and Simple Frozen Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 can 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can 15 ounces mandarin oranges, drained and chopped
- 1 cup maraschino cherries drained and halved
- 1 cup chopped mixed nuts e.g., walnuts, pecans, optional
- 2 bananas sliced
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Whipped cream or additional sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
Mix the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add the Fruits:
- Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, chopped mandarin oranges, halved maraschino cherries, and sliced bananas into the milk mixture. If using, also add the chopped mixed nuts.
Include Marshmallows:
- Fold in the mini marshmallows until everything is evenly mixed.
Freeze:
- Pour the fruit salad mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish or individual serving cups. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Serve:
- Remove the fruit salad from the freezer about 15-20 minutes before serving to slightly soften for easier scooping.
- Serve in individual bowls, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of sour cream if desired.
