FROZEN FRUIT SALAD

Frozen Fruit Salad: A Creamy, Retro Delight That Never Goes Out of Style

Frozen Fruit Salad is one of those timeless dishes that sits somewhere between a dessert and a side dish. It’s cool, creamy, lightly sweet, and packed with colorful fruit suspended in a fluffy base. Often served at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and summer barbecues, this old-fashioned favorite is incredibly simple to prepare and can be made well in advance.

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to making a classic Frozen Fruit Salad from scratch, along with helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time.

What Makes Frozen Fruit Salad Special?

Unlike fresh fruit salad, this version is blended with a creamy mixture—typically made from whipped topping, cream cheese, or sweetened condensed milk—then frozen until firm. Once sliced, it reveals a beautiful mosaic of fruit pieces in a smooth, ice-cream-like base.

It’s:

• Make-ahead friendly
• Budget-friendly
• Customizable
• Perfect for warm weather or holiday tables

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a classic combination that balances sweetness, creaminess, and texture:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Important: Drain all fruit thoroughly. Excess moisture causes ice crystals and a watery texture once frozen.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by draining the pineapple and mandarin oranges in a strainer. Let them sit for at least 10–15 minutes. For best results, gently press with a spoon to remove extra liquid.

Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with paper towels before chopping. This prevents the salad from turning pink or watery.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl:

1. Beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
2. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk while mixing.
3. Add vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

The mixture should be smooth with no lumps.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Using a spatula, gently fold in the whipped topping. Avoid overmixing—you want to keep the mixture light and airy.

This step gives the salad its signature fluffy texture.

Step 4: Add the Fruit and Extras

Now gently fold in:

• Crushed pineapple
• Mandarin oranges
• Chopped cherries
• Mini marshmallows
• Nuts (if using)

Stir carefully so the fruit stays intact and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

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