Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad is a delicious, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for warm weather or holiday gatherings. It’s a refreshing, creamy treat made with a variety of fruits, a creamy base, and a little bit of sweetness—frozen to perfection for a cool and satisfying dish.
Here’s a simple recipe for Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad:
Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen strawberries, thawed and chopped (or about 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped)
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a slight tang)
- A pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Drain the canned pineapple and mandarin oranges well to remove any excess liquid. If you’re using frozen strawberries, thaw them first, then chop them into smaller pieces. You can also use fresh strawberries if you prefer.
- Mix the Creamy Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until smooth. The sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and a creamy texture that makes this salad feel like a dessert.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, chopped strawberries, and mini marshmallows to the bowl. Stir gently to mix, being careful not to break up the fruit too much.
- Add Nuts (Optional):
- If you like, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch and flavor. This is optional, but it adds a nice texture to the salad.
- Freeze the Salad:
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish, or line a loaf pan with plastic wrap for easy removal. Spread the fruit salad evenly.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, until firm and frozen.
- Serve:
- Once the fruit salad is frozen, remove it from the freezer about 5-10 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly for easy scooping. Slice into squares or scoop with a spoon.
Tips and Variations:
- Fruit Variations: You can switch up the fruits depending on what you have on hand or prefer. Consider adding grapes, bananas, or cherries for extra flavor.
- Adding Coconut: Some versions of frozen fruit salad also include sweetened shredded coconut for an extra tropical flair.
- Lighten It Up: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use low-fat whipped topping or Greek yogurt instead of regular whipped topping, but the texture may change slightly.
- Graham Cracker Crust: For a more indulgent version, consider pressing the fruit salad mixture into a graham cracker crust before freezing for a “pie” version of this dessert.
This Frozen Fruit Salad is creamy, sweet, and refreshing—a perfect summer dessert or a fun treat for any occasion. It’s a great make-ahead dish, so you can prepare it in advance and have it ready when you need it!
