Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad
A cool, sweet cranberry salad with crunchy nuts and creamy condensed milk, perfect for holiday gatherings or a refreshing dessert option during festive seasons.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the whole cranberries, condensed milk, and chopped nuts in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze until firm before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider folding in some whipped topping or Greek yogurt into the mixture before freezing. You can substitute the chopped nuts with sunflower seeds or granola for a different crunch. If you're looking for a lower calorie option, you might use a sugar-free condensed milk. To enhance the flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the frozen cranberry fruit salad as a refreshing side dish at holiday gatherings or as a light dessert. It pairs beautifully with Apple Cake With Walnuts and can be accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra nuts on top for added texture. Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. It can be kept for up to two months. When ready to serve, remove from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping. Avoid refreezing after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frozen Cranberry Fruit Salad contains roughly 1007 calories, with 16g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?
While fresh cranberries can be used, you'll need to sweeten them since they are quite tart. Cooking them briefly with sugar and water will help soften and sweeten them before mixing with the other ingredients. Just ensure they are cool before adding to the salad.
How long does it take for the salad to freeze?
Typically, the salad will need about 4-6 hours in the freezer to become firm enough to serve. For best results, it's ideal to prepare it the night before and allow it to freeze overnight, ensuring it's fully set by serving time.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, as it keeps well in the freezer. Just prepare it a day or two in advance of your event, and store it in an airtight container. Thaw slightly before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).