Frozen Summer Salad
A refreshing frozen summer salad featuring creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors, perfect for warm weather gatherings and light, satisfying side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and salt until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped cream, drained mandarin oranges, chopped pitted dates, drained crushed pineapple, and finely chopped candied ginger.
- Turn the mixture into an 8-inch square pan.
- Sprinkle the chopped almonds on top.
- Freeze for 1 hour or until firm.
- Let stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften before cutting into squares.
- Serve with salad greens of your choice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before blending. If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can substitute the pitted dates with dried apricots or raisins. Additionally, feel free to experiment with nuts by using walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. For an extra zing, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Frozen Summer Salad pairs beautifully with salad greens, making it a refreshing side for summer barbecues or picnics. Consider serving it alongside grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. For a delightful dessert option, serve it with slices of Rhubarb Sour Cream Cake for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. To reheat, let the salad thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then serve cold. It can also be kept at room temperature for about an hour before serving if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frozen Summer Salad contains roughly 587 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
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 make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the freezer until you are ready to serve it. Just remember to let it soften for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature before cutting into squares.
What can I use instead of whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the whipping cream with a whipped topping like Cool Whip. Alternatively, for a dairy-free version, consider using coconut cream whipped until fluffy.
Is it possible to add other fruits to the salad?
Yes, you can definitely customize this salad by adding other fruits! Fresh berries, diced apples, or sliced bananas can enhance the flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly if you add more fruit.
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).