Grandmother'S Frozen Fruit Salad
A colorful, fruity frozen salad combining canned fruits, marshmallows, and whipped cream, perfect for family gatherings or summer parties with a sweet, refreshing flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain fruit cocktail, apricots, and pineapple.
- Reserve the juices and place the drained fruit in a large bowl.
- Add marshmallows to the fruit and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the reserved juices and stir in the unflavored gelatin.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the gelatin is dissolved.
- Cool the mixture slightly, then pour over the fruit and marshmallows.
- Stir in diced maraschino cherries and cherry juice.
- Fold in whipped cream and softened cream cheese.
- Pour into a mold or container and freeze until firm.
- Garnish with extra apricots and mint before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using mascarpone instead of cream cheese. If you're short on time, you can use pre-diced fruit instead of canned. To enhance flavor, add a splash of orange juice to the gelatin mixture. This frozen fruit salad is also great with fresh berries or bananas for added variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful frozen fruit salad as a refreshing dessert on hot days. It pairs beautifully with Mike'S Favorite Oatmeal Cake for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor. This dish is great for potlucks and summer picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last up to a month. To enjoy, simply remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. You can also slice it for easier serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S Frozen Fruit Salad contains roughly 547 calories, with 9g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 536mg per serving (23% 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 use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh fruit! Just make sure to cut it into similar sizes as the canned fruit. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, and you might need to adjust the gelatin to ensure it sets properly.
How long does it take to freeze?
The freezing time can vary based on the size of your container, but generally, it takes about 4-6 hours to freeze until firm. For best results, prepare it the night before serving to ensure it's completely set.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the gelatin you use is plant-based if you want to keep it vegetarian, as traditional gelatin is derived from animal products.
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).