Heavenly Frozen Fruit Salad
A creamy, fruity frozen salad combining pineapple, cherries, and whipped cream with a hint of lemon and nuts, perfect for summer gatherings and light desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over lemon juice in a glass measuring cup to soften.
- Stir over hot water until dissolved.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened gelatin, cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and sugar; mix until smooth.
- Fold in whipped heavy cream, chopped nuts, quartered maraschino cherries, and crushed pineapple or fruit cocktail.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray kept just for this purpose.
- Freeze until just firm, about 10 minutes.
- Reset refrigerator temperature control to normal.
- Slice and serve on greens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise and use low-fat cream cheese. If you prefer a fruitier flavor, consider adding diced strawberries or blueberries to the mixture. Make sure to beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form for a fluffier texture. This salad is also great for summer barbecues and pairs beautifully with Mammaw'S Banana Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This frozen fruit salad makes an excellent side dish for a picnic or barbecue, complementing grilled meats and fresh salads. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing starter. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Mom Heil'S Ice Cream for dessert. Garnish with additional chopped nuts for an attractive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. If you want to enjoy it later, remove the fruit salad from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing. To maintain the best texture, consume within one week. Avoid refreezing once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heavenly Frozen Fruit Salad contains roughly 171 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 915mg per serving (40% 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 different fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can use any combination of fruits you enjoy, like peaches, berries, or even a fruit cocktail. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to maintain the salad's texture.
How can I make this fruit salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream in place of the heavy cream. Ensure that your gelatin is vegan, as traditional gelatin is derived from animal products.
What can I serve with this fruit salad?
This fruit salad pairs wonderfully with brunch items like pancakes or waffles. It also complements savory dishes such as grilled chicken or fish, providing a sweet contrast. For a delightful dessert, serve it alongside Chocolate Iced Cookies.
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).