Jump to Recipe Print RecipeEvery summer barbecue, I hear echoes of laughter and memories of my childhood revolving around Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad. This simple, yet nostalgic recipe is a creamy combination of fresh fruits, pecans, and a smooth blend of whipped cream and cream cheese that has graced countless family gatherings. Not only is it a make-ahead frozen dessert that can be prepared in a flash, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brightens up any table. With a delightful crunch and a refreshing flavor, this salad is an inviting alternative to traditional heavy sweets. Want to add a twist? Consider a splash of lime or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical vibe! Curious about how to make this fruity masterpiece? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad a Must-Try? Nostalgic flavors that evoke cherished memories of family gatherings resonate with everyone. Effortless Preparation means you can whip up this creamy delight in no time. Refreshing Texture combines smooth, dreamy creaminess with a delightful crunch from pecans, making every bite a joy. Versatile Options allow you to tailor it with seasonal fruits or even a touch of coconut for a tropical twist. Perfect as a dessert or a side, this salad promises to be the star of any occasion! Don’t forget to check out our Frozen Grapes for more refreshing treats! Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad Ingredients • Ready to create a refreshing treat? Here’s what you’ll need! For the Base Whipped Cream – Adds a light, creamy texture that makes this salad irresistible. Cream Cheese – Provides a rich base; consider using light cream cheese for a lower-fat option. For the Fruit Mixed Fresh Fruits (e.g., strawberries, bananas, grapes) – Brings sweetness and vibrant colors to the dish; feel free to substitute with your favorite seasonal fruits. For the Crunch Pecans – Introduces a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor; you can swap these for walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free version. For Sweetness Sugar – Sweetens the salad beautifully; reduce the amount for a less sweet dish or opt for a sugar substitute if desired. Embrace the magic of Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad and get ready to impress your friends and family at your next gathering! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad Step 1: Prepare the Base In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of whipped cream with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend until smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy, with no lumps remaining, setting a delightful base for your Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad. Step 2: Fold in the Fruits Gently fold in 4 cups of chopped mixed fresh fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, and grapes, into the creamy mixture. Use a spatula to ensure even distribution without deflating the whipped cream. This process should take about 1-2 minutes, aiming for a colorful blend that highlights the freshness of the fruits in your salad. Step 3: Add the Crunch Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans and 1/4 cup of sugar to the fruit mixture, adjusting the sweetness to your taste. Mix carefully until everything is incorporated, taking care not to overmix. The pecans will add a delightful crunch to Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad and should complement the textures beautifully. Step 4: Freeze the Mixture Transfer the fruit mixture into a freezer-safe dish, spreading it evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Freeze the salad for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid, allowing the flavors to meld together, creating a refreshing treat perfect for hot days. Step 5: Soften Before Serving Once frozen, remove the dish from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This step ensures that your Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad softens slightly for easier scooping. The ideal texture is creamy and easy to serve, resembling a delightful fruit parfait. Expert Tips for Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad Stiff Peaks: Ensure your whipped cream is beaten to stiff peaks before folding it in. This guarantees a fluffy texture in your Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad. Fruit Freshness: Use the ripest fruits for the best flavor and sweetness. Adjust the sugar based on the natural sweetness of your fruits. Freezer Storage: Cover the freezing dish tightly with plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn, preserving the creamy texture of your frozen salad. Nut-Free Option: To make Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad nut-free, simply omit the pecans or substitute them with sunflower seeds for added crunch. Chill Time Matters: Allow the salad to soften at room temperature before serving. This makes it easier to scoop while maintaining that creamy delightfulness. How to Store and Freeze Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy it as a refreshing snack right from the fridge! Freezer: Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Ensure it’s tightly covered to prevent freezer burn. Thawing: Before serving, remove the salad from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften, resulting in an easy-to-scoop texture. Reheating: There’s no need to heat this salad; simply serve it chilled for the best experience! Make Ahead Options Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad is a fantastic dish for busy home cooks looking to save time while still delighting their family and friends! You can prepare the creamy base of whipped cream and cream cheese up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Additionally, chop your mixed fruits and pecans up to 3 days ahead of serving; simply refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to serve, just fold the prepared fruits and nuts into the frozen base, transfer to a freezer-safe dish, and freeze for 4-6 hours. This way, you’ll have a delightful, frozen treat ready to impress, making your meal planning a breeze! What to Serve with Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad? Imagine a summer gathering bursting with sunshine and laughter, perfectly accompanied by the creamy, fruity delight of this refreshing dish. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy skewers infused with smoky flavor create a delightful contrast to the coolness of the salad. Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crunchy chips paired with zesty salsa deliver a savory bite, balancing out the salad’s sweetness. Mixed Green Salad: Fresh greens mixed with a light vinaigrette add a crisp texture and a peppery kick to your meal. Cheesy Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery bread layered with melted cheese offers a satisfying bite that complements the cool fruitiness beautifully. Mojito Spritzers: A refreshing minty drink with lime elevates your dining experience, creating a festive ambiance. Lemon Sorbet: End your meal on a tangy note with this icy treat, echoing the fruity essence of the salad. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy delights harmonize with the tropical vibe, especially if you add coconut to the salad. Peach Bellini: A sparkling, fruity cocktail dazzles your guests, pairing excellently with the luscious flavors of the fruit salad. Chocolate Cake: For those craving something sweet, rich chocolate cake adds decadence, enhancing the overall dessert experience. With these pairings, your meal will not only be satisfying but also a vibrant celebration of flavors! Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad Variations Feel free to get creative with your Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad and make it your own with these delightful twists! Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut for a crunchy, tropical vibe that transports you to a sunny beach. Nut-Free Delight: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain that crunch without the nuts. This is a great option for those with allergies! Zesty Pace: Incorporate a splash of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors, giving your salad a refreshing, tangy kick. The zesty touch balances the sweetness beautifully. Berry Blast: Use a mix of berries like blueberries and raspberries for a color-packed, berry-flavored explosion. The different textures will create an exciting experience in every bite! Choco-Nut: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top before freezing, transforming your salad into an irresistible dessert. Chocolate and fruit? A match made in heaven! Savory Spin: Add a hint of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a surprising savory twist that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness. This unusual combo may become your new favorite! Fresh Mint: Toss in some finely chopped fresh mint for a refreshing, aromatic touch. It adds a delightful bright note that elevates every scoop. Seasonal Sensation: Adjust the mixed fruits to whatever is in season, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor in every bite. Try peaches in summer or apples in fall for a delightful seasonal variation! Feel inspired? Pair your salad with some colorful Fruit Skewers Colorful or enjoy it alongside a hearty Mexican Street Salad for a festive gathering! Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best fruits for Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad? Absolutely! For the best flavor, select ripe fruits that are in season. Look for strawberries that are bright red and fragrant, bananas that are slightly speckled, and grapes that are firm and plump. Avoid any fruits with dark spots or that seem overly mushy, as they might compromise the texture of your salad. How should I store Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad? You can keep Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent freezer burn, as this will help maintain its creamy texture. If it’s in an airtight container, it’ll be just as welcoming on day 14 as it was on day one! Can I freeze leftover Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad? Yes, indeed! You can freeze any leftover salad. Just be sure it’s stored in an airtight container with minimal air to ensure it stays fresh. Refer to the freezing guidelines above for best results, and enjoy it as a cool treat after those hot summer days! What can I do if Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad is too hard to scoop? Very common! If you find your salad too hard to scoop straight out of the freezer, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will soften it slightly, making it easier to serve while still maintaining that delightful creamy texture. Can I modify Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad for dietary restrictions? Absolutely! For a nut-free version, you can either leave out the pecans or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a tasty crunch. If you’re watching your sugar intake, reducing the sugar or using a sugar substitute will work as well. Just be sure to taste and adjust according to your personal preferences! How long can I keep Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad in the fridge once it’s frozen? Once thawed, Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container. This allows you to enjoy the creamy and fruity delight at your own pace without feeling rushed! Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad: A Cool, Creamy Summer Dream Nana’s Frozen Fruit Salad is a nostalgic creamy dessert that combines fresh fruits, pecans, and a smooth blend of whipped cream and cream cheese. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsFreezing Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 8 servingsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base2 cups whipped cream Ensure stiff peaks are achieved.8 ounces cream cheese Can use light cream cheese for a lower-fat option.For the Fruit4 cups mixed fresh fruits e.g., strawberries, bananas, grapes; substitute with seasonal fruits.For the Crunch1 cup pecans Can be swapped for walnuts or omitted for nut-free version.For Sweetness1/4 cup sugar Adjust based on preference for sweetness. Equipment Mixing bowlElectric MixerSpatulafreezer-safe dish Method Preparation StepsIn a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of whipped cream with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.Gently fold in 4 cups of chopped mixed fresh fruit into the creamy mixture using a spatula.Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans and 1/4 cup of sugar to the fruit mixture, mixing carefully until everything is incorporated.Transfer the fruit mixture into a freezer-safe dish, spreading it evenly. Smooth the top and cover tightly. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid.Remove from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to soften. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Allow to soften before serving for the best texture. 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