Frozen Fruit Salad Recipe
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Frozen fruit salad is a family-favorite fruit salad recipe served at all special occasions including showers, weddings, parties, and family suppers.
There is a frozen fruit salad that my aunt always made when I was growing up. It was far from my favorite. Green with pecans and pineapple bits, she would serve it on a lettuce leaf alongside a plate of chicken salad during the summer. I would eat a few bites and then hurriedly drink a big gulp of sweet tea to wash it down.
When I started dating my husband ages ago, one of my favorite things to do was eat a late lunch or supper at his parents’ house on the weekends – normally on Sundays. One time, I asked her if I could help her with anything and she asked me to pull the frozen fruit salad out of the freezer.
Immediately, my mind flew to those green salads and wondering how I could be polite to not have to eat any of them. I believe she saw my relief as she had to point out the muffin tin filled with pink confection in her freezer to me.
One bite repaired any ill will I had of frozen fruit salad.
It is a family-favorite recipe that is a definite hit for warm weather meals.
Here’s how she makes it.
This is absolutely one of the easiest recipes you can imagine.
You basically just pour everything into a large bowl – cherry pie filling, drained crushed pineapple, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and Cool Whip – and mix it together.
Then, you’ll either spoon it into lightly greased muffin tins or pour it into a lightly greased large casserole dish.
Pop it into the freezer and allow it to freeze completely, then serve it on a lettuce leaf in the traditional Southern style, or without.
Here’s how I make it.
Frozen Fruit Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling
- 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, , drained
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 8-ounce carton Cool Whip
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup chopped pecans, optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Pour into lightly greased muffin tins or large casserole dish (9×13). Place in freezer to freeze throughout prior to serving. When ready to serve, allow to stand for about 3-5 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I know your family is going to enjoy this as much as mine does!
Love ya,
Robyn xoxo
Is lemon juice necessary? I don’t have any..why is it used?
The lemon juice helps thicken the salad, Judy. I’ve never seen it made without adding the lemon juice.
Can also be made with whole berry cranberry sauce instead of the cherry pie filling for Thanksgiving
How far ahead can I make this, I would like to do it 7 days in advance and put Saran Wrap over the mini muffin cups. Thoughts?
We call it cherry pie salad. It’s super easy to make and a hit with children.
That’s a great name – and kids do love it! Thanks Kimberly!
How long does it need to be out of the freezer before serving.?
Hi Karen,
I generally only have it out for 8 to 10 minutes before serving. I hope you enjoy it!
The good recipes resurface every few years…. I’ve been making this for over 40 years…. Still a family favorite?
I plan to make this for a bridal shower – in silver foil cupcake liners- long long before serving should this be taken from the freezer? Thanks.
How long can this stay in the freezer?
Hi Irene,
It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
My grandmother makes this recipe and has for as long as I’ve been alive with one little twist… She adds a bag of miniature marshmallows! Well worth it, in my opinion! This salad is by far my favorite!
hi robyn,
i’ve never heard of this dessert before, but it looks really tasty and healthier than ice cream. im going to give it a try. thx!
Its great