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–+ servings
Frozen Fruit Salad
Frozen Fruit Salad is a retro dessert-salad hybrid that became especially popular during mid-century American holiday dinners and luncheons. This refreshing, sweet-and-creamy dish features gelatin, fruit cocktail, mayonnaise, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries for a unique combination of textures and flavors. Served chilled or slightly thawed, it bridges the gap between dessert and side dish, offering a nostalgic treat with a creamy, fruity charm. It's ideal for entertaining or potlucks where make-ahead dishes shine.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill/Freeze Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 env unflavored gelatin (approx. 2 ½ tsp)
  • ¼ cup cold water
  • 15 oz fruit cocktail (drained)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup heavy cream (whipped)
  • 3 oz maraschino cherries (halved or chopped)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Bloom Gelatin

  • In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.

Step 2: Dissolve Gelatin

  • Gently heat the bloomed gelatin over low heat (or microwave briefly) until fully dissolved. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the fruit cocktail, mayonnaise, and maraschino cherries. Stir in the dissolved gelatin.

Step 4: Fold in Whipped Cream

  • Gently fold in the whipped cream until evenly combined.

Step 5: Freeze

  • Pour mixture into a loaf pan or individual molds. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Step 6: Serve

  • Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing or scooping. Serve chilled.

Tips

  • Substitute crushed pineapple for maraschino cherries for a lighter flavor
  • Use whipped topping instead of heavy cream for a softer texture
  • Add chopped nuts for extra crunch
  • Line the mold with plastic wrap for easier unmolding
  • Freeze in individual portions for grab-and-serve convenience
  • Serve with fresh berries for contrast
  • Reduce sugar by using unsweetened fruit
  • Let stand 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 720IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 0.6mg
Keyword creamy, frozen dessert, holiday side, make-ahead, no-bake, retro salad, vintage
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