Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad

Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad Recipe - Indulgent and Refreshing

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This creamy and fruity salad is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

History

The Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad recipe has been around for decades and is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. It is a popular choice for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) can fruit cocktail
6 oz (170 g) cream cheese
0.5 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup sugar
1 cup miniature marshmallows
0.5 cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp lemon juice
0.67 cup evaporated milk, chilled icy cold

How to prepare

Drain the fruit cocktail well and rinse. Dry the can, discarding the top lid.
Rinse and dry a 1 lb (454 g) coffee can.
In a mixing bowl, cream the cheese until soft.
Blend the cheese with mayonnaise and sugar.
Stir in marshmallows, walnuts, and drained fruit cocktail.
Chill the evaporated milk and add lemon juice. Whip until stiff enough to hold a peak.
Fold in the cheese mixture lightly but thoroughly.
Spoon the mixture into the two empty cans. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze.
To serve, remove the bottoms of the cans with a can opener. Push the salad onto a serving plate and slice.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or rum extract for a boozy twist.
Use different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for added crunch.
Mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the fruit cocktail well and rinse it before using it in the salad.

- Chilling the evaporated milk until icy cold will help it whip up into a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to fold in the cheese mixture gently to maintain the salad's creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad can be served as a dessert or a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is whipping the chilled evaporated milk until stiff peaks form, which gives the salad its light and airy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the salad.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier sweetener option.

Make Ahead Tips

Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer until ready to serve. Simply remove from the freezer, slice, and enjoy!

Presentation Ideas

Serve Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad on a bed of lettuce or garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a festive and elegant dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad in an airtight container in the freezer. To serve, simply remove from the freezer and let it thaw slightly before slicing and enjoying.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad is a good source of vitamin C and potassium due to the fruit cocktail and walnuts.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese), nuts (walnuts), and eggs (mayonnaise), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad is a classic and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and fruity flavors, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started when I was just a young girl, eager to learn everything I could about cooking. My grandmother, whom we lovingly referred to as Nana, was the one who introduced me to the world of culinary delights. She was a master in the kitchen, and I was always mesmerized by the way she effortlessly whipped up delicious dishes.

One summer afternoon, as the sun was shining brightly and the birds were chirping merrily outside, Nana called me into the kitchen. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye, which could only mean one thing - she had a new recipe to share with me. I eagerly sat at the kitchen table, ready to soak up all of her wisdom.

Nana began by pulling out a bag of frozen fruit from the freezer. She explained that this was the base of her famous Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad. I watched as she deftly mixed the fruits together, adding in a touch of sugar and a splash of lemon juice for a burst of flavor. As she stirred the concoction together, the colors of the fruits mingled and danced in the bowl, creating a beautiful mosaic of reds, blues, and yellows.

Next, Nana added in a secret ingredient - a dollop of sour cream. I raised an eyebrow in surprise, as I had never heard of sour cream being used in a fruit salad before. But Nana simply winked at me and assured me that it was the key to making the salad creamy and decadent. I watched as she folded the sour cream into the fruit mixture, creating a luscious and creamy texture that was unlike anything I had ever tasted.

After letting the salad chill in the freezer for a few hours, Nana presented me with a bowl of the finished product. The colors of the fruits sparkled in the sunlight, and the creamy texture beckoned me to take a bite. I eagerly scooped up a spoonful and savored the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The sweetness of the fruits was perfectly balanced by the tanginess of the sour cream, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged Nana to teach me how to make the Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad, and she happily obliged. We spent countless afternoons in the kitchen together, mixing fruits and sour cream, laughing and chatting as we created culinary masterpieces. I learned the art of balancing flavors, the importance of patience and precision, and most importantly, the joy of sharing food with loved ones.

Over the years, I have made Nana's Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad countless times. Each time, I am transported back to that sunny summer afternoon, where I first discovered the magic of this delicious dish. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down Nana's legacy to future generations.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in the kitchen with Nana, I am filled with gratitude for all that she taught me. Her love of cooking and her passion for sharing her recipes will forever be a part of me. And every time I make her Frozen Fruit Cocktail Salad, I feel her presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands and filling my heart with joy.