Few desserts capture the charm of vintage gatherings quite like Chilled Frozen Fruit Salad. Creamy, lightly sweet, and studded with colorful fruit and crunchy bits, this no-bake dessert is as refreshing as it is comforting. Often served at potlucks, holidays, and summer picnics, frozen fruit salad is the kind of recipe that feels both retro and timeless—simple to make, yet always a crowd-pleaser.
Unlike traditional fruit salads, this version is suspended in a fluffy, creamy base and chilled until firm, creating a sliceable, icebox-style dessert that melts gently on the tongue. It’s cool, satisfying, and perfect for warm weather or as a light finish to a hearty meal.
Why This Frozen Fruit Salad Is So Special
What sets chilled frozen fruit salad apart is its texture and balance. Sweet fruit provides bursts of flavor, marshmallows add softness, nuts contribute crunch, and the creamy base ties everything together. It’s not overly sweet, making it ideal as a dessert or even a side dish for brunch or holiday meals.
Best of all, it requires no baking, minimal prep, and can be made well ahead of time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
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1 cup whipped topping (or freshly whipped cream)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
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1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
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1 cup mini marshmallows
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1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Chilled Frozen Fruit Salad
