So cool and refreshing, this frozen fruit salad will become the favorite side dish of every summer bbq! This perfect twist on a classic is simple to make and fun to customize just the way you like it!

Image of a frozen fruit salad cut into three squares and stacked on top of each other on a white plate. In the background is a teal bowl with cut strawberries and pineapple. - Shelf Cooking

Ah, the summer backyard bbq! What's not to love? We always look forward to hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, grilled veggies, and more! But…if we had one complaint, we might take issue with the heat. It is summer, after all!

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If only there were a cold dish to cool us down…Ah ha! We have just the thing! A fruit salad, but frozen! Delightfully creamy and refreshing, your fellow bbq guests will be wowed by this fun variation. Plus, you can easily make it just the way you like it, so chill out already!



Ways To Customize Frozen Fruit Salad

Image of a frozen fruit salad cut into cubes and placed in a small glass bowl. There is a small white bowl of cherries in the background and a fork to the side.

We feel pretty confident that over the years you have had multiple variations of fruit salad in different settings. There's no one right way to do it! This frozen fruit salad is so versatile that you can customize it to fit your tastes, or experiment with it so you are trying something new each time. We've outlined a standard recipe below, but don't be afraid to try some of these variations:

  • Different fruits. Our recipe calls for bananas, pineapple or mandarin oranges, and berries. All delicious! But if you don't like any of those or don't have them on hand, don't be afraid to add or omit fruits. You can try adding diced kiwi, grapes, mangoes, apples, or peaches to name a few.
  • Go nuts! Like a little crunch? Try adding chopped walnuts or almonds for something interesting.
  • Add shredded coconut for something tropical!
  • Add chia seeds or hemp hearts for health benefits!

Also, while this fruit salad makes a great side dish, it's also a wonderful dessert! Don't hesitate to top with a dollop of whipped cream, or a delicious berry compote or sauce. Yum!


How To Make Frozen Fruit Salad

Don't sleep on trying this recipe! We promise that both kids and grown-ups will think it's amazing.

Frozen Fruit Salad

This side dish is so cool and refreshing, it will become a favorite summer side dish or dessert for years to come!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Freeze Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz frozen whipped topping
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 bananas, sliced
  • 1 20 oz can pineapple tidbits, or 1 15 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 16 oz bag frozen berry medley, or any bag of frozen fruit

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl beat together the frozen whipped topping, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
  • Add the banana slices, pineapple or orange tidbits, and berries and mix until well combined.
  • Spread the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish or pan and freeze overnight or until solid.
  • Set out 30 minutes before you would like to enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.
Keyword dessert, fruit, salad, side dish

Ways To Repurpose Frozen Fruit Salad

Close up image of a frozen fruit salad cut into three squares and stacked on a white plate. - Shelf Cooking

The above recipe makes a nice big batch of this fruit salad by utilizing a 9×13 dish. Our bet is that since this dish is so light and refreshing, people will be coming back for seconds in, well…seconds! But, if you do find yourself with leftovers there are a couple of options.

Simply pop your leftovers in an airtight container and place it back in the freezer for up to 3 weeks. You can sneak a little treat whenever you have a fruity craving!

Or, repurpose your leftovers by using them as a smoothie starter! Heck yes!

To do this, create make-ahead smoothie bags that will make your mornings super easy. Divide one cup portions of the frozen fruit salad into freezer baggies, add a half cup of yogurt (any kind), and any greens or additional fruit you'd like. Label and freeze until ready to use. When you are ready to make a smoothie, dump the contents of the bag into a blender and combine with 1 cup of liquid (juice, milk, almond milk, etc.). Enjoy!



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Stay frosty, friends!