Frozen Cranberry Banana Salad
Overview
This Frozen Cranberry Banana Salad is a delightful treat that’s perfect for those hot summer days or anytime you crave a refreshing dessert. It combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of bananas and pineapple, all held together with a creamy Cool Whip base and topped with crunchy walnuts. It’s easy to make and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained (juice reserved)
- 5 firm bananas
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip (or any whipped topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
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Prepare the Fruit:
- Drain the pineapple tidbits, reserving the juice. Place the drained pineapple in a medium bowl.
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Prepare the Bananas:
- Add the firm bananas to the reserved pineapple juice in a medium bowl. This helps prevent them from browning and infuses them with a hint of pineapple flavor.
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Combine Cranberry Sauce and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, mix together the whole berry cranberry sauce and sugar until well combined.
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Prepare the Salad Mixture:
- Drain the bananas from the pineapple juice and discard the juice. Add the bananas to the bowl with the cranberry sauce and sugar mixture.
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Add Pineapple and Whipped Topping:
- Stir in the drained pineapple tidbits and the Cool Whip (or whipped topping) into the bowl with the banana-cranberry mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly combined.
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Add Chopped Walnuts:
- Fold in the chopped walnuts. They add a delightful crunch to the creamy salad.
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Freeze the Salad:
- Pour the mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch dish. Spread it out evenly. Cover the dish and place it in the freezer.
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Freeze Until Solid:
- Allow the salad to freeze until it is solid throughout. This usually takes about 4-6 hours, depending on your freezer.
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Serve:
- When ready to serve, remove the Frozen Cranberry Banana Salad from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly.
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Enjoy:
- Cut into squares and serve chilled. This salad is a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy texture, making it a delightful dessert or snack option.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the bananas are firm to maintain their texture in the frozen salad.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste preferences.
- You can customize this salad by adding other fruits like sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 278.4
- Total Fat: 10.6g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 19.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 47.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 39.9g
- Protein: 2g
This Frozen Cranberry Banana Salad recipe is not only easy to make but also a delicious way to enjoy a cool and fruity dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or just craving something sweet, this salad is sure to be a refreshing hit!