Frozen Waldorf Salad

Frozen Waldorf Salad is a cold, creamy fruit salad made with apples, grapes, pineapple, whipped cream, and nuts. It serves 8 and takes about 15 minutes to prepare (plus freezing time). It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or hot summer days.

Try More Summer Desserts Recipes:

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

💖 Why You’ll Love This Frozen Waldorf Salad

Cold, creamy, and refreshing: Frozen Waldorf Salad is the perfect dish to cool you down on a hot day. Its creamy texture and icy bite give it a dessert-like feel, while still being light and fruity.
No baking or cooking required: You don’t need to turn on the oven or stovetop for this recipe. Just mix the ingredients and freeze—making it a great choice for quick prep, especially during busy seasons like summer or holidays.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and hot-weather meals: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Easter, a backyard BBQ, or a baby shower, Frozen Waldorf Salad adds a colorful, cool option to the table. It looks festive and tastes refreshing.
Great make-ahead recipe: This dish can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the freezer until needed. That means less stress when entertaining and more time to enjoy your guests.

🍇 Ingredients

2 cups diced apples (peeled or unpeeled)
1 cup seedless grapes (halved)
1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice

🥗 How To Make Frozen Waldorf Salad

Prep the fruits: Dice apples, halve grapes, and drain pineapple.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, whipped topping, and lemon juice until smooth.
Combine all ingredients: Add apples, grapes, pineapple, nuts, and marshmallows to the bowl. Mix gently.
Freeze it: Pour the salad into a loaf pan or baking dish. Smooth the top.
Cover and freeze for 4–6 hours or until firm.
Serve chilled: Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

✅ Tips For Best Results

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for better flavor.
Mix fruits gently to avoid breaking them.
Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
Want it sweeter? Add a tablespoon of honey.
Don’t skip the lemon juice—it keeps the apples from browning.

🧁 What To Serve With Frozen Waldorf Salad?

Frozen Waldorf Salad goes well with baked ham, grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or a cheese platter. It can also be served as a light dessert or cold side dish during summer meals, brunches, or special holiday gatherings.

🧊 How To Store Frozen Waldorf Salad?

In the freezer: Keep it in a covered pan for up to 2 weeks. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil to avoid freezer burn.

❓ FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in Frozen Waldorf Salad?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version of Frozen Waldorf Salad. It adds protein and a tangy flavor.

What apples work best in Frozen Waldorf Salad?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-crisp apples like Honeycrisp work best in Frozen Waldorf Salad for flavor and texture.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought topping in Frozen Waldorf Salad?

Yes, but make sure it’s stabilized whipped cream. Otherwise, Frozen Waldorf Salad may separate when frozen.

Can I make Frozen Waldorf Salad nut-free?

Yes, skip the nuts or use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead in your Frozen Waldorf Salad.

Can I use canned fruit in Frozen Waldorf Salad?

Yes, but drain canned fruit well before mixing into the Frozen Waldorf Salad to avoid extra water.

Is Frozen Waldorf Salad healthy?

Frozen Waldorf Salad can be part of a balanced meal. It has fruits, nuts, and can be made lighter with yogurt or low-fat options.

What’s the origin of Frozen Waldorf Salad?

Frozen Waldorf Salad is based on the classic Waldorf Salad, first created in New York’s Waldorf Hotel. This version turns it into a chilled treat.

Try More Summer Desserts Recipes: