When the holiday season rolls around, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with festive scents and joyful laughter. It’s during this magical time of year that I discovered a delightful recipe that has become my go-to crowd-pleaser—Ensalada Navideña. This creamy fruit cocktail dessert tastes like a sweet embrace, combining velvety layers of condensed milk and fresh fruit, each spoonful bursting with nostalgia and warmth.
I remember the first time I served this at a family gathering; the vibrant colors and comforting flavors immediately captivated everyone, making it the star of the table. Intrigued by its simplicity yet impressive flair, I couldn’t wait to share it with friends and loved ones. The best part? It comes together effortlessly, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities rather than fretting over complicated preparations.
So gather your seasonal spirit and your loved ones, and let’s create a treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings hearts together. This Ensalada Navideña is perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or simply as a sweet ending to cherished family meals!
Why is Ensalada Navideña a must-try?
Irresistible sweetness: This dessert blends condensed milk, fruits, and cream for a luscious treat that everyone will adore.
Effortless assembly: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Vibrant colors: The festive fruits contribute beautiful hues, making your holiday table pop with cheer.
Versatile choice: Perfect as a side dish or dessert, it fits seamlessly into any holiday spread.
Chill and serve: After just an hour in the fridge, this creamy delight is ready, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy.
Whether you’re celebrating or simply looking for something special, this Ensalada Navideña is sure to delight.
Ensalada Navideña Ingredients
• Get ready for a creamy delight!
For the Creamy Base
- 14 ounces can condensed milk – adds a rich sweetness that forms the foundation of this dessert.
- 12 ounces can evaporated milk – provides a lighter texture and creaminess that balances flavors.
- 7.6 ounces can media crema – enhances the smoothness and adds a touch of indulgence.
- 8 ounces cream cheese block – softened – brings a tangy richness, making every bite luscious.
For the Fruit Medley
- 30 ounces can fruit cocktail in syrup – offers a delightful mix of fruits and sweetness, perfect for nostalgia.
- 4 large red apples – cut into chunks – add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- 12 to 16 ounces fresh strawberries – bring a burst of tartness and freshness that brightens every spoonful.
- 8 ounces grapes – juicy bites that complement the other fruits beautifully.
- 1 cup raisins – adds natural sweetness and chewy texture, enhancing the overall experience.
- 1 cup shredded coconut – introduces a tropical twist and delightful chewiness to the mix.
- mini marshmallows – optional – add a kid-friendly touch and make the dessert even more fun!
Whether you’re looking to impress family and friends or simply want a sweet treat during the holidays, this Ensalada Navideña ingredient list is a great start!
How to Make Ensalada Navideña
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Combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and media crema in a large bowl. Use a whisk or spatula to mix them thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and creamy base that sets the foundation for your dessert.
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Blend in the softened cream cheese until the mixture is velvety and lump-free. This step adds a rich tanginess, making your Ensalada Navideña even more delightful and luxurious.
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Stir in the chopped pecans, fruit cocktail (remember to drain it but reserve ½ cup of the syrup), apple chunks, strawberries, grapes, raisins, and shredded coconut. Mix gently until all the ingredients are well-combined, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures.
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Fold in mini marshmallows, if desired. This optional step adds a playful touch that makes the dessert even more inviting, especially for kids and those young at heart.
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Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dessert to set to a delightful, creamy consistency.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of additional shredded coconut for a festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Ensalada Navideña are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify their holiday preparations! You can prepare the creamy base (condensed milk, evaporated milk, media crema, and softened cream cheese) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can chop the apples and combine them with lemon juice to prevent browning, storing them separately for up to 3 days. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply mix the prepared base with the fruits, nuts, and coconut. After blending everything together, chill the final mixture for at least one hour before serving for a refreshing, delightful dessert that’s just as delicious as if made fresh!
Helpful Tricks for Ensalada Navideña
- Mixing Order: Start with the cream base: Mixing the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and media crema first ensures a smooth consistency before adding cream cheese.
- Freshness Counts: Use fresh fruits wherever possible, especially strawberries and grapes, to elevate the taste of your Ensalada Navideña and maintain vibrant colors.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the dessert to set in the fridge for an hour helps meld flavors and achieves the perfect creamy texture.
- Texture Variety: Adjust the fruit mix to your liking; consider adding bananas or kiwi for added texture and freshness, but be cautious with the fruit cocktail syrup.
- Pecan Precision: Toast your pecans lightly before mixing for an extra layer of flavor that adds depth to your Ensalada Navideña.
- Serve Smart: Present in fun, colorful bowls or glasses to entice your guests, making the dessert an eye-catching centerpiece at your holiday table.
How to Store and Freeze Ensalada Navideña
Fridge: Store any leftover Ensalada Navideña in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and creaminess.
Freezer: If you need to freeze it, place the dessert in a firmly sealed container, but note that the texture may change. Enjoy within 1 month for the best taste.
Thawing: To serve frozen Ensalada Navideña, transfer it to the fridge for 8–12 hours before serving to allow it to thaw slowly, preserving its flavors.
Reheating: This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat; just serve it cold right from the fridge!
Ensalada Navideña Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize your Ensalada Navideña for a personal touch that your family will love!
- Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream and use coconut milk for a rich, plant-based version.
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch without allergens.
- Extra Fruity: Add ripe bananas or chopped kiwi for a fresh twist, enhancing both the flavor and texture of this festive treat.
- Coconut-free: Substitute shredded coconut with crushed graham crackers for a different texture and a sweet crunch that complements the creamy base.
- Spicy Kick: Fold in a sprinkle of chili powder for an unexpected hint of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free condensed milk and evaporated milk to create a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy.
- Tropical Flavor: Incorporate diced pineapple or mango to give your Ensalada Navideña a summery flair while still keeping it festive.
- Rosy Shade: Mix in some chopped maraschino cherries for added sweetness and a pop of color that brightens your holiday table.
Embrace these variations to make each gathering unique and delightfully memorable!
What to Serve with Ensalada Navideña?
Ready for a delightful feast that complements the sweetness of your creamy fruit dessert?
- Savory Roast Chicken: Tender, herb-seasoned chicken creates a delicious contrast to the dessert’s richness, elevating your meal.
- Crispy Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens brings a crunch and lightness, balancing the dessert’s creaminess and adding a burst of freshness.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These warm, buttery sticks add a comfort element to your holiday spread, perfect for savoring alongside every bite of Ensalada Navideña.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: The hearty filling of rice and vegetables provides a savory, colorful side that beautifully contrasts the vibrant fruit dessert.
- Creamy Coleslaw: With its tangy dressing and crunchy cabbage, this side enhances the festive colors and provides a refreshing balance to the sweet flavors.
- Sparkling Water: The fizz creates a nice palate cleanser, making each mouthful of Ensalada Navideña feel light and refreshing.
- Pumpkin Pie: For dessert lovers, this classic pie brings in warm spices and a sweet finish, celebrating the holiday spirit beautifully.
Embrace the joy of sharing delightful dishes around the table this season!
Ensalada Navideña Recipe FAQs
What fruits are best for Ensalada Navideña?
Absolutely! In addition to the classic fruit cocktail, you can mix in seasonal fruits like bananas or kiwi for added flavor and texture. Just be cautious with bananas as they brown quickly. I love using fresh strawberries and grapes since they provide a delightful tartness, but feel free to get creative with your favorite fruits!
How should I store leftover Ensalada Navideña?
To keep your Ensalada Navideña fresh, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. Ensure the lid is sealed well to maintain its creamy texture and flavors.
Can I freeze Ensalada Navideña?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just be sure to use a tightly sealed container to avoid freezer burn, and enjoy it within 1 month for the best taste. When you’re ready to serve it, transfer it to the refrigerator for 8–12 hours beforehand to let it thaw slowly. Please note that the texture may change slightly once frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
What if I accidentally added too much cream cheese?
If you find yourself in a bit of a creamy situation, don’t worry! You can balance the mixture by adding a bit more of the fruit cocktail or a splash of the reserved syrup. Just mix gently until the flavors are smooth. This is a forgiving recipe, and everyone loves a little extra creaminess!
Is Ensalada Navideña suitable for kids and people with allergies?
Very! While it’s generally kid-friendly with its sweet flavors, be cautious of allergies, especially to nuts or dairy. If you’re serving children, you might want to omit the pecans or substitute with a nut-free option. Always check with your guests for any dietary restrictions before serving!
Can I make Ensalada Navideña ahead of time?
Definitely! This dessert is actually perfect for prepping ahead. You can make it a day before your event and store it in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on the day of your gathering!
Delicious Ensalada Navideña to Brighten Your Holiday Table
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and media crema in a large bowl and mix thoroughly to form a creamy base.
- Blend in the softened cream cheese until the mixture is velvety and lump-free.
- Stir in the chopped pecans, drained fruit cocktail (reserve ½ cup syrup), apple chunks, strawberries, grapes, raisins, and shredded coconut until well-combined.
- Fold in mini marshmallows if desired.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.