Ensalada Navideña: Mexican Christmas Fruit Salad Recipe
Introduction
Ensalada Navideña is a festive Mexican Christmas salad that combines creamy textures with fresh fruit and crunchy nuts. This refreshing and colorful dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 14 ounces can condensed milk
- 12 ounces can evaporated milk
- 7.6 ounces can media crema (or plain/vanilla yogurt as a substitute)
- 8 ounces cream cheese block, softened (not melted)
- 1 cup pecans, cut into small pieces
- 30 ounces can fruit cocktail in syrup, drained (reserve ½ cup syrup)
- 4 large red apples, cut into chunks (keep the skin on for crunchiness)
- 12 to 16 ounces fresh strawberries
- 8 ounces grapes (green preferably)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened)
- Mini marshmallows (optional, as much as you want)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk, media crema, cream cheese, and ½ cup of the reserved fruit cocktail syrup. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- Step 2: Toast the pecans in a small skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the drained fruit cocktail, apples, strawberries, grapes, raisins, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans. Add mini marshmallows if desired.
- Step 4: Pour the cream mixture over the fruit and gently fold all ingredients together until the fruit is evenly coated. Use enough cream mixture to cover the fruit; you may have some leftover cream mixture.
- Step 5: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill before serving.
- Step 6: Serve cold as a refreshing holiday dessert or side dish.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter option, substitute media crema with plain or vanilla yogurt.
- Use toasted walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- If fruit cocktail is unavailable, use a mix of fresh diced fruits like pears, pineapple, and cherries.
- Add a splash of orange juice to the cream mixture for a subtle citrus twist.
Storage
Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cream mixture can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to one week. Gently stir the salad before serving if it has been refrigerated to redistribute the cream.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare Ensalada Navideña in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Chilling for at least 2 hours helps the flavors meld, making it even tastier the next day.
What can I use instead of media crema?
If you cannot find media crema, plain or vanilla yogurt works well as a substitute and maintains the salad’s creamy texture.
Print
Ensalada Navideña: Mexican Christmas Fruit Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Ensalada Navideña is a traditional Mexican Christmas salad that combines a creamy blend of condensed and evaporated milk, media crema, and cream cheese with an assortment of fresh fruits and nuts. This festive salad features red apples, strawberries, grapes, raisins, shredded coconut, pecans, and optional mini marshmallows, creating a refreshing and sweet dish perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Dairy Mixture
- 14 ounces can condensed milk
- 12 ounces can evaporated milk
- 7.6 ounces can media crema (or plain/vanilla yogurt as substitute)
- 8 ounces cream cheese block (softened, not melted)
- ½ cup reserved fruit cocktail syrup
Fruits and Nuts
- 1 cup pecans (cut in small pieces)
- 30 ounces can fruit cocktail in syrup (drain syrup and reserve ½ cup)
- 4 large red apples (cut into chunks with skin on)
- 12 to 16 ounces fresh strawberries
- 8 ounces grapes (preferably green)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened)
- Mini marshmallows (optional, as much as desired)
Instructions
- Blend: Combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk, media crema, cream cheese, and ½ cup of reserved fruit cocktail syrup in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Toast Pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat and toast the pecans for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat once they are fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Mix Fruits and Nuts: In a large bowl, add the drained fruit cocktail, chopped apples, fresh strawberries, grapes, raisins, shredded coconut, toasted pecans, and optional mini marshmallows. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Combine with Dairy Mixture: Pour the blended creamy mixture over the fruit and nut mixture. Using a gentle folding motion, carefully mix all ingredients together until the fruits are thoroughly coated with the cream mixture.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve Cold: Once chilled, serve the Ensalada Navideña cold as a refreshing and sweet holiday salad.
Notes
- You can substitute media crema with plain or vanilla yogurt if not available.
- Reserve ½ cup of the syrup from the canned fruit cocktail to blend into the cream mixture for added flavor.
- Add enough cream mixture to just cover the fruits; you may have some cream mixture leftover, which can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Mini marshmallows are optional but add a fun texture and extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Ensalada Navideña, Mexican Christmas Salad, fruit salad, creamy fruit salad, holiday salad, festive salad
