Description
This Cherry Salad Recipe is a refreshing and easy-to-make no-bake dessert or side dish featuring cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any occasion where you want a fruity, creamy treat that requires minimal prep time. Optional ingredients like mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut add delightful texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Base Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Dairy and Mix-ins
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cherry pie filling, drained crushed pineapple, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is fully combined.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping into the fruit mixture until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even texture.
- Add Mix-ins: Stir in the mini marshmallows. If you are using nuts and shredded coconut, add them now and mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and the salad to firm up.
- Serve: Serve the cherry salad chilled as a refreshing dessert or a festive side dish for potlucks and holiday gatherings.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use fat-free sweetened condensed milk and light whipped topping.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for half the whipped topping to add protein.
- Toast the nuts lightly before adding for extra flavor.
- Ensure pineapple is well-drained to avoid a watery salad.
- Best served chilled and consumed within 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg