If you’re craving something delightfully sweet, creamy, and bursting with fruity goodness, I have just the thing for you: the Cherry Salad Recipe. This charming dish perfectly balances the tartness of cherry pie filling with the smooth sweetness of condensed milk and whipped topping, creating a luscious texture that feels like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side or a luscious dessert, this recipe is super simple to whip up and always steals the show at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Cherry Salad Recipe is a breeze, and each component plays a crucial role in delivering that trademark taste and texture. From the juicy cherries to the fluffy whipped topping, these staples come together to create a vibrant, creamy, and satisfying salad.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): The star ingredient that lends a rich cherry flavor and beautiful ruby-red color.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): Adds sweetness and a creamy, smooth consistency that binds everything together.
- Crushed pineapple (1 can, 8 oz, drained): Brings tropical tang and juicy texture while balancing the sweetness of the cherries.
- Whipped topping (1 container, 8 oz): Lightens the salad, making it fluffy and soft, perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Mini marshmallows (1 cup): For a delightful chewiness that contrasts the creamy elements without overpowering the flavors.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a nutty crunch that elevates the texture and provides a lovely contrast.
How to Make Cherry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and pour in the cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, and the drained crushed pineapple. Stir these beautiful ingredients together until they form a perfectly blended, vibrant base that’s bursting with fruity sweetness.
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold the whipped topping into the cherry-pineapple mixture. This step is key because it transforms the texture into a creamy, fluffy delight without breaking down the volume too much. Take your time to ensure it’s smooth and well incorporated.
Step 3: Add Mini Marshmallows and Nuts
Next, gently stir in the mini marshmallows, allowing that playful chewiness to spread throughout the salad. If you love a bit of crunch, toss in your choice of chopped pecans or walnuts. These little extras take the Cherry Salad Recipe from fabulous to unforgettable.
Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate your creation for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors blend beautifully and firms up the salad to the perfect consistency for serving. Trust me, this step makes all the difference in the final taste.
How to Serve Cherry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cherry Salad Recipe truly pop, consider sprinkling a few extra chopped nuts on top or a few whole cherries for a wow factor. A light dusting of shredded coconut also adds a pretty snowy effect and a subtle tropical note that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or pork for a fresh, sweet contrast, or enjoy it with a picnic spread featuring sandwiches and crisp greens. It’s versatile and brightens any meal with a splash of color and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Cherry Salad Recipe in clear glass cups or small mason jars for individual portions that look as delightful as they taste. Layer it with fresh cherries or add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nuts on top for an elegant touch that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, no worries! Simply store the salad in an airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy days or unexpected guests.
Freezing
Because of the whipped topping and marshmallows, freezing this Cherry Salad Recipe isn’t recommended; the texture changes and may become watery or grainy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is needed. If you find the texture has firmed up too much, simply give it a gentle stir to revive its creamy softness before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can bring a wonderful natural flavor, but you might want to sweeten them slightly or mix in a little cherry syrup to keep that luscious sweetness typical of the Cherry Salad Recipe.
Is there a lighter alternative to sweetened condensed milk?
You can swap sweetened condensed milk with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. This will give the salad a tangier flavor and cut down the sugar while maintaining creaminess.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based whipped topping and look for a dairy-free condensed milk alternative. Also, ensure your marshmallows are vegan-friendly since many contain gelatin.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
Chilling for at least one hour is ideal to allow the flavors to meld and to let the salad firm up slightly. You can refrigerate it longer if needed, but aim not to exceed three days for the best taste and texture.
Can I add other fruits to the Cherry Salad Recipe?
Definitely! Adding shredded coconut, as mentioned earlier, is fantastic. You can also experiment with other fruits like mandarin oranges or chopped apples for an exciting flavor and texture boost.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Salad Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels like a little hug in a bowl — creamy, sweet, and perfect for so many occasions. Whether you’re bringing it to a party, serving it as a side, or indulging in it as a dessert, it’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a favorite go-to whenever you want something simple yet incredibly delicious.
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Cherry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Salad Recipe is a creamy, sweet, and refreshing no-cook dessert or side dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings. It combines cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, and crushed pineapple with whipped topping, marshmallows, and nuts for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Ready in just 10 minutes and served chilled, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that requires no baking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine fruit and dairy: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, and drained crushed pineapple. Stir until the mixture is fully blended and smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping into the fruit mixture until it is well incorporated and smooth, being careful not to deflate the whipped topping.
- Add marshmallows and nuts: Gently mix in the mini marshmallows and the chopped pecans or walnuts if using. This will add texture and crunch to the salad.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and helps the salad firm up slightly for better serving consistency.
- Serve: Serve the cherry salad chilled as a side dish or a sweet dessert. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, add shredded coconut to the salad.
- You can use a mix of fresh cherries and canned cherry pie filling for enhanced freshness.
- For a lighter version, substitute the sweetened condensed milk or whipped topping with Greek yogurt.
- Best served cold and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
