Aunt Lucy'S Cherry Salad
A sweet and creamy cherry salad combining Cool Whip, pineapple, cherry pie filling, and coconut, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings with a luscious, fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine Cool Whip and Eagle Brand milk and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
- Mix together the crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling, and coconut.
- Add the fruit mixture to the Cool Whip and milk mixture.
- Refrigerate overnight in a 13 x 9-inch glass dish before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using a low-fat Cool Whip or a homemade whipped cream. You can also substitute the coconut with chopped nuts for added crunch, or use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling for a more natural flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a splash of vanilla extract to the Cool Whip mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Salad is a delightful addition to any potluck or picnic and pairs beautifully with Aunt Helen'S Coffee Cake for a sweet spread. Consider serving it alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery as it sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving. It’s best enjoyed chilled and is not recommended for freezing as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Lucy'S Cherry Salad contains roughly 1190 calories, with 15g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and halve them, then mix with the crushed pineapple and coconut. This will give the salad a fresher taste and a lovely texture.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this Cherry Salad vegan, substitute the Cool Whip with a plant-based whipped topping and use coconut milk instead of Eagle Brand milk. Ensure that the cherry pie filling is also vegan-friendly.
Is there a way to make this salad more tart?
To add more tartness, try mixing in some lemon juice or zest into the fruit mixture. You could also use sour cherries if you can find them, which will enhance the tart flavor of the salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).