Big Mama'S 24 Hour Salad
A sweet, creamy fruit salad featuring cherries, pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans, topped with whipped cream and lemon juice—perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop cherries; mix cherries, marshmallows, pecans, and pineapple in a bowl.
- Put the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch Pyrex dish.
- Whip the cream until fluffy; add egg yolks and mix well.
- Pour the whipped cream mixture over the ingredients in the dish.
- Stir well to combine.
- Squeeze juice from the lemon over the top.
- Stir, cover, and refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream or Greek yogurt instead of whipping cream. You can also substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans, or use fresh fruit like diced apples or bananas for added flavor. Make sure to chop the cherries finely to blend well with the other ingredients, and allow the salad to set in the fridge for a full 24 hours for the best flavor integration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a delightful side dish at potlucks or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a refreshing dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Vegetarian recipes or a light green salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad keeps well for up to 3 days, but note that the marshmallows may become slightly soggy over time. If you want to rehydrate the salad, stir in a little fresh whipped cream before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Big Mama'S 24 Hour Salad contains roughly 1057 calories, with 18g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and vitamin C. It also contributes 10g 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's best when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cherries?
You can substitute cherries with maraschino cherries for a sweeter taste or use fresh blueberries for a different flavor profile. Both options will still provide a nice color contrast in your salad.
Is this salad suitable for dietary restrictions?
This salad contains eggs and dairy, making it unsuitable for vegan diets. However, you can make it egg-free by omitting the yolks and using a dairy-free whipping cream alternative if needed.
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).