Cherry Cola Salad(Good!)
A refreshing cherry cola salad combining sweet cherry pie filling, crunchy pecans, and fizzy Coca-Cola for a unique dessert that's perfect for gatherings and summer parties.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together cherry pie filling, sugar, and water in a bowl.
- Add cherry jello, crushed pineapple, pecans, and Coca-Cola to the mixture.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Chill the salad overnight or for at least 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter salad, consider using a fruit-flavored soda like cherry soda instead of Coca-Cola. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar amount to 1/4 cup. Ensure the jello is fully dissolved before adding other ingredients to avoid clumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry Cola Salad as a refreshing side at summer barbecues or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Kielbasa or Barbecue Sausage Hors D'Oeuvres. For a colorful presentation, garnish with additional pecans or a sprig of mint before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Cola Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some texture over time but will maintain its flavor. Avoid freezing, as the ingredients can separate and change consistency when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cola Salad(Good!) contains roughly 298 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g 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 a different flavor of jello?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of jello such as raspberry or strawberry to give the salad a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change, but it can be a fun way to customize the dish to your liking.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, check that the jello used is plant-based, as some jello brands contain gelatin derived from animal products. You can find vegan jello alternatives in stores or online. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.
How can I make the salad more colorful?
To enhance the visual appeal of your Cherry Cola Salad, consider adding chopped fruits like strawberries or mandarin oranges. These additions not only brighten the salad but also introduce new flavors that complement the cherry and pineapple.
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).