Cherry Dessert Salad
A sweet, colorful cherry dessert salad combining cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, nuts, and coconut for a delightful treat. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings, it offers a creamy, fruity flavor with a crunchy texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cherry pie filling, drained crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, sweetened condensed milk, and small marshmallows together in a large bowl.
- Top the salad with whipped topping.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat sweetened condensed milk. You can substitute the nuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. If you want an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of almond extract. To enhance the presentation, use fresh cherries as a garnish. This dessert salad pairs beautifully with Leigh'S Snickerdoodles for a delightful dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cherry dessert salad chilled for the best flavor. It makes a great addition to potlucks or family gatherings, alongside dishes like Pineapple Pizza or No Bake Chocolate Drop Cookies. Consider garnishing it with extra nuts or coconut for added texture. This dish is a refreshing side during summer barbecues or festive occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dessert salad will keep well for up to 3 days. If it appears slightly watery after sitting, give it a gentle stir before serving. It’s best enjoyed cold and does not need reheating, making it a convenient make-ahead treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Dessert Salad contains roughly 1550 calories, with 21g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 9g 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, but you'll need to sweeten them to achieve a similar flavor. Cook the pitted cherries with sugar and a touch of cornstarch to thicken, then let them cool before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dessert salad vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or a vegan condensed milk alternative. Additionally, ensure the whipped topping is dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this dessert salad.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
To add more color, consider mixing in diced strawberries or blueberries. You can also use a mix of colored mini marshmallows. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a variety of flavors, making it even more delightful.
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).