Cherry Fruit Salad
A vibrant and refreshing cherry fruit salad featuring layers of cherry and strawberry Jell-O combined with creamy cheese, tart cherries, sweet pineapple, crunchy pecans, and a splash of Coca-Cola. Perfect for summer gatherings or festive occasions, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain juices from cherries and pineapple.
- Heat the juices to boiling and pour over the cherry and strawberry Jell-O, stirring until dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool until it starts to gel.
- Beat the cream cheese with a mixer until very soft.
- Stir in the pineapple, cherries, and chopped pecans into the cream cheese.
- Add this mixture to the cooled Jell-O and blend well.
- Stir in the Coca-Cola and mix again.
- Pour the mixture into oiled molds and let congeal before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before beating. If you want to adjust sweetness, consider using diet Jell-O or a sugar substitute. To enhance the flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of mini marshmallows. This recipe is versatile; feel free to swap the pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Fruit Salad makes for a vibrant side dish at picnics and potlucks, pairing excellently with grilled meats or as a light dessert. Consider serving it alongside the Best Beer Biscuits for a well-rounded meal. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor. It's a delightful addition to any American recipes collection.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will continue to set as it chills. To serve again, there's no need to reheat; simply scoop out the desired amount and enjoy cold. If it seems too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Fruit Salad contains roughly 310 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pitted cherries! Just make sure to adjust the sweetness as fresh cherries can be less sweet than canned. You may also want to add a bit of sugar to the juice mixture if needed to maintain the desired flavor.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Ensure the Jell-O is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain gelatin. You can also add extra fruits or use coconut cream for added creaminess.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare this Cherry Fruit Salad a day in advance. Just follow the instructions and let it set in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
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).