Cherry Party Salad
A creamy, fruity cherry salad with pineapple and pecans, perfect for parties and gatherings. A sweet, crunchy treat that appeals to all ages and complements any celebration.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat Cool Whip and low-fat sweetened condensed milk. You could also swap out the pecans for walnuts or omit nuts altogether if allergies are a concern. For added texture, mix in some mini marshmallows or shredded coconut. If you're short on time, you can prepare this salad a day in advance for flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry Party Salad as a refreshing side dish at potlucks or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a light summer salad. For dessert lovers, consider serving it alongside slices of Great Grandmama Mcquown'S Strawberry Ice Cream Cake for a delightful treat duo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery over time due to the pineapple, but stirring it before serving can help. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the Cool Whip will change once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Party Salad contains roughly 1500 calories, with 17g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. 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?
While fresh cherries can add a wonderful flavor, they won't provide the same sweetness and consistency as cherry pie filling. If you prefer fresh cherries, consider adding a bit of sugar or cherry preserves to achieve the right balance of sweetness.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
If you want a homemade alternative, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will give you a similar texture and taste without using store-bought products. Just be sure to serve immediately or keep it chilled as whipped cream can deflate.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cherry Party Salad is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, always check the labels on the sweetened condensed milk and Cool Whip to ensure they meet your dietary preferences, as some brands may use ingredients that aren't vegetarian-friendly.
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).