Cherry Ring Salad
A vibrant cherry ring salad featuring sweet cherries, cherry gelatin, and a hint of wine, perfect for festive gatherings and fruit lovers seeking a colorful dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain syrup from cherries and add water to make one cup.
- Bring the cherry syrup almost to boiling in a saucepan.
- Add the hot syrup to the cherry flavored gelatin, stirring until dissolved.
- Add sherry or Chianti wine to the gelatin mixture.
- Pour the mixture into an 8-inch ring mold and chill until it begins to set.
- Add pitted cherries and marshmallows to the partially set gelatin.
- Chill until the salad is firm and ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more pronounced cherry flavor, consider using fresh cherries when in season instead of canned. You can substitute the Chianti wine with a non-alcoholic grape juice for a lighter version. If you prefer a vegan option, replace the gelatin with agar-agar and ensure the marshmallows are vegan-friendly. This salad is a fun twist on traditional American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Ring Salad makes a delightful centerpiece for potlucks or holiday gatherings. Pair it with savory dishes like Sweet And Sour Cabbage And Meat Balls or serve it alongside a light salad. It can also be enjoyed as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal, complementing dishes like Venison Steak.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. If the gelatin has become too firm, you can add a splash of warm water to soften it slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Ring Salad contains roughly 197 calories, with 3g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C.
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 other types of fruit in this salad?
Yes, you can incorporate other fruits such as diced pineapple, mandarin oranges, or berries for added flavor and texture. Just make sure they complement the cherry flavor without overpowering it.
How can I make this salad more festive for a holiday gathering?
To add a festive touch, consider garnishing the salad with fresh mint leaves or serving it with whipped cream on the side. You could also use a decorative mold for a more elegant presentation.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, replace the gelatin with agar-agar, which is derived from seaweed. Additionally, ensure that the marshmallows used are vegan-friendly, as many traditional marshmallows contain gelatin.
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).