Cherry Salad Delight
A sweet and fruity cherry salad with pineapple, mandarins, and creamy milk, perfect for parties, potlucks, or light desserts that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges, then mix them together in a bowl.
- Pour in Eagle Brand milk and let sit for five minutes, then mix in the cherry pie filling.
- Fold in Cool Whip until well combined.
- Keep the salad refrigerated until serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider substituting the crushed pineapple with fresh pineapple chunks. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can use low-fat or sugar-free Cool Whip. Ensure to mix gently when folding in the Cool Whip to maintain the salad's light and fluffy texture. This Cherry Salad Delight is a fantastic addition to summer picnics or potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Salad Delight is perfect as a side dish at barbecues or family gatherings. Serve it chilled in individual cups or a large bowl for sharing. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like grilled chicken and goes well alongside desserts such as Mincemeat Custard Pie for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If the salad seems a bit watery after sitting, give it a gentle stir before serving to revive its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Salad Delight contains roughly 610 calories, with 8g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. 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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries for a more natural flavor. Just pit and slice them, then mix in with the other ingredients. However, you may want to add a bit of sugar or cherry juice for sweetness since cherry pie filling adds extra sweetness and flavor.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients aside from the Eagle Brand milk. For a vegan option, you can substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk and use a dairy-free whipped topping.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients, cover tightly, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Give it a quick stir before serving to ensure everything is well combined.
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).