Cherry Salad(Ambrosia)
A creamy, fruity cherry salad that combines sweet cherries, pineapple, and cool whipped topping for a refreshing dessert. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain juice from the pineapple and put the crushed pineapple in a large bowl.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, cherry pie filling, and nuts; mix well with a spoon.
- Fold in the Cool Whip until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad.
- Let it set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat coconut cream instead of Cool Whip. You can also substitute the cherry pie filling with fresh cherries or any other fruit pie filling you prefer. If you'd like a nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans. Make sure to mix the ingredients gently to keep the Cool Whip fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry Salad chilled as a refreshing dessert or side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and is a delightful addition to summer potlucks. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside the Lettuceless Salad for a colorful, varied spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can become watery, so it's best to consume it within this timeframe. Do not freeze, as the texture will change when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Salad(Ambrosia) contains roughly 1024 calories, with 30g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 14g 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 make this Cherry Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is best when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. It will be ready to enjoy after at least 4 hours in the fridge.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries for the cherry pie filling. Just pit and slice the cherries, then mix them with some sugar to enhance their sweetness. Keep in mind that the texture will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cherry Salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients. It's a great choice for gatherings where you want to cater to various dietary preferences.
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).