Cola Cherry Salad
A vibrant and sweet salad combining cherries, pineapple, and colorful vegetables with a tangy dressing, perfect for casual gatherings and summer potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 can bing cherries, pitted ⓘ
- 1 can crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 1 package strawberry jello ⓘ
- 1 package cherry jello ⓘ
- 2 cups cold coke
- 1 large package Philadelphia cream cheese
- 1 cup nuts
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup juice from a jar of sweet pickles
- 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
Instructions
- Whisk dressing ingredients in a serving bowl until smooth.
- Just before serving, add remaining ingredients and toss to mix and coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a whipped cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. You can substitute chopped walnuts or pecans for the nuts, and if you prefer a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. For added flavor, try incorporating a splash of vanilla extract into the dressing. This salad is versatile and pairs well with dishes like Poor Man'S Leek Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this colorful salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be a light lunch option on its own. Consider serving it alongside dishes like Tossed Sweet Potato Salad for a balanced meal. Garnish with additional nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crunch over time, so it's best to consume it fresh. If you want to reheat any portion, do so gently in the microwave, but note that the salad is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cola Cherry Salad contains roughly 1502 calories, with 15g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2943mg per serving (128% of the Daily Value).
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 Cola Cherry Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a day in advance. However, it's best to combine the dressing with the salad ingredients just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What types of nuts work best in this recipe?
Chopped pecans or walnuts are excellent choices that add great flavor and crunch. You could also try slivered almonds for a different texture. Just ensure they are unsalted to keep the balance of flavors.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian as it contains no meat products. To keep it vegetarian, just ensure any added ingredients, like the jello, are made without gelatin derived from animal sources.
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).