Cool Cherry Salad
A creamy, fruity cherry salad with coconut and nuts that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings, offering a sweet, refreshing treat everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix Cool Whip and Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk together.
- Refrigerate for an hour.
- Add cherry pie filling, coconut, chopped nuts, and marshmallows to the mixture.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using a reduced-fat Cool Whip. If you prefer a different flavor, try substituting the cherry pie filling with raspberry or blueberry pie filling. You can also add mini marshmallows for extra texture. Make sure to mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined for a more cohesive flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Cool Cherry Salad is perfect as a light dessert or a refreshing side dish at summer gatherings. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like Parmesan Chicken (Microwave) or grilled meats. Serve it chilled in individual cups or a large bowl for a potluck, and consider garnishing with additional nuts or coconut for presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, enhancing the dish's taste. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the Cool Whip may change upon thawing, making it less appealing when served later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool Cherry Salad contains roughly 213 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% 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 use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to create a sauce by cooking them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken. This will replicate the sweetness and consistency of pie filling, making it a delicious fresh alternative.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, always check the labels of your specific brands of Cool Whip and nuts to ensure no gluten-containing additives are included.
How long can this salad sit out at a party?
To ensure food safety, it's best to keep the Cool Cherry Salad refrigerated until serving. If it's left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, it's advisable to discard it to avoid any risk of spoilage.
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).