Double Deck Cherry Salad
A vibrant layered cherry salad with pineapple, cream cheese, and citrus flavors, perfect for festive gatherings or as a refreshing dessert for family occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple and add water to the syrup to make 1 3/4 cups.
- Prepare cherry jello as directed on the box, chill until partially set, then add the pineapple tidbits.
- Pour the cherry jello mixture into an oiled 8-inch square pan and chill until firm.
- Soften the cream cheese and heat it with the light cream or top milk.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the partially set cherry jello.
- Chill the layered salad until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the cream cheese with a mixer instead of heating it manually. If you're out of light cream, whole milk or yogurt can be a good substitute. You can also use fresh cherries if in season, and feel free to experiment with other fruit jellos for a different flavor profile. This dish is a great way to use seasonal fruits and is perfect for potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
This Double Deck Cherry Salad makes a delightful dessert or a sweet side dish at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like grilled chicken or ham. For an added touch, top with whipped cream or fresh mint leaves before serving. It's also a great addition to brunch alongside other favorites like French Toast In A Bowl or Easy Creamy Broccoli Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The layered salad can last for up to three days. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the jello and cream cheese may change upon thawing. To enjoy leftovers, simply serve chilled; no need to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Double Deck Cherry Salad contains roughly 180 calories, with 4g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (19% 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 canned?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used instead of canned Bing cherries. Just be sure to pit and slice them before adding to the jello. Fresh cherries will add a vibrant flavor and a lovely texture to the salad.
What if I want to make it a healthier version?
You can substitute the cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Additionally, using sugar-free jello can help reduce the overall sugar content while maintaining flavor.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day ahead of time. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve it. The flavors meld beautifully when allowed to sit overnight.
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).