Grandma'S Cherry Salad
Grandma's Cherry Salad is a delightful, creamy dish that combines the sweetness of cherry pie filling with the tropical flavor of crushed pineapple. Topped with a fluffy whipped topping and crunchy walnuts, it's perfect for family gatherings, serving as a refreshing side with poultry or a light dessert salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple very well, then add the rest of the ingredients in order.
- Mix very well and refrigerate until ready to use, at least 3 hours.
- Delicious with poultry or serve as a dessert salad.
Tips & Substitutions
Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. For a lighter option, you can substitute the whipping topping with Greek yogurt. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch. This salad is versatile, and you can adjust the sweetness by using less condensed milk if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Cherry Salad chilled as a delightful side dish with poultry, or enjoy it as a light dessert. It pairs beautifully with dishes like The Early'S 3-Layer Squash Casserole or Broccoli Cheese Bake for a well-rounded meal. For a festive touch, garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of coconut on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, but the texture may soften. Avoid freezing the salad, as the whipped topping can separate when thawed. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again if it settles.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Cherry Salad contains roughly 671 calories, with 15g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g 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 substitute fresh cherries for the cherry pie filling. Just pit and slice them, and mix with a bit of sugar to create a syrupy consistency. This will give your salad a fresher taste, but keep in mind it may not be as sweet as the canned version.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the whipping topping with a coconut cream or a vegan whipped topping. Use coconut milk or a plant-based condensed milk alternative for the sweetened condensed milk. This maintains the creamy texture while accommodating a vegan diet.
How can I enhance the flavor of the salad?
Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. You could also fold in some mini marshmallows for added sweetness and texture. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist that complements the cherries.
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).