Jerry'S Salad
A creamy, fruity salad with pineapple, cherry, and pecans, perfect for potlucks and gatherings, offering a sweet and nutty flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the cream cheese, Eagle Brand milk, crushed pineapple, and cherry pie filling in a large bowl.
- Fold in the Cool Whip until well combined.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or use a low-fat cream cheese. If you're looking for a sweeter salad, consider adding mini marshmallows or shredded coconut. Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess liquid. This salad can also be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Consider serving it alongside American recipes like Pineapple Yam Apple Casserole for a delightful spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jerry's Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at picnics or potlucks. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone dessert. For an added crunch, serve with additional chopped pecans on top. This salad also complements other dishes like Vern's Light Desserts, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the texture may change slightly over time. Avoid freezing, as the cream cheese and pineapple can separate upon thawing. When ready to serve, simply give it a gentle stir to recombine the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jerry'S Salad contains roughly 1375 calories, with 22g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 901mg per serving (39% 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 a different type of fruit in this salad?
Absolutely! While crushed pineapple is traditional, you can experiment with other fruits such as peaches or mandarin oranges. Just ensure to drain the fruit well to maintain the salad's texture. Mixing different fruits can create a colorful and flavorful twist on the original recipe.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling the salad for at least 2 hours is recommended to allow the flavors to blend. However, if you make it the night before, it will taste even better as the ingredients have more time to meld. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
Can I make this salad without nuts?
Yes, you can easily omit the chopped pecans if you're looking for a nut-free version. Alternatively, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch. This makes the salad suitable for those with nut allergies while still keeping it delicious.
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).