Mama'S Cherry Nut Salad
A vibrant cherry nut salad featuring sweet cherries, pineapple, and crunchy nuts, combined with cherry Jell-O for a refreshing, fruity dessert suitable for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cherries, sugar, and cherry Jell-O in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add crushed pineapple and nuts.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly healthier option, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative, such as stevia or agave syrup, to cater to different dietary needs. You can also replace the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free variation. Ensure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumping, which helps in achieving a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Nut Salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Breakfast Fruit or can be served as a light dessert. Consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This salad can be served chilled, making it easy to enjoy later without reheating. If it becomes too firm after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Cherry Nut Salad contains roughly 309 calories, with 5g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% 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 canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries if they're in season. Just pit and chop them before adding to the mixture. You'll need to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the cherries, as canned cherries are often packed in syrup.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Cherry Nut Salad is suitable for vegans as all the ingredients are plant-based. Just ensure that the cherry Jell-O you use does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, as some gelatin products may not be vegan-friendly.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
To add more color to your Cherry Nut Salad, consider incorporating diced fruits like mandarin oranges or chopped strawberries. This not only enhances visual appeal but also adds different flavors and textures, making it a more diverse dish.
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).