Maraschino Cherry Salad
A creamy, fruity salad combining maraschino cherries, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped cream, perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet, nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple and set aside.
- Mix the juice from the maraschino cherries with the cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth.
- Chop the maraschino cherries and add them to the cream cheese mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and sugar.
- Add the pineapple mixture to the cream cheese and cherry mixture, mixing well.
- Sprinkle nuts on top of the salad.
- Let stand overnight before serving.
- The salad can be frozen if desired. It can also be doubled for larger servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting low-fat cream cheese and sugar alternatives. You can use fresh pineapple if you prefer, but remember to drain it well. If you want added texture, toasted almonds or walnuts work great as nut toppings. This salad can also be made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld. It's a delightful side dish that complements dishes like Carrot Cake With Pineapple.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Maraschino Cherry Salad as a refreshing side dish at potlucks or family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or holiday ham. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves. This sweet salad can also be a delightful dessert option, making it versatile for any meal. Try it alongside Caramel Nut Pie for a delightful dessert combo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container, but note that the texture may change upon thawing. To serve after freezing, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying it again. It's best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maraschino Cherry Salad contains roughly 447 calories, with 4g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g 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 maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but keep in mind that maraschino cherries add a distinct sweetness and color to the salad. If using fresh cherries, you may want to adjust the sugar in the recipe to account for the difference in sweetness.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding diced strawberries or green grapes along with the cherries and pineapple. This will not only brighten the dish but also add varied textures and flavors that complement the creamy base.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
You can create a vegan version by using plant-based cream cheese and substituting whipped cream with coconut cream. Ensure that the marshmallows are also vegan-friendly, as many contain gelatin. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious salad!
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).