Merry Cherry Salad
Merry Cherry Salad is a delightful and colorful dessert combining fresh fruit flavors with a creamy, gelatinous texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, its sweet and tangy profile is complemented by whipped topping and coconut, appealing to both fruit lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 c. peaches, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. maraschino cherries, drained ⓘ
- 1 pkg. strawberry gelatin ⓘ
- 1 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. peach and pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 c. whipped topping ⓘ
- 1 c. miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 1 c. coconut ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain peaches, pineapple, and maraschino cherries, reserving the juice.
- Dissolve strawberry gelatin in hot water and add the reserved fruit juice. Chill until partially congealed.
- Blend cream cheese with lemon juice, salt, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Beat the chilled gelatin until light and fluffy.
- Fold the gelatin into the cream cheese mixture along with the drained fruits.
- Pour the mixture into a chilled buttered pan.
- Freeze until firm.
- Remove from freezer and let warm enough to cut into squares.
- Serve on a lettuce leaf, garnished with maraschino cherries or coconut.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative. If you don't have peach and pineapple juice, orange juice can be a good substitute. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved before adding the juice to avoid clumps. Additionally, you can add chopped nuts for extra crunch or experiment with different fruits to suit your taste. This salad is reminiscent of American recipes that combine fruity flavors and creamy textures.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful salad on a crisp lettuce leaf for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Clara's Nesselrode Pie or a light main dish like Garden Vegetables With Pasta. This sweet and tangy salad also makes a lovely addition to potlucks and summer barbecues, providing a nice balance to heartier dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes too soft, you can re-chill it briefly before serving. Avoid freezing the salad as it may alter the texture of the whipped topping and fruits. Always serve chilled for the best flavor and presentation.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Cherry Salad contains roughly 315 calories, with 4g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1111mg per serving (48% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Merry Cherry Salad a day in advance. Just ensure it is stored properly in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even tastier when served. Just remember to give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the texture.
What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?
If you're looking for a substitute for maraschino cherries, consider using fresh cherries or sliced strawberries for a different flavor profile. You can also omit them altogether if you prefer a less sweet option. Adjust the sweetness of the salad by adding a little more fruit juice if needed.
How do I prevent the gelatin from clumping?
To prevent clumping, make sure to dissolve the gelatin in hot water completely before adding any other ingredients. Stir well until all granules are fully dissolved. Adding the reserved fruit juice gradually while stirring can also help achieve a smooth consistency.
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).