Million Dollar Rice Salad
A creamy, sweet rice salad with marshmallows, pineapple, and cherries, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, offering a nostalgic flavor combination.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the marshmallows in a bowl.
- Add the drained crushed pineapple to the marshmallows.
- Cream the cream cheese, sugar, and mayonnaise together until smooth.
- Add the cooked rice and chopped maraschino cherries to the marshmallow mixture.
- Fold in the whipped cream and pecans if desired.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sugar substitutes. If you want to enhance the flavor, adding a splash of vanilla extract can elevate the taste. You can also experiment with different nuts, like walnuts or almonds, instead of pecans. This salad can be made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, similar to how flavors come together in a Blueberry Cream Cheesecake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Million Dollar Rice Salad as a delightful side dish at potlucks or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a fresh garden salad. For a festive touch, garnish with additional maraschino cherries and pecans before serving. This dish also works well as a sweet addition to a brunch spread alongside Fresh Corn Pudding.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some texture over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, gently stir in a little whipped cream before serving to refresh its creaminess. Avoid freezing, as the ingredients may separate when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Million Dollar Rice Salad contains roughly 1741 calories, with 26g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 144g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (115% of the Daily Value), protein (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1879mg per serving (82% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. Just ensure it is fully cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How long can I make this salad in advance?
You can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the whipped cream just before serving to keep it fluffy and fresh.
What can I substitute for marshmallows?
If you want to reduce sugar or avoid marshmallows, you can use diced fresh fruit like apples or pears for sweetness and texture. Alternatively, mini meringues can provide a similar lightness without the added sugar of marshmallows.
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).