Nanny'S Pink Salad
A creamy, fruity pink salad with cherries, pineapple, and marshmallows, perfect for hot days or festive gatherings, pairs well with chicken or turkey, served frozen or before.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese with mayonnaise until smooth.
- Combine chopped cherries, crushed pineapple (with juice), lemon juice, and miniature marshmallows in a bowl.
- Add the whipped cream or Cool Whip to the mixture and fold gently.
- Pour the mixture into an 8x8 or 9x9-inch square dish.
- Freeze until firm.
- Serve on a lettuce leaf, cut into squares after frozen.
- Best enjoyed frozen, but can be served before freezing.
- Pairs well with chicken or turkey.
- Reminds of pistachio salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing with mayonnaise. If you can't find miniature marshmallows, you can cut regular ones into smaller pieces. You can also substitute the cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nanny's Pink Salad on a crisp lettuce leaf for a refreshing touch. It pairs beautifully with chicken or turkey, making it a great side dish for a casual gathering. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Creamy Baked Corn (A Light Corn Pudding) to balance flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. If the salad becomes too hard after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting. This will soften it slightly, making it easier to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nanny'S Pink Salad contains roughly 666 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 545mg per serving (24% 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 fresh cherries instead of chopped cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used in place of canned or jarred ones. Just make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the salad. This will add a lovely freshness to the dish.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, as it does not contain meat or meat products. Ensure that the mayonnaise you choose is vegetarian, as some brands may include eggs.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Absolutely! Nanny's Pink Salad can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just keep it in the freezer until you're ready to serve. It actually tastes great when allowed to freeze for a few hours.
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).