One Cup Salad
A creamy, sweet salad with pineapple, marshmallows, and cherries, perfect for parties or potlucks. Light, refreshing, and easy to prepare in minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Refrigerate before serving to allow flavors to blend, ideally overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cottage cheese and sour cream. You can substitute the pineapple with diced peaches or fresh berries for a seasonal twist. If you prefer crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts. Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the salad. This dish can be a delightful addition to a potluck or as a side for American recipes like barbecue.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, spoon the salad into individual bowls or onto a large serving platter. Garnish with extra cherries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added visual appeal. This salad pairs beautifully with Frances' Green Party Salad or can be enjoyed as a refreshing side with grilled meats. It's a great option for summer picnics or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it taste even better the next day. However, avoid freezing this salad, as the cottage cheese and sour cream may separate upon thawing. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Cup Salad contains roughly 645 calories, with 17g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 593mg per serving (26% 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 this salad a day in advance. Mixing the ingredients and refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
What can I replace the marshmallows with?
If you prefer not to use marshmallows, you can substitute them with chopped fresh fruit like apples or bananas for a healthier option. Alternatively, mini chocolate chips can add a sweet twist to the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, for a dairy-free version, use plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream. Make sure the cottage cheese substitute is also dairy-free to maintain the texture and flavor profile.
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).