Pineapple-Cherry Salad
A creamy, fruity pineapple-cherry salad with nuts, perfect for parties or family gatherings, offering a sweet and tangy flavor combination that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and set aside the juice.
- Add sugar to the pineapple juice and stir until dissolved.
- Dissolve the plain jello in hot water and mix well.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Add the cream cheese, whipping cream, nuts, cherries, and pineapple to the cooled jello mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Pour into a serving dish and chill until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping. You can also use fresh pineapple if preferred, though the texture will differ slightly. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of shredded coconut. This salad can be made a day in advance for convenience, just ensure it chills properly to set.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing dessert or side dish at picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or hearty sandwiches, making it a versatile addition to any meal. For an extra touch, garnish with mint leaves or serve alongside Orange Marmalade Rolls for a delightful brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad separates a bit, simply give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cream cheese and whipped cream will change once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple-Cherry Salad contains roughly 354 calories, with 4g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (14% 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 a different type of fruit in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like diced peaches, mandarin oranges, or even berries. Just keep in mind that the overall sweetness and texture may change, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
How long does it take for the salad to set?
Typically, the salad will take about 4 hours to set in the refrigerator. If you plan to serve it at a specific time, prepare it the night before to ensure it's fully chilled and firm.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Pineapple-Cherry Salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal by-products. Just ensure that the jello used is also vegetarian, as some brands may use gelatin derived from animal sources.
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).