Sister Grandma'S Cherry Salad
A vibrant and creamy cherry salad blending raspberry and lemon flavors with marshmallows and nuts, perfect for a refreshing dessert or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry jello in 1 cup boiling water.
- Stir in the cherry pie filling and pour into a 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Chill until partially set.
- Dissolve the lemon jello in 1 cup boiling water.
- Beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth.
- Gradually add the lemon jello to the cream cheese mixture, then fold in the whipped cream and drained pineapple.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cherry jello layer.
- Top with mini marshmallows and chopped nuts.
- Chill until fully set before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-calorie jello and light cream cheese. You can substitute whipped cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. If you prefer a different fruit flavor, feel free to swap out cherry pie filling for blueberry or mixed berry. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. This dish can be made a day in advance for flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Salad is perfect as a refreshing dessert at family gatherings or potlucks. Serve it alongside savory dishes like Squash Casserole Parmesan for a balanced meal. It pairs well with light summer entrees or can be enjoyed as a standalone treat. Garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, avoid freezing as the jello may separate. If desired, serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. To refresh its presentation, you can top with additional whipped cream before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sister Grandma'S Cherry Salad contains roughly 547 calories, with 7g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 550mg 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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you will need to add sugar to sweeten them since they are less sweet than pie filling. Consider cooking the cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.
How long does this dish need to chill before serving?
It's best to chill the Cherry Salad for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to fully set and for the flavors to develop. This ensures a firmer texture and a more cohesive taste experience.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan mayonnaise. For whipped cream, opt for coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping. Ensure the jello is also vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain gelatin.
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).