Sour Cream Salad

Prep: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A creamy, fruity salad perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings. The combination of tangy pineapple, sweet mandarin oranges, chewy marshmallows, and toasted coconut creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Served chilled, it's a crowd-pleaser for casual family meals or festive occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pint sour cream
  • 1 small can crushed pineapple
  • 1 small can mandarin orange segments, drained
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
  • 1 cup flaked coconut

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Chill in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you're looking for a tropical twist, you could add diced kiwi or mango. Make sure to drain the canned fruits well to avoid excess liquid in your salad. This dish is best when chilled overnight, as the flavors meld beautifully. For a fun variation, try incorporating some chopped nuts for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This Sour Cream Salad is a delightful addition to summer picnics or holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like Onion Topped Cornbread or grilled meats. Serve it as a refreshing side salad or as a light dessert. Adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top just before serving enhances its visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad can be kept for up to three days. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving, as some separation may occur. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change when thawed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sour Cream Salad contains roughly 301 calories, with 4g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

301 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 10g 13% DV
Carbs 51.1g 19% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 16.4g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 157.5mg 7% DV
Potassium 236.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 5.3mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 106.6mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 4.7mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 140.1mg 11% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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, this salad is perfect for making ahead! In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to develop fully. Just remember to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

What fruits can I use instead of canned pineapple and mandarin oranges?

You can substitute fresh fruits like diced apples, pears, or strawberries for the canned pineapple and mandarin oranges. Just ensure they are well-drained to maintain the right consistency. This will give your salad a fresh twist while keeping it delicious.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Sour Cream Salad is a vegetarian recipe, making it a great choice for those following a vegetarian diet. It's also a fun way to incorporate fruits into your meals, especially for kids who may enjoy the sweet flavors.

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).

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