Southern Salad
A creamy, fruity Southern salad perfect for gatherings, blending sweet cherries, pineapple, and whipped topping with a rich cream cheese base for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese until it's fluffy.
- Add the condensed milk a little at a time, beating well between additions.
- Stir in the cherry pie filling and drained crushed pineapple.
- Fold in the Cool Whip.
- Top with additional nuts if desired and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before beating. You can substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry or strawberry for a twist, and use Greek yogurt in place of Cool Whip for a lighter option. If you want extra crunch, consider adding nuts or shredded coconut as toppings.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern Salad makes a delightful addition to potlucks or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Mema's 24 Hour Salad for a refreshing meal. Serve it chilled as a dessert or side dish, and consider adding fresh fruit on top for extra color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can lose some of its fluffiness over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to rehydrate the Cool Whip, gently fold it back in before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Salad contains roughly 1222 calories, with 22g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 520mg per serving (23% 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. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious version of the salad while keeping it dairy-free.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
Serve this salad in a chilled bowl for a refreshing treat. For added elegance, garnish with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. It's perfect for summer gatherings or holiday parties, offering a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
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).