Twenty-Four Hour Cherry Salad
A sweet, creamy cherry salad with pineapple, coconut, and nuts, perfect for potlucks and gatherings, offering a delightful blend of fruitiness and crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix enough cherry juice with cream cheese until smooth.
- Add drained pineapple, coconut, grapes, cherries, and chopped nuts to the cream cheese mixture.
- Blend the Cool Whip into the entire mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours or overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, consider using a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese with cherry juice. You can substitute the nuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. If fresh grapes are unavailable, use canned ones, but ensure they are well-drained. This salad can be adapted by adding mini marshmallows or shredded carrots for extra flavor and texture. Serve it alongside Baked Eggplant Casserole for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light dessert. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with additional coconut or a sprinkle of cinnamon. This dish also complements sweet treats like Chocolate Uncooked Oatmeal Cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad can last up to 3 days, but the texture may change slightly over time. It’s best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply scoop out what you need and enjoy it straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twenty-Four Hour Cherry Salad contains roughly 763 calories, with 11g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries; just thaw and drain them before mixing. This will help maintain the texture and flavor. Be sure to adjust the amount of cherry juice used to achieve the desired consistency with the cream cheese.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It’s best served chilled, so plan to take it out shortly before serving.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
To make this salad healthier, consider using low-fat cream cheese and reducing the amount of added sugar or using a sugar substitute. You can also increase the fruit content by adding extra fresh or canned fruit while reducing the amount of coconut for a lighter option.
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).