Delight in a refreshing Cherry Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make salad combines the sweetness of cherry pie filling with the creaminess of sweetened condensed milk, along with the crunch of walnuts, the tanginess of pineapple chunks, and the fluffiness of mini marshmallows. Topped with Cool Whip, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients:

1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz / 540 ml)

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 300 ml)
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz / 540 ml), drained

4 cups Cool Whip, thawed
2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, chopped walnuts, drained pineapple chunks, and mini marshmallows.

2. Stir: Gently stir all the ingredients together until well combined.

3. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cherry salad for at least 2 hours, or until ready to serve.

4. Serve: Once chilled, remove the cherry salad from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Cherry Salad chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dessert.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional chopped walnuts for added visual appeal.

Storage Tips:

Store any leftover Cherry Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Due to the dairy content, avoid leaving the salad at room temperature for extended periods to prevent spoilage.
Stir the salad well before serving leftovers to redistribute the ingredients and maintain the creamy texture.

Make-Ahead Tips:

You can prepare the Cherry Salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Consider preparing it the night before to allow the flavors to meld together for an even tastier salad.

If making ahead, wait to add the Cool Whip until just before serving to maintain its fluffy texture.

Variation Ideas:

Add diced fresh strawberries or raspberries for an extra burst of fruity flavor.

Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
Experiment with different flavors of Cool Whip such as vanilla or chocolate for a fun twist.

Presentation Tips:

Serve the Cherry Salad in a decorative glass bowl or individual parfait cups for an elegant presentation.
Sprinkle some extra mini marshmallows on top just before serving for a whimsical touch.
Consider serving the salad in hollowed-out fruit bowls such as pineapple halves for a creative and festive display.

Pairing Suggestions:

Pair the Cherry Salad with grilled chicken or pork for a balanced meal.
Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a light and satisfying lunch.

Accompany with iced tea, lemonade, or a fruity white wine for a refreshing beverage option.

Variations :

1. Ambrosia Twist:

Incorporate additional fruits such as mandarin oranges, sliced grapes, or shredded coconut for a classic ambrosia-style salad.

2. Nut-Free Option:

Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version, or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

3. Greek Yogurt Substitute:

Replace the sweetened condensed milk with Greek yogurt for a lighter and tangier version of the salad.

4. Tropical Fusion:

Use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk and add diced mango, kiwi, and toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

5. Berry Medley:

Mix in a variety of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and antioxidant-rich salad.

6. Cream Cheese Addition:

Blend softened cream cheese with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then fold it into the salad for added creaminess.

7. Lemon Zest Enhancement:

Add lemon zest to the salad for a refreshing citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cherries.

8. Pistachio Crunch:

Substitute chopped pistachios for the walnuts to add a unique flavor and vibrant green color to the salad.

9. Honey Drizzle:

Drizzle honey over the salad just before serving for a touch of natural sweetness and extra indulgence.

10. Chocolate Delight:

Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate-covered cherries for a decadent dessert-like twist.

11. Almond Extract Infusion:

Add a splash of almond extract to the salad for a subtle almond flavor that enhances the cherry filling.

12. Red Velvet Variation:

Incorporate red velvet cake mix into the salad for a rich and festive twist reminiscent of the classic cake flavor.

13. Cheesecake-Inspired:

Mix in softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of lemon juice to create a cheesecake-inspired cherry salad.

14. Coconut Cream Option:

Replace the Cool Whip with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative with a hint of coconut flavor.

15. Spiced Variation:

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the salad for a warm and comforting flavor that pairs well with the cherries.

16. Jello Addition:

Incorporate a small box of cherry or strawberry Jello mix into the salad for added flavor and a firmer texture.

17. Citrus Burst:

Add diced oranges or mandarin segments to the salad for a refreshing citrusy twist that complements the cherries.

18. Creamy Coconut:

Replace the Cool Whip with coconut-flavored whipped topping for a tropical and creamy variation of the salad.

Experiment with these variations to create unique and delicious spins on the classic Cherry Salad, perfect for any occasion or palate!

FAQs :

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries for cherry pie filling. Simply pit and chop the fresh cherries before adding them to the salad.

2. Can I use low-fat or fat-free sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free sweetened condensed milk, but keep in mind that it may affect the richness and creaminess of the salad.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, Cherry Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the Cool Whip just before serving to maintain its fluffy texture.

4. How long does Cherry Salad last in the refrigerator?

Cherry Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Stir well before serving leftovers.

5. Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can use other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or pistachios for added crunch and flavor.

6. Can I make a smaller or larger batch of this salad?

Yes, you can adjust the quantities of ingredients to make a smaller or larger batch of Cherry Salad, depending on your needs.

7. Can I freeze Cherry Salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze Cherry Salad as the texture of the ingredients, particularly the Cool Whip and marshmallows, may be compromised upon thawing.

8. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just be sure to drain any excess juice before adding it to the salad.

9. Is Cherry Salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Cherry Salad is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain any meat or animal-derived ingredients.

10. Can I omit the mini marshmallows from the recipe?

Yes, you can omit the mini marshmallows if desired, but they add a fluffy texture and sweetness to the salad that many enjoy.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this Cherry Salad is the perfect addition to any meal or gathering. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, potluck, or holiday dinner, this refreshing salad will be a hit with everyone. Try it out today and treat your taste buds to a burst of sweet and tangy flavors!

Cherry Salad

Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Ingredients

1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz / 540 ml)
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 300 ml)

1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz / 540 ml), drained
4 cups Cool Whip, thawed

2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions