Cherry Salad
Enjoy a refreshing Cherry Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! This simple yet delightful dish combines the sweetness of cherry pie filling with the creaminess of sweetened condensed milk. The addition of crunchy walnuts, tangy pineapple chunks, and fluffy mini marshmallows creates a delicious medley of flavors and textures. Topped with Cool Whip, this salad is sure to be a hit, leaving everyone wanting 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, mix together the cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, chopped walnuts, drained pineapple chunks, and mini marshmallows.
2. Stir: Gently combine all the ingredients until well mixed.
3. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.
4. Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a quick stir and serve cold to 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.
• It makes a refreshing side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches, or as a delightful dessert.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or extra chopped walnuts for added appeal.
Storage Tips:
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Avoid leaving the salad at room temperature for extended periods due to its dairy content.
• Stir well before serving leftovers to maintain its creamy texture.
Make-Ahead Tips:
• Prepare the Cherry Salad in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
• For enhanced flavor, consider making it the night before to allow the ingredients to meld.
• If preparing ahead of time, add Cool Whip just before serving to keep it fluffy.
Variation Ideas:
1. Ambrosia Twist: Add mandarin oranges, sliced grapes, or shredded coconut for an ambrosia-style salad.
2. Nut-Free Option: Omit walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
3. Greek Yogurt Substitute: Use Greek yogurt instead of sweetened condensed milk for a lighter version.
4. Tropical Fusion: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk and add diced mango and toasted coconut flakes.
5. Berry Medley: Mix in fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful salad.
6. Cream Cheese Addition: Blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract for extra creaminess.
7. Lemon Zest Enhancement: Add lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the cherries.
8. Pistachio Crunch: Swap walnuts for chopped pistachios for unique flavor and vibrant color.
9. Honey Drizzle: Drizzle honey over the salad before serving for natural sweetness.
10. Chocolate Delight: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate-covered cherries for a decadent twist.
Feel free to experiment with these variations to create your own unique version of this classic Cherry Salad—perfect for any occasion!