Sweet Cherry Surprise: A Refreshing Salad Recipe for Summer

Bursting with vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors, this cherry salad recipe brings a delightful twist to summer dining.

Sweet and tart cherries dance through a refreshing blend of crisp ingredients.

Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of textures that will surprise your palate.

The combination of fresh cherries and complementary elements creates a light, irresistible dish.

Ripe, juicy cherries add a burst of natural sweetness that elevates this simple salad.

Packed with nutrients and incredibly easy to assemble, this recipe promises to become a favorite at picnics and gatherings.

Dive into this delectable cherry salad and let your taste buds celebrate the season’s freshest bounty.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 256 kcal

Servings: 7

All Ingredients For Cherry Salad

• Cherry Pie Filling: Brings vibrant cherry flavor and natural sweetness to the salad.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich, creamy texture and enhances overall sweetness.
• Crushed Pineapple: Provides tropical tang and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Mini Marshmallows: Creates soft, pillowy bites that add whimsical texture.
• Chopped Nuts: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty undertones to complement the sweet base.

• Whipped Topping: Lightens the salad with airy, smooth consistency and adds luxurious creaminess.

Kitchen Tools For Cherry Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining and mixing all ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Precise tools for accurately measuring sweetened condensed milk and other ingredients.
• Stirring Spoon or Spatula: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly and folding in whipped topping gently.
• Plastic Wrap or Airtight Container: Perfect for covering and storing the salad while chilling in the refrigerator.

How To Toss Cherry Salad With Ease

• Mixing Bowl Magic

Grab a spacious bowl and start your culinary adventure by blending cherry pie filling with creamy sweetened condensed milk and juicy crushed pineapple. Swirl everything together until the colors and textures dance harmoniously.

• Fluffy Texture Transformation

Sprinkle in mini marshmallows and crunchy chopped nuts, giving the mixture a playful personality. Gently incorporate whipped topping, creating a cloud-like texture that promises pure deliciousness.

• Chill and Anticipate

Tuck your creation into the refrigerator, letting the flavors mingle and develop. Allow at least two hours for the salad to transform into a cool, refreshing treat that will make taste buds sing.

• Serving Sensation

When ready to indulge, give the salad a light stir and scoop into beautiful serving dishes. This dreamy dessert is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet family moment.

Tips To Upgrade Cherry Salad Flavor

• Perfect Texture Tricks: Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent watery consistency and ensure your salad remains thick and creamy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance, which allows flavors to develop and blend beautifully while saving you time before serving.
• Allergy-Friendly Swap: Replace nuts with toasted coconut flakes for a nut-free version that maintains delightful crunch and texture without compromising taste.
• Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, use low-fat whipped topping and sugar-free cherry pie filling to reduce calories without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Seasonal Twist: Experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberry or strawberry pie filling during various seasons to keep the recipe exciting and fresh.

Ways To Serve Cherry Salad Chilled

• Cozy Dessert Pairing: Serve this sweet cherry salad alongside warm apple pie or vanilla pound cake for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Place the cherry salad in a beautiful glass trifle bowl as a stunning centerpiece for weekend brunches, garnished with fresh mint leaves or extra chopped nuts.
• Summer Picnic Favorite: Pack this chilled salad in individual mason jars for an easy-to-transport, crowd-pleasing potluck or outdoor gathering treat that stays cool and delicious.
• Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Dress up the salad with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or colorful holiday-themed sprinkles to make it festive for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or family gatherings.

Keep Cherry Salad Fresh In The Fridge

• Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the salad in a sealed container for 2-4 hours to enhance flavor fusion and achieve optimal texture.
• Fridge Storage Window: Keep the cherry salad fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container, ensuring it stays creamy and delicious.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad one day before serving to allow ingredients to blend beautifully, intensifying the sweet and tangy taste.
• Freezing Tip: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 2 weeks, though texture might slightly change upon thawing.

Vibrant Cherry Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Delightful cherry salad combines sweet Bing cherries with crisp greens and tangy goat cheese. Refreshing summer dish highlights seasonal produce with a zesty balsamic vinaigrette you will savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
• 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 container (8 oz / 227 g) frozen whipped topping, thawed

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Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, and drained crushed pineapple, stirring until a smooth, glossy base forms.
2. Texture Enhancement: Gently fold in mini marshmallows and chopped nuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture for a balanced blend of textures and flavors.
3. Creamy Integration: Delicately fold in thawed whipped topping using gentle motions to maintain the salad’s light, airy consistency while creating a creamy, unified dessert.
4. Chilling Process: Transfer the mixture to a sealed container, smoothing the surface, and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to allow flavors to meld and develop depth.
5. Serving Preparation: Remove from refrigerator, give a gentle stir to redistribute ingredients, and serve chilled, optionally garnishing with additional chopped nuts for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Watery Texture: Thoroughly drain pineapple to avoid excess liquid that could make the salad runny and compromise its creamy consistency.
• Fold Gently: Use light, sweeping motions when incorporating whipped topping to maintain the salad’s airy and fluffy texture without deflating the mixture.
• Chill for Best Flavor: Allow at least two hours of refrigeration to let ingredients meld together, enhancing the overall taste and creating a more harmonious dessert.
• Customize Easily: Swap nuts for different varieties or omit for nut-free diets, and consider using sugar-free pie filling and whipped topping for a lower-calorie alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 256
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 144 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg