Refreshing Cherry Salad Recipe for Sweet Summer Bliss

Summer picnics need this refreshing cherry salad that combines sweet and tangy flavors in every delightful bite.

Crisp ingredients dancing together with juicy cherries creating unexpected texture and color.

Each ingredient brings something special to the table, making this dish more than a simple side.

Cool and bright, the salad promises a burst of fresh excitement for hungry guests.

Vibrant red cherries shine like jewels among crisp greens and crunchy nuts.

Simple techniques transform basic ingredients into something extraordinary that feels both elegant and approachable.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, so grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Best Pairings for Cherry Salad Bowls

• Elevate with Creamy Counterparts: Pair this sweet cherry salad with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance the dessert's creamy texture and complement its fruity profile.
• Complement with Crisp Beverages: Serve alongside a chilled glass of sparkling moscato or a light, crisp white wine like Riesling to balance the salad's sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crunchy Sides: Accompany the salad with butter cookies, shortbread, or toasted almond biscuits to add a delightful crunch that echoes the chopped nuts in the recipe and creates a satisfying textural experience.
• Enhance with Tangy Contrast: Include a small serving of lemon sorbet or a citrus-infused sparkling water to cut through the richness and add a bright, zesty note that complements the cherry and pineapple flavors.

Sweet Variations for Cherry Salad Lovers

• Tropical Berry Blast: Swap cherry pie filling with a mix of fresh strawberries and mango chunks for a vibrant, tropical-inspired version that bursts with summer flavors.
• Chocolate Cherry Dream: Fold in mini chocolate chips and drizzle dark chocolate sauce over the top to add rich, decadent notes to the classic cherry salad.
• Nutty Coconut Crunch: Replace regular nuts with toasted coconut flakes and add a sprinkle of macadamia nuts for a crunchy, island-inspired texture and flavor profile.
• Berry Cheesecake Mix: Incorporate softened cream cheese and swap marshmallows with graham cracker crumbs to create a cheesecake-like dessert salad with fruity undertones.

Common Cherry Salad Questions Solved

• What makes this cherry salad unique?

This dessert combines sweet and creamy elements like cherry pie filling, condensed milk, and whipped topping, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! With its sweet marshmallows, fruity cherries, and creamy consistency, children typically love this dessert. It’s a fun and easy treat that’s perfect for family gatherings.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this cherry salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. In fact, chilling it for at least 2 hours helps the flavors blend and enhances the overall taste, making it even more delicious when served.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This cherry salad is incredibly simple to prepare. It requires no baking or complex techniques – just mixing ingredients and chilling, making it perfect for novice cooks or anyone looking for a quick dessert.

Why Cherry Salad Is Cool, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing

• Burst with Sweet Simplicity: This cherry salad delivers an explosion of fruity sweetness with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delightful treat without complicated techniques.
• Creamy Texture Delight: The combination of whipped topping, condensed milk, and marshmallows creates an incredibly smooth, cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth and feels luxuriously indulgent.
• No-Bake Summer Sensation: Requiring zero cooking and just a few minutes of prep, this chilled dessert is a refreshing option for hot days, potlucks, and family gatherings where you want something quick and crowd-pleasing.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for all ages, this dessert works wonderfully as a side dish or sweet finale, appealing to kids and adults alike with its playful mix of fruity and creamy elements.

Ingredients That Make Cherry Salad Pop

• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides sweet cherry flavor and vibrant color, key to the salad's fruity foundation.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich, creamy sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Crushed Pineapple: Brings tropical tang and moisture to the salad, balancing the sweetness.

• Mini Marshmallows, Chopped Nuts: Add delightful chewiness and crunch, creating interesting texture contrasts.
• Whipped Topping: Makes the salad light, fluffy, and creamy, serving as a smooth background for other ingredients.

• Plastic Wrap or Airtight Container: Essential for proper chilling and storing the salad, keeping it fresh and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.

Quick Steps to Prepare Cherry Salad

Step 1: Create Creamy Cherry Base

• Cherry pie filling
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Crushed pineapple (thoroughly drained)

Whisk the ingredients until they form a smooth, vibrant mixture that looks like a delightful fruity canvas.

Step 2: Add Delightful Crunch

• Mini marshmallows
• Chopped nuts

Stir gently to ensure every spoonful will have a perfect balance of soft and crunchy textures.

Step 3: Fold In Fluffy Clouds

Carefully incorporate thawed whipped topping into the mixture. Use a gentle folding motion to keep the mixture light and airy, creating a cloud-like consistency that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl completely with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Slide into the refrigerator and let the salad rest and mingle its flavors for at least two hours. This cooling time allows all the ingredients to become best friends and create a harmonious dessert experience.

Step 5: Serve With Excitement

Remove from the refrigerator and give a quick, gentle stir. Scoop into serving dishes and watch as everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation. This cherry salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish or a sweet finale to any meal.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a few fresh cherries on top just before serving.

Tips to Make Cherry Salad Extra Special

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the ingredients to blend and develop a richer, more harmonious taste.
• Control Sweetness Levels: Adjust the sweetness by using reduced-sugar pie filling or replacing some condensed milk with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Customize Nut Choices: Swap out nuts based on preferences or dietary needs – try toasted almonds, pecans, or skip nuts entirely for an allergy-friendly option.
• Boost Freshness Factor: Add fresh cherries or a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top just before serving to enhance texture and visual appeal.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a day in advance for even more developed flavors and convenient party planning.

How to Store Cherry Salad Without Losing Freshness

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cherry salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other fridge odors.
• Shelf Life: Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The marshmallows and whipped topping may slightly break down over time, so enjoy within this window.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy texture. Whipped topping and condensed milk can separate and lose their smooth consistency when thawed.
• Reheating: Serve cold straight from the refrigerator. Gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore original creamy texture.

Cherry Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Summertime freshness comes alive with classic Cherry Salad, blending sweet fruit and crisp textures into a delightful Mediterranean-inspired side dish. Cool ingredients dance together, promising refreshment you’ll savor from first delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) cherry pie filling
• 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Dairy and Milk Products:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 container (8 ounces / 227 grams) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Nuts:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, and thoroughly drained crushed pineapple, ensuring a uniform blend that creates a vibrant, glossy base for the salad.
2. Introduce mini marshmallows and chopped nuts into the mixture, gently folding them throughout to achieve an even distribution of textures and flavors.
3. Delicately incorporate the thawed whipped topping, using soft, sweeping motions to maintain the mixture’s airy consistency while creating a creamy, cohesive dessert salad.
4. Transfer the prepared mixture into a sealed container, smoothing the surface to prevent air pockets and promote even chilling.
5. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of two hours, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a more intense, integrated flavor profile.
6. Prior to serving, retrieve the salad from the refrigerator and provide a gentle, careful stir to redistribute any settled ingredients and restore its creamy texture.
7. Present the chilled salad as a refreshing side dish or a delightful dessert, garnishing with additional chopped nuts if desired for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality cherries or use canned pie filling for convenience and consistent sweetness.
• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the salad runny.
• Experiment with different nut varieties like pecans or almonds for added texture and flavor complexity.
• For a lighter version, substitute whipped topping with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream to reduce calories and add protein.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg