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Creamy Cherry Salad Recipe: Easy Fluffy Fruit Bliss in 15 Minutes

creamy cherry salad - featured image

This creamy cherry salad is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert packed with sweet cherries, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a quick sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat or light)
  • 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Maraschino cherries, halved (optional, for garnish)
  • Shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Open the can of crushed pineapple and drain thoroughly using a colander or mesh strainer. Press gently with the back of a spoon to remove excess juice. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream and whipped topping. Stir together until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in the drained crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling. Gently fold into the creamy mixture using a rubber spatula. Do not overmix.
  4. Add mini marshmallows to the bowl and fold gently until evenly distributed.
  5. If using, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor and texture.
  7. Before serving, top with halved maraschino cherries and a sprinkle of shredded coconut if desired. Spoon into bowls or serve straight from the mixing bowl.

Notes

For best texture, drain pineapple thoroughly and fold ingredients gently to keep the salad fluffy. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Easily adapted for nut-free, dairy-free, or low-sugar diets. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry salad, creamy fruit salad, potluck dessert, easy dessert, marshmallow salad, whipped topping, pineapple, cherry pie filling, summer salad, holiday dessert