Grandma’s Cherry Supreme Salad: A Retro Dessert Delight

Are you ready for a trip down memory lane? Let’s revisit a classic that graced countless family gatherings and potlucks: Grandma’s Cherry Supreme Salad. This isn’t your typical leafy green salad; it’s a sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible dessert salad that combines the nostalgic flavors of cherries, pineapple, marshmallows, and more. Get ready to experience a taste of the past with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing retro dessert!

## What Makes Grandma’s Cherry Supreme Salad So Special?

This Cherry Supreme Salad, sometimes called Cherry Fluff, has a certain charm that transcends generations. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors: the juicy burst of cherries, the tangy sweetness of pineapple, the soft, pillowy marshmallows, and the rich, creamy base all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a delightful treat that’s both comforting and refreshing, making it ideal for any occasion.

But the real magic lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal cooking, utilizes readily available ingredients, and comes together in minutes. This makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy dessert for a potluck or holiday gathering.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is easily customizable, so feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

* **Cherry Pie Filling:** 1 (21 ounce) can. This provides the base cherry flavor and adds a touch of sweetness and thickness.
* **Crushed Pineapple:** 1 (20 ounce) can, drained. Make sure to drain it well to prevent the salad from becoming too watery. The pineapple adds a tangy sweetness and tropical note.
* **Miniature Marshmallows:** 1 (10 ounce) bag. These add a soft, chewy texture and a touch of sweetness. You can use white or colored marshmallows.
* **Sweetened Condensed Milk:** 1 (14 ounce) can. This is the secret ingredient that creates the creamy, rich base of the salad. It adds sweetness and a smooth, velvety texture.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 (16 ounce) container (or Greek yogurt for a tangier option). The sour cream adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. It also contributes to the creamy texture.
* **Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional):** 1/2 cup. These add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts or simply don’t prefer them, you can omit them or substitute with another topping, such as shredded coconut.
* **Maraschino Cherries (Optional, for garnish):** A few cherries, halved. These add a festive touch and a burst of extra cherry flavor.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this delicious Cherry Supreme Salad.

**Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple**

Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly. Use a fine-mesh sieve and press down on the pineapple to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

**Step 2: Combine the Ingredients**

In a large bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, drained crushed pineapple, miniature marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk, and sour cream. Gently stir until all the ingredients are well combined.

**Step 3: Add Nuts (Optional)**

If you’re using chopped pecans or walnuts, add them to the bowl and gently stir to incorporate them into the mixture. Remember, nuts are optional, so feel free to omit them if you prefer.

**Step 4: Chill the Salad**

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. If desired, garnish with halved maraschino cherries for a festive touch. Serve chilled and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Fruits:** While cherry pie filling is the classic choice, you can experiment with other fruit fillings, such as blueberry, strawberry, or peach. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness as needed.
* **Add More Texture:** For added texture, consider adding other crunchy ingredients, such as chopped celery, shredded coconut, or even crushed graham crackers.
* **Make it Lighter:** To reduce the calorie count, you can use light sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also use sugar-free cherry pie filling.
* **Individual Servings:** For a more elegant presentation, you can serve the salad in individual dessert cups or small bowls.
* **Frozen Cherry Salad:** For a colder treat, pour the mixed salad into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 hours. This will create a semi-frozen texture, perfect for a hot summer day.
* **Cool Whip Substitution:** While sour cream is more traditional, some recipes use Cool Whip. This will make the salad even sweeter and lighter. If substituting, use the same amount (16 ounces).
* **Graham Cracker Crust:** For a more decadent dessert, press a graham cracker crust into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Pour the cherry supreme salad over the crust and chill. This creates a layered dessert with a delightful crunch.
* **Add Cream Cheese:** For an even richer and creamier salad, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with the sweetened condensed milk before adding the other ingredients. This will add a tangy flavor and a smoother texture.
* **Make it a Parfait:** Layer the cherry supreme salad with granola and whipped cream in a tall glass for a beautiful and delicious parfait. This is a great way to elevate the presentation and add some extra crunch.
* **Add Mandarin Oranges:** For a citrusy twist, add a can of drained mandarin oranges to the salad. The oranges will complement the cherries and pineapple beautifully.
* **Use Different Nuts:** Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts. Each nut will add a unique flavor and texture to the salad.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the salad for a warm and cozy flavor. This is especially delicious during the fall and winter months.

## Serving Suggestions

Grandma’s Cherry Supreme Salad is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways.

* **As a Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish at potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings. It’s a refreshing and flavorful alternative to traditional side salads.
* **As a Dessert:** Enjoy it as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner. It’s perfect for those who crave something sweet but not too heavy.
* **As a Topping:** Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or even pancakes. It adds a burst of flavor and texture to any sweet treat.
* **Holiday Celebrations:** This salad is a classic for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter celebrations. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will enjoy.
* **Potlucks and Picnics:** Its easy preparation and portability make it an ideal choice for potlucks, picnics, and other outdoor events.

## Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Cherry Supreme Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. However, the marshmallows may start to soften over time. It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the sour cream and marshmallows may change.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

_Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used._

* **Serving Size:** 1/2 cup
* **Calories:** 250-300
* **Fat:** 10-15g
* **Saturated Fat:** 6-8g
* **Cholesterol:** 20-30mg
* **Sodium:** 50-100mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 35-45g
* **Sugar:** 30-40g
* **Protein:** 2-3g

## Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of Grandma’s Cherry Supreme Salad lies in its simplicity and balance. The sweetness of the cherry pie filling, sweetened condensed milk, and marshmallows is perfectly balanced by the tanginess of the pineapple and sour cream. The optional nuts add a delightful crunch, while the maraschino cherries provide a festive touch. The combination of textures – soft marshmallows, juicy cherries, and crunchy nuts – makes each bite a delightful experience.

Furthermore, the no-bake nature of this recipe makes it incredibly convenient. It’s perfect for those times when you need a quick and easy dessert without having to turn on the oven. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a salad that is even more delicious the next day.

## A Recipe for Memories

More than just a dessert, Grandma’s Cherry Supreme Salad is a reminder of simpler times, of family gatherings filled with laughter and love. It’s a taste of nostalgia that brings back cherished memories. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and create your own batch of this classic retro dessert. Share it with your loved ones and create new memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy!

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## Related Posts

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* **Retro Dessert Recipes: A Blast from the Past**
* **Easy No-Bake Desserts for Summer**
* **Cherry Pie Filling Recipes: Beyond the Pie**

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## Conclusion

Grandma’s Cherry Supreme Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of nostalgia, a connection to the past, and a celebration of simple pleasures. This creamy, fruity, and utterly delicious dessert salad is sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and create your own batch of this classic retro treat. Enjoy the taste of childhood memories with every spoonful!