Cherry Cider Salad

Cherry Cider Salad Recipe - Refreshing and Delicious

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cherry Cider Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of cherries with the tangy flavor of apple cider. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

Cherry Cider Salad has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. The combination of cherries and cider creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 cups of apple cider
6 oz (170 g) package of cherry flavored gelatin
16 oz (454 g) can of pitted dark sweet cherries
0.5 cup of thinly sliced celery
0.5 cup of chopped walnuts
3 oz (85 g) package of cream cheese, softened
1 cup of applesauce
leaf lettuce

How to prepare

Bring the cider to a boil, then dissolve the gelatin in the boiling cider.
Drain the cherries, reserving the syrup.
Halve the cherries and set them aside.
Add enough water to the reserved syrup to measure 1.5 cups of liquid, then stir it into the gelatin.
Set aside 2 cups of the gelatin mixture and keep it at room temperature.
Chill the remaining gelatin until it is partially set.
Fold the halved cherries, celery, and walnuts into the partially set gelatin.
Pour the mixture into a 6.5 cup ring mold and chill it until it is almost firm.
Gradually add the reserved gelatin to the softened cream cheese, beating until smooth.
Stir in the applesauce.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cherry layer in the mold, then chill it until firm.
Unmold the mixture onto a lettuce-lined platter.

Variations

For a vegan version, substitute the gelatin with agar agar and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Add a splash of rum or brandy to the gelatin mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Experiment with different fruits such as peaches or berries for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chill the gelatin mixture until it is partially set before adding the cherries, celery, and walnuts. This will help the ingredients to stay suspended in the gelatin.

- When adding the cream cheese mixture on top of the cherry layer, be sure to do so gently to avoid mixing the layers together.

- For a more festive presentation, garnish the salad with fresh mint leaves or additional cherries before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Cider Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light and refreshing dessert.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful Cherry Cider Salad is to carefully layer the ingredients and allow each layer to set before adding the next. This will ensure that the salad holds its shape when unmolded.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apple cider on hand, you can substitute it with apple juice or even white grape juice. You can also use fresh cherries instead of canned, just be sure to pit them before adding them to the salad.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherry Cider Salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

To make Cherry Cider Salad even more visually appealing, consider garnishing it with fresh mint leaves, additional cherries, or a drizzle of honey before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Cherry Cider Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and sandwiches. It also makes a great addition to a brunch buffet or picnic spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cherry Cider Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cherry Cider Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cherry Cider Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cherry Cider Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cherry Cider Salad contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry Cider Salad is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

Cherry Cider Salad contains nuts and dairy (cream cheese), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Cherry Cider Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is relatively low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cherry Cider Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and tangy flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha at her family’s orchard. As we strolled through the rows of cherry trees, she suddenly stopped and plucked a ripe cherry from a branch.

“Have you ever tried cherry cider salad?” she asked, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. I shook my head, intrigued by the unfamiliar combination of ingredients. Martha led me to a cozy picnic table nestled under a large oak tree, where she set to work preparing the salad.

She started by pitting the cherries and mashing them into a sweet, tangy pulp. Then, she added a splash of apple cider vinegar and a sprinkle of sugar to balance out the flavors. Next, she tossed in some crisp cucumber slices and a handful of fresh mint leaves. The final touch was a drizzle of honey and a pinch of salt to bring out the natural sweetness of the cherries.

As Martha mixed everything together, the aroma of ripe cherries and fragrant mint filled the air. I couldn’t wait to taste the finished salad. When she handed me a bowl, I took a spoonful and savored the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The juicy cherries combined with the crisp cucumber and zesty vinegar created a refreshing and unique dish that I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, cherry cider salad became a staple in my recipe collection. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, and it always received rave reviews. Over the years, I have tweaked Martha’s original recipe to suit my taste, adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.

One day, while browsing through an old cookbook at a flea market, I stumbled upon a recipe for cherry cider salad that was remarkably similar to Martha’s version. It turns out that this dish has been enjoyed for generations in the region, with each family adding their own twist to the classic recipe. I felt a sense of connection to the past as I read through the ingredients and instructions, imagining the generations of cooks who had lovingly prepared this dish for their loved ones.

I often think back to that sunny day at the orchard, where I first discovered the magic of cherry cider salad. Martha’s simple yet innovative recipe opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of combining fresh, seasonal ingredients in unexpected ways. It taught me to be adventurous in the kitchen, to trust my instincts, and to always be open to new culinary experiences.

Now, as I pass on this cherished recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of wonder and delight that I experienced when I first tasted cherry cider salad. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions; it is about creativity, passion, and the joy of sharing delicious food with the ones we love.

So next time you find yourself surrounded by ripe cherries and a bottle of apple cider vinegar, don’t hesitate to try your hand at making this delightful salad. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your own culinary masterpiece, just like I did all those years ago.