Cherry Cola Salad

Peruvian Cherry Cola Salad Recipe with Pineapple, Raspberry, Celery, Pecans, Coconut, and Cream

Region / culture: Peru | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cherry Cola Salad is a unique and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of cherries, pineapple, cola, and cream cheese. This sweet and tangy salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for a barbecue.

History

Cherry Cola Salad has been a popular dish in the Southern United States for decades. It is often served at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. The combination of sweet cherries, tangy pineapple, and fizzy cola creates a delicious and unexpected flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

1 can (16.5 oz (468 g)) of pitted dark sweet cherries
1 can (20 oz (567 g)) of crushed pineapple
1 packet (3 oz (85 g)) of raspberry flavored gelatin
2 cans (12 oz (340 g)) of chilled cola-type beverage
1 cup of finely chopped celery
1 cup of chopped pecans
0.5 cup of flaked coconut (optional)
2 packets (3 oz (85 g)) of softened cream cheese

How to prepare

Drain the cherries and pineapple, reserving the juice.
Add enough water to the juice to make two cups of liquid.
Bring the liquid to a boil and add the gelatin, stirring until dissolved.
Stir in the cola beverage.
Chill the mixture until it becomes slightly thickened.
Combine the celery, pecans, cherries, pineapple, and coconut (if desired).
Beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, then add it to the fruit mixture, stirring well.
Pour the cream cheese mixture into the gelatin.

Variations

Try using different flavors of gelatin for a fun twist on this recipe.
Add in other fruits like mandarin oranges, strawberries, or bananas for a different flavor profile.
For a tropical twist, use coconut-flavored gelatin and add in shredded coconut.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the gelatin mixture until it becomes slightly thickened before adding the fruit and cream cheese. This will help the salad set properly.

- You can customize this recipe by using different flavors of gelatin or adding in other fruits like mandarin oranges or strawberries.

- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and diet cola.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Cola Salad can be served as a side dish or dessert. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Cherry Cola Salad is a no-bake recipe that simply requires mixing and chilling. It is a great make-ahead dish for parties and gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh cherries and pineapple instead of canned if they are in season.

- If you don't have cola, you can use lemon-lime soda or ginger ale as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherry Cola Salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent any odors from the fridge affecting the flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cherry Cola Salad in a glass trifle dish or individual dessert cups for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a cherry on top for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Cherry Cola Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or burgers. It also goes well with other picnic or barbecue dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cherry Cola Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best served chilled and should not be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cherry Cola Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Cherry Cola Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cherry Cola Salad contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry Cola Salad is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the cherries and pineapple. It also contains calcium and iron from the cream cheese and nuts.

Alergens

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

Summary

Cherry Cola Salad is a sweet and creamy dessert that is relatively high in calories and fat. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Cherry Cola Salad is a fun and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a sweet treat. With its unique combination of cherries, pineapple, cola, and cream cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cherry Cola Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha. We were sitting on her porch, sipping on some ice-cold Cherry Cola, when she suddenly got up and disappeared into her kitchen. Curious, I followed her inside and watched in amazement as she started pulling out ingredients from her pantry.

Martha had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she gathered the ingredients for the Cherry Cola Salad. She explained that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. The combination of cola, cherry gelatin, fruit cocktail, and whipped topping seemed like an odd mix to me, but I trusted Martha's culinary skills.

As she mixed everything together in a large bowl, the sweet scent of cherry and cola filled the air. Martha told me that the salad needed to set in the fridge for a few hours to firm up, so we decided to go for a walk while we waited.

We strolled through the neighborhood, chatting and laughing as we soaked in the warm summer sun. Martha shared stories of her childhood and how her grandmother used to make this Cherry Cola Salad for family gatherings. I could tell how much this recipe meant to her, and I felt honored that she was sharing it with me.

When we returned home, the Cherry Cola Salad was ready to be served. Martha scooped out generous portions into bowls and topped each serving with a dollop of whipped topping. The colors of the salad were vibrant and inviting, and I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

The combination of flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The sweetness of the cherry gelatin and fruit cocktail paired perfectly with the fizzy cola. The whipped topping added a creamy richness that tied everything together. It was a refreshing and satisfying dessert that was perfect for a hot summer day.

As we enjoyed our Cherry Cola Salad, Martha shared more stories about her family and the traditions they held dear. I listened intently, savoring both the delicious salad and the rich history behind it. It was a moment I would never forget, a moment that reminded me of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Since that day, I have made Martha's Cherry Cola Salad countless times, delighting friends and family with its unique and delicious flavor. Each time I prepare it, I think of Martha and the special bond we share over this cherished recipe. It is a reminder of the importance of tradition, of passing down recipes and stories from one generation to the next.

And so, as I sit here now, writing down this story for my grandchildren to read, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of Martha's Cherry Cola Salad. It is more than just a recipe; it is a connection to the past, a link to the memories and traditions that shape who we are. And I hope that as my grandchildren make this salad for themselves, they will feel that same sense of wonder and appreciation for the simple joys of good food and loving relationships.