What is the secret to a good fruit salad?

The secret is balance. You want a mix of textures and flavors—sweet fruit, something tangy like sour cream or yogurt, and a little crunch or chew from add-ins like coconut or nuts. Properly draining the fruit is also key to avoiding excess liquid.

Can you put pineapple in fruit salad?

Yes, pineapple is a classic choice for fruit salad. Its sweet, tropical flavor pairs well with cherries, oranges, and creamy bases like Cool Whip. Just be sure to drain it well so the salad stays light and fluffy.

What is in a Michigan cherry salad?

A Michigan cherry salad typically includes fresh or dried cherries, mixed greens, nuts, and cheese—often blue cheese or feta. It’s a savory salad that celebrates the state’s famous cherries, very different from the creamy dessert-style fruit salad we’re making here.

Why is fresh pineapple rarely placed in Jell-O fruit salad?

Fresh pineapple contains enzymes that prevent gelatin from setting properly, which is why it’s rarely used in Jell-O salads. Canned pineapple, however, has been heat-treated, making it safe to use without affecting the texture of the gelatin.

Cherry Pineapple Fruit Salad – Amazing Creamy Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz Cool Whip, thawed

1/2 cup sour cream

1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained

1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained and lightly pressed

1 (8 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained

2 cups mini marshmallows

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained

Optional: extra coconut shreds and cherries for garnish

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Instructions

1. If Cool Whip is frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

2. In a large bowl, mix Cool Whip and sour cream until smooth.

3. Add drained fruits, marshmallows, and coconut.

4. Gently fold to combine without breaking fruit.

5. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.

6. Garnish with coconut and cherries before serving.

Notes

Drain fruit well to prevent a watery salad.

Can be made the night before serving.

Garnish just before serving for the best presentation.

Author: Livia Reed
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert, Salad
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 260
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 55mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg