Festive Coca-Cola Cherry Salad
Bring a burst of nostalgia to your holiday gatherings with this refreshing and sweet Festive Coca-Cola Cherry Salad! Combining the delightful flavors of raspberry and cherry gelatin with juicy white cherries, sweet crushed pineapple, and crunchy pecans, this family favorite is a showstopper for Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts alike. Topped with fluffy grated cream cheese that resembles a blanket of snow, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Originally shared by Mrs. Malcolm Sevier from Tallulah, LA, this beloved recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
10
Servings
250
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
raspberry gelatin powder
1 (3 ounce) package (dry)
cherry gelatin powder
1 (3 ounce) package (dry)
seedless white cherries
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
crushed pineapple
1 (20 ounce) can (drained)
pecans
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (frozen and grated)
Coca-Cola
2 (12 ounce) cans (partially frozen)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the juices from the can of seedless white cherries and the crushed pineapple into a bowl.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the raspberry and cherry gelatin powders with the reserved fruit juices. Stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
3
Next, slowly add the partially frozen Coca-Cola to the gelatin mixture, stirring gently to combine.
4
Fold in the drained white cherries, crushed pineapple, and coarsely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5
Pour the mixture into a mold or serving dish and top with grated frozen cream cheese to create a snowy appearance.
6
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firmly set. The partially frozen Coca-Cola helps to speed up the congealing process.
7
Once set, carefully remove the salad from the mold and serve chilled at your holiday gatherings!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
42g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Coca-Cola Cherry Salad?
It is a nostalgic, sweet gelatin salad featuring raspberry and cherry flavors, fruit, pecans, and Coca-Cola, often served during holiday gatherings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
What flavors of gelatin are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 3-ounce package of raspberry gelatin powder and one 3-ounce package of cherry gelatin powder.
What kind of cherries should I use?
You should use one 14.5-ounce can of seedless white cherries, making sure to drain them before use.
Why is Coca-Cola used in the recipe?
Coca-Cola adds a unique sweet flavor and carbonation; using it partially frozen also helps the gelatin set more quickly.
How do I prepare the cream cheese topping?
The cream cheese should be frozen and then grated over the top of the salad to create a fluffy, snowy appearance.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was originally shared by Mrs. Malcolm Sevier from Tallulah, Louisiana.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, or until it is firmly set.
What type of nuts are included?
The recipe includes 1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans for added crunch.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
The recipe specifies a 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, drained. Fresh pineapple may prevent gelatin from setting properly unless it is cooked first.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this salad?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
One serving contains 42 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain protein?
Yes, there are 2 grams of protein per serving.
How much Coca-Cola is required?
The recipe requires two 12-ounce cans of Coca-Cola.
What should I do with the fruit juices?
The juices drained from the cherries and pineapple are used to dissolve the gelatin powder.
When do I add the partially frozen Coca-Cola?
Add the Coca-Cola to the gelatin mixture after the powder has been completely dissolved in the fruit juices.
Is this a good recipe for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is described as a showstopper for both Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 7 main ingredients: raspberry gelatin, cherry gelatin, white cherries, crushed pineapple, pecans, cream cheese, and Coca-Cola.
Can I make this in a decorative mold?
Yes, the mixture can be poured into a mold or a serving dish to set.
How do I dissolve the gelatin powder?
Stir the gelatin powders into the reserved fruit juices in a large mixing bowl until fully dissolved.
Should the pecans be finely ground?
No, the recipe suggests they should be coarsely chopped to provide texture.
Is the cream cheese mixed into the salad?
No, the grated cream cheese is placed on top of the mixture before it sets.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to drain the juices from the canned cherries and crushed pineapple into a bowl.
Does this salad contain any fiber?
The nutritional information provided indicates the fiber content is null or not specified.
Is there any sodium in this recipe?
The nutritional data provided does not specify the sodium content.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.
What gives the salad its 'snowy' look?
The grated frozen cream cheese on top creates a look resembling a blanket of snow.
What size gelatin packages should I buy?
You should buy the 3-ounce sized packages for both the raspberry and cherry flavors.
Can I omit the pecans for a nut-free version?
Yes, the pecans can be omitted if necessary, though the salad will lose its crunchy texture.