Tropical Treat Rice Salad
Indulge in this refreshing Tropical Treat Rice Salad, a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s perfect for summer gatherings and picnics. This vibrant salad combines creamy, sweet, and tangy ingredients, featuring fluffy rice, juicy maraschino cherries, luscious crushed pineapple, and light, airy Cool Whip. With the added crunch of optional pecans, every bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving to let the flavors meld together, making it a must-have for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
cooked rice
2 cups (cooled)
maraschino cherries
12 (chopped)
mini marshmallows
10 ounces (none)
crushed pineapple
20 ounces (drained)
Cool Whip
12 ounces (thawed)
chopped nuts
1 cup (optional, consider using pecans)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2
Gently fold in the cooled cooked rice, chopped maraschino cherries, drained crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows until all ingredients are well combined.
3
Once mixed, carefully fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the salad becomes light and fluffy, being cautious not to deflate it.
4
If desired, add the chopped nuts for added texture and flavor, then stir gently to incorporate.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Treat Rice Salad?
It is a refreshing dessert salad that blends fluffy rice, cream cheese, fruit, and marshmallows into a creamy summer treat.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to chill thoroughly.
Which type of nuts are recommended for this recipe?
Chopped pecans are suggested, though you can use any variety of chopped nuts or omit them entirely if preferred.
Does the rice need to be hot or cold when mixing?
The rice must be completely cooled before it is folded into the cream cheese mixture.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, as long as it is finely crushed and well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
How many cherries are required for this salad?
The recipe calls for 12 maraschino cherries, which should be chopped before being added.
What is the purpose of the cream cheese?
When beaten with sugar, the cream cheese provides a rich, smooth, and tangy base for the salad.
Do I need to drain the crushed pineapple?
Yes, draining the 20 ounces of crushed pineapple is a crucial step to maintain the proper salad consistency.
What kind of marshmallows should I use?
The recipe specifically requires 10 ounces of mini marshmallows.
Is there much sugar in this recipe?
Only 2 tablespoons of sugar are added, as the fruit, marshmallows, and Cool Whip provide additional sweetness.
How should I incorporate the Cool Whip?
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip to keep the salad light and fluffy without deflating it.
Can this be served immediately after mixing?
While possible, it is highly recommended to refrigerate it for 2 hours for the best texture and flavor profile.
Is this a side dish or a dessert?
It is categorized as a dessert salad, making it suitable as a sweet side dish or a light dessert.
How much rice is needed?
You will need 2 cups of cooked rice for this recipe.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You would need to substitute the cream cheese and Cool Whip with dairy-free alternatives to make it vegan or dairy-free.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth.
Should I use a specific type of rice?
White rice is traditional for this type of salad, but any mild-tasting cooked rice will work.
Is the salad gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on the marshmallows and Cool Whip to be certain.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
You can use whipped cream, but Cool Whip is often preferred in these salads because it holds its shape better over time.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total: cream cheese, sugar, rice, cherries, marshmallows, pineapple, Cool Whip, and optional nuts.
Can I add other fruits like mandarin oranges?
Yes, mandarin oranges or shredded coconut would be excellent additions to enhance the tropical theme.
Why do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Softened cream cheese is necessary to avoid lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth and creamy base.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is a great picnic dish, provided it is kept in a cooler until serving to maintain its chilled temperature.
Can I double the recipe for a large party?
Absolutely, the measurements can easily be doubled to accommodate larger gatherings.
What size container of Cool Whip is needed?
The recipe calls for a 12-ounce container of thawed Cool Whip.
Are the nuts mandatory?
No, the nuts are optional and can be omitted for those with allergies or personal preferences.
How much pineapple is used?
The recipe uses one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, drained.
What makes this salad 'Tropical'?
The combination of crushed pineapple and maraschino cherries gives it a bright, tropical flavor.
Can I use granulated or powdered sugar?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of sugar; granulated sugar is standard for beating into the cream cheese.