This easy and sweet Junk Yard Salad combines classic ingredients like cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, and marshmallows for a nostalgic treat. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings!
Ingredients:
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand condensed milk
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 (1 oz) package of vanilla pudding mix (dry)
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip
Directions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, and condensed milk. Stir until well mixed.
2. Add Marshmallows and Pudding Mix:
Fold in the miniature marshmallows and the dry vanilla pudding mix. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Fold in Cool Whip:
Gently fold the Cool Whip into the mixture until it’s fully combined and fluffy.
4. Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve:
Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful, nostalgic dessert!
Serving:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes + overnight refrigeration
- Servings: 8-10
Variations:
- Less Sweet: To reduce the sweetness, use sugar-free Cool Whip or light condensed milk. You can also cut back on the condensed milk and replace it with plain yogurt or whipped cream.
- Add-ins: Add chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or mandarin oranges for extra flavor and texture.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: Yes, you can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
Q: Can I use fresh fruits instead of canned?
A: You can use fresh pineapple and cherries, but be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery salad.
Conclusion:
Junk Yard Salad is a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Its sweet and fruity flavor, along with the fluffiness of marshmallows and Cool Whip, makes it a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Junk Yard Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: Overnight
- Total Time: 10 minutes + overnight refrigeration
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This nostalgic and fun dessert combines cherry pie filling, pineapple, and marshmallows, creating a sweet and creamy treat. With minimal prep and a lot of flavor, it’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand condensed milk
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 (1 oz) package of vanilla pudding mix (dry)
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, and condensed milk. Stir until well mixed. - Add Marshmallows and Pudding Mix:
Fold in the miniature marshmallows and the dry vanilla pudding mix. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. - Fold in Cool Whip:
Gently fold the Cool Whip into the mixture until it’s fully combined and fluffy. - Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. - Serve:
Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful, nostalgic dessert!
Notes
- For added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts, coconut, or extra fruit like mandarin oranges or diced bananas.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream.
- This salad can be made a day in advance, making it convenient for large gatherings or holidays.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg