Cherry Cola Salad

SERVES: 12

CHILL TIME: 4 Hr

COOK TIME: 10 Min

Put this on your list to take to your next family reunion - and you're sure to get all the raves! The gang will want reunions more often!

What You'll Need

1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in heavy syrup, drained with syrup reserved
1 (16-½-ounce) can Bing cherries in heavy syrup, drained and chopped, with syrup reserved
2 (4 serving each) packages cherry-flavored gelatin
1 (12-ounce) can cola
1 cup chopped pecans
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (see Note)

What to Do

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring reserved pineapple syrup and cherry syrup to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and add gelatin, stirring until dissolved.
Add cola and chill 1 hour, or until it starts to thicken. Stir in pineapple, cherries, pecans, and cream cheese and spoon into a medium-sized bowl or gelatin mold.
Chill 3 hours, or until set. When ready to serve, dip bottom of mold in warm water for a few seconds, then invert onto a serving plate larger than mold. Shake gently to loosen from mold.

Notes

The cream cheese should be cut into small chunks so it floats in the gelatin mixture instead of blending into it.

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carmel22 9395303

Dec 04, 2018

This recipe is a wonderful childhood memory from the holidays - However - I have had to adapt this recipe for the diabetics in my family. I substitute pineapple in its own juice, sugar free Jello and Great Value (Walmart) Cherry Pie Filling made with Splenda. It is still delicious and my family devours it every time I make it.

nelson480c 2634467

Jul 22, 2018

Quick, everyone say diabetic coma! Good God almighty why all the sugar!

nelson480c 2634467

Dec 29, 2017

My teeth are hurting just reading this recipe! Good grief why so much sugar!!

ddmorado 1734451

Dec 13, 2016

My mother would make this every christmas (using the old, hand crank grinder that clamped to the table 1 bag fresh cranberries, box strawberry jello, walnuts, 1 orange, 1 apple. She ground it all up (except walnuts, but we used black walnuts) and it was SSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOO delicious. Cant get fresh cranberries here in Mexico so my Christmas is never the same without this salad.

surflady62 5297606

Jun 06, 2015

you can get caffeine free coke

roseanne59 8559377

Jun 03, 2015

Can a soda besides cola be used? I do not us caffeine.

rvingwego 4888773

Jul 31, 2014

we use marschino cherries instead of the bing and can use red or green at Christmas to make to very colorful.

Bill H

Apr 06, 2014

My Mom used to make this all the time. Great to have the recipe to bring back some old Louisiana memories.

janreynolds43 8387 956

Feb 09, 2014

Love this recipe. Used to make it in Homemaking class in high school,

007leggedspider

Jul 20, 2013

i HAVE A COUSIN WHO MADE THIS SEVERAL TIMES FOR A FAMILY REUNION, i NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO ASK FR RECIPE AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GO TO ANOTHER, TO ASK. I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE THIS RECIPE TO ADD TO MY RECIPE BOX. i WILL MAKE IT NOW FOR MY FAMILY.

whosyournana 96222 26

Jul 18, 2013

this was a "special occasion" salad, and since my Mom was a Southern Bell, that would anytime we had guests. will try the sugar free recipes...the best part of this site is the idea sharing.

dkhale307 6300604

Jul 18, 2013

I've made this many times. I have used cherry pie filling, lg crushed pineapple and cherry coke. A very refreshing salad.

dougkate 7425095

Jan 31, 2013

I have always made this with sugar free jello and diet coke. I use low sugar pie filling, but will now try with cherries and cream cheese. Thanks

bolynx

Jan 31, 2013

My grandmother always made this with large-curd cottage cheese instead of cream cheese.

SWMO Lady

Jan 31, 2013

I have made this for years except without the cream cheese and I have used fruit in its own juice. I also use diet coke. It is wonderful! I will now try it with the cream cheese.

spencervera18 4528 777

Aug 24, 2012

This recipe I will try also with fine chopped apples added.

ssher1992 8110518

Jul 10, 2012

My mom made this when I was a kid around 35 years ago. Very good.

Member 16808

Jul 10, 2012

My mother made this for years for every Christms meal. It is my favorite gelatin dessert I think. We did not add the cream cheese, though and it was still great.