Sweet Cherry Pineapple Treat

This nostalgic Junk Yard Salad has been my family's go-to dessert for summer gatherings and potlucks for generations. Its whimsical name belies the creamy, fruity delight that brings smiles to faces young and old alike.

I first made this for my daughter's birthday party when our oven broke down unexpectedly. The kids demolished it so quickly that I now make a double batch whenever we host gatherings, and there are never any leftovers.

Ingredients

• Cherry pie filling Provides beautiful color and sweet fruit flavor that contrasts with the creamy base
• Crushed pineapple adds tropical tanginess and textural interest
• Sweetened condensed milk creates the rich creamy foundation look for full fat version for best results
• Miniature marshmallows contribute pillowy sweetness and nostalgic charm
• Vanilla pudding mix dry packet thickens the mixture and adds vanilla flavor
• Whipped topping gives airy lightness use real whipped cream for special occasions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the creamy base

In a large mixing bowl combine the dry vanilla pudding mix with the sweetened condensed milk until completely smooth with no lumps. This creates the rich foundation for our salad. Gently fold in the whipped topping using a rubber spatula with a light hand to maintain the airy texture. The mixture should be fluffy and evenly combined.

Incorporate the fruits and marshmallows

Add the cherry pie filling including both cherries and sauce to the creamy mixture. Pour in the well drained crushed pineapple making sure excess juice has been removed to prevent watering down the salad. Scatter the miniature marshmallows throughout the mixture. Fold everything together with gentle strokes until just combined but not overmixed. The beautiful red swirls from the cherry filling should remain visible throughout.

Chill until set

Transfer the finished mixture to a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and the pudding mix to properly set. The salad will become more firm and sliceable as it chills.

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My grandmother always insisted on adding the cherries last and barely folding them in so each serving would have beautiful red marbling throughout. Her junk yard salad became so famous in our small town that she was asked to bring it to every church function for over twenty years.

Storage Tips

This salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other food odors. The texture actually improves after the first day as the marshmallows soften slightly and the flavors deepen. I find it tastes best on day two when everything has had time to marry together. However it will not freeze well due to the dairy content which would separate upon thawing.

Festive Variations

The basic recipe serves as a wonderful canvas for seasonal adaptations. For Christmas replace the cherry pie filling with strawberry and add chopped pistachios for a red and green theme. During summer months try peach pie filling with fresh blueberries folded in. Halloween calls for orange food coloring and chocolate chips. I once made a patriotic version for July 4th using layers of cherry pie filling blueberry pie filling and the white cream base that had my neighbors begging for the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this salad truly shines when presented with complementary textures. Serve in individual dessert cups with graham cracker crumbs sprinkled on top for a cheesecakelike experience. For a more substantial dessert spoon it over pound cake or angel food cake slices. During hot summer months we serve small scoops in waffle cones for the children. The versatility of this recipe means it works equally well as a side dish at barbecues or as the star dessert at formal gatherings.

The Curious History

Junk Yard Salad belongs to a beloved category of American desserts sometimes called church salads or funeral salads that gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s. These concoctions often combined convenience foods like pudding mixes canned fruits and whipped toppings reflecting the postwar embrace of processed foods. The unusual name likely came from the various ingredients tossed together similar to items in a junkyard but creating something unexpectedly delightful. Our family version was passed down through four generations with minimal changes showing its timeless appeal.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How long does Junk Yard Salad need to set in the refrigerator?

Junk Yard Salad typically needs at least 2-3 hours to set properly in the refrigerator, though overnight chilling yields the best texture and flavor development. The setting time allows the pudding mix to thicken and the flavors to meld together completely.

→ Can I substitute fresh fruit for the canned ingredients?

While the traditional version uses cherry pie filling and canned pineapple, you can experiment with fresh fruit. For cherries, you'll need to cook them with sugar to create a similar consistency to pie filling. Fresh pineapple works well but should be very well drained to prevent excess liquid in the final dish.

→ How long will Junk Yard Salad keep in the refrigerator?

When properly stored in an airtight container, Junk Yard Salad will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The texture may change slightly over time as the marshmallows continue to absorb moisture from the other ingredients.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Junk Yard Salad is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

→ What can I add to customize Junk Yard Salad?

Popular additions include chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), shredded coconut, diced bananas, or even chocolate chips. Some people enjoy adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavor or a splash of vanilla extract. You can also experiment with different pudding flavors like cheesecake or white chocolate.

→ Is there a lower-calorie version I can make?

For a lighter version, you can use fat-free condensed milk, sugar-free pudding mix, and light whipped topping. You might also consider using fruit packed in juice rather than syrup and reducing the amount of marshmallows. While these substitutions will change the texture somewhat, they'll significantly reduce the calorie content.