Yes, it is a Jello salad. When was the last time you had one of those? I seriously doubt it or any gelatin salad has been on a restaurant menu in many years, if ever. You may have seen it at potlucks. Coca-Cola salad is sweet and tart with the flavors of cherry, cola, pineapple, and nuts. It is incredible with ham. My mom makes it often and still gets requests for the recipe. I was so excited for the opportunity to share it here. Why share it today? Well…
Sunday Supper is celebrating retro foods. This salad is about as retro and southern as you can get. Retro because of the popularity of gelatin salads back in the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s. Southern because of the Atlanta-based Coca-Cola company and Georgia being the leader of US pecan production. I could not think of a better recipe to share. Plus it is really good. Really.
How good is it? Let’s see…I made it, took photos, and served it for dinner. My husband had two helpings. A little later I found him in the kitchen snacking on it. Half of it was gone by the next evening. The rest disappeared shortly thereafter. This is a treat for you if you like Jello, Coca-Cola, cherries, pineapple, and pecans. It looks really cool too with the vibrant red color and the way it shines.
Notes on the recipe: The one I had in my notebook is what I got from my mom long ago. It shows it’s age because it called for cherries in a #2 can. Um, what is a #2 can? I had to call my mom to clarify. I honestly have not seen recipes stating can type sizes. Have you? I have no clue where the recipe came from originally. I think my mom got it from a friend who got it from a friend and so on.
Coca-Cola Salad
Ingredients
- 6 ounces cherry-flavored Jello not sugar-free
- 1 cup boiling water
- 10 ounces Coca-Cola
- 1 can red tart pitted cherries in water 14.5 to 16 ounces
- 1 can crushed pineapple 8 ounces
- 1 cup chopped pecans raw or lightly toasted
Instructions
-
Place the Jello in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over it and stir until dissolved. Stir in the Coca-Cola. Refrigerate mixture until partially firm, about 30 minutes. NOTE: check and stir every 3 to 5 minutes. You want it a thickened but not set.
-
Place the cherries and juice in a food processor fitted with a knife blade or in a blender. Pulse or blend a few times to lightly chop the cherries.
-
Once the Jello mixture has thickened, stir in the chopped cherries and it's juice, pineapple and it's juice, and pecans. Pour into a Jello/gelatin mold. Refrigerate until set or overnight. Remove salad from the mold by inverting onto a serving platter. Serve cold.
Recipe Notes
If you do not have a Jello or gelatin mold then you can leave it in the large bowl. Invert onto a serving dish when ready to serve.
Are you ready for more retro recipes? Take a look at what the talented Sunday Supper bloggers are sharing:
Sunday Supper Retro Appetizers:
- Irish Cheddar-Whiskey Fondue by girlichef
- She Devils: Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs by Ruffles & Truffles
Sunday Supper Retro Salads:
- Coca-Cola Salad by Magnolia Days
- Salmon Salad | Retro Tuna Salad by Family Foodie
- Ambrosia Salad by Simply Gourmet
- Romaine “Wedge” Salad with Hot Maple Bacon Dressing by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Carrot & Raisin Salad by The Roxx Box
- Sweet & Smoky Broccoli Salad by In The Kitchen with KP
Sunday Supper Retro Breads and Sandwiches:
- Italian Style Bread by The Meltaways
- Creamed Chipped Salmon Jerky on Toast by Pescetarian Journal
- Grown-Up Tuna Melts by Home Cooking Memories
- English Muffin Pizzas by Comfy Cuisine
- Patty Melt, Hand Cut Fries, & a Shake by Mooshu Jenne
- Grown-Up Grilled Cheese With Tomato Soup by Catholic Foodie
- Toast Topper #16: Grandma’s Mock Apricot Jam by What Smells So Good?
SundaySupper Main Dishes:
- Chicken Pot Pie Topped With Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by Chocolate Moosey
- Tuna Noodle Casserole by Country Girl in the Village
- Nana’s Marinated Beef Roast by Supper for a Steal
- Chorizo Scotch Eggs by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Chicken Maryland by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Mushroom Stroganoff by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Dairyfree Toast Hawaii by Galactosemia in PDX
- Porcupine Meatballs by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Chicken Kiev by The Urban Mrs.
- Salmon Quiche with Preserved Lemon by Shockingly Delicious
- Steak Diane by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Fried Chicken only in the Oven by In the Kitchen with Audrey
- Hambak Steak a.k.a. Salisbury Steak by Kimchi Mom
- Retro-Redo: Homemade TV Dinner by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Kicked Up Meatloaf by Curious Cuisiniere
- Shrimp Scampi (a lighter version) by Kudos Kitchen
- Old-Fashioned Pork Chops by My Trials in the Kitchen
- Jägerschnitzel by Sustainable Dad
- Healthier Hamburger-Corn Noodle Casserole by The Weekend Gourmet
- Inspired by Tuna Noodle Casserole by Cookistry
- Chicken-N-Biscuits Pot Pie Casserole by The Messy Baker Blog
- Souper Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes by Mama.Mommy.Mom
- Meatloaf that will make you swoon and Datz the truth by Midlife Roadtrip
- Spaghetti with Currywurst Sauce by Masala Herb
- Tator Tot Casserole by NeighborFood
Sunday Supper Retro Sides and Veggies:
- Smokey Braised Red Cabbage by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Classic Corn Casserole by The Foodie Army Wife
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Classic Green Bean Casserole Redux by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Mem’s Broccoli Casserole by Momma’s Meals
Sunday Supper Retro Desserts and Cocktails:
- Peachy Keen Tutti-Frutti Jello by La Cocina de Leslie
- Old School Boozy Rum Cake by Webicurean
- Individual Baked Alaskas by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Rainbow Jello by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake by Noshing with the Nolands
- Pineapple Bars by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Creamy Dairy Free Fresh Orange Julius With Coconut Milk by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Refrigerator Strawberry Cheesecake by There and Back Again
- Frozen Pineapple Upside-Down Cake by Juanita’s Cocina
- Boston Cream Pie by Gotta Get Baked
- Coca-Cola Cupcakes by Daily Dish Recipes
- Jello Poke Cake by Flour On My Face
- Devil’s Food Cake by Maroc Mama
- Bread Pudding with Pecans by Basic and Delicious
- Victoria Sponge Cake by The Lovely Pantry
- A Chocolate Twist on the Classic Japanese Strawberry Shortcake by Ninja Baking
- Post War Apple Pudding by My Cute Bride
- Layered Mini Chocolate Banana Cakes by Big Bears Wife
- Raspberry Jam Cakes by Pippis in the Kitchen Again
- Cocktail: Moscow Mule by Crazy by Crazy Foodie Stunts
What fun to read the stories about the recipes! There’s lots of great food in the list. I admit I still make and enjoy many of them. Nice to see some updated versions too. Which one is your favorite?
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
Special thanks to Terry and Jim Gardner for letting me borrow their old coke bottles for the photo!
Lyn @LovelyPantry says
I have no idea what a #2 can is! Please let us know what your mom says! This recipe looks so intresting. I can honestly say that I’ve never seen anything like it! It looks bright red and beautiful. Nice touch with the cola bottles ;-))
Renee says
My mom said a #2 can was a regular can is like a soup can.
Lisa says
Should I grease the mold?
Shron says
15 oz or regular size is a #2 can #4 ir #5 is a gallon size.
A Gray says
I have a chart explaining old can sizes I’ll share:
No 1 can = 1 1/2 cups, typically soup, baked beans, fruits, vegetables
No 1 tall can = 2 cups
No 2 can = 2 1/2 cups, typically fruits, beans, peas, corn
No 2 1/2 can = 3 1/2 cups, tomatoes, beets, pumpkin pie filling
No 3 can = 4 cups
No 5 can = 7 cups (almost half-gallon), fruit juices
No 10 can = 1 gallon, typically fruits, vegetables.
Arlene @FlourOnMyFace says
Gotta love Jello salads. Every family get together bbq or picnic had some type of jello dish when I was a kid.
I have no idea what a #2 can of cherries are but I have seen that many many times in my vintage cook book collection. I’ll have to ask my MIL.
Renee says
Yes, the Jello salads were so popular for barbeques or picnics. I wonder why they went out of style. Some are so good.
Lisa says
Should I grease the mold?
Renee says
I’ve always used a Tupperware gelatin mold and I have never greased it.
Bobbie says
You have no doubt figured out the answer already but the answer is yes, grease the mold lightly. This is the first time I have seen this recipe in print. I got mine from my mother-in-law back in the early 60’s. I don’t know where she got it.
Faye Leong says
I also want to know what is #2 can is. What a creative way to make jello salad with Cola. Pretty!
Renee says
A #2 can used to be 20 ounces, then it went down to 16 ounces, and currently it is 14.5 ounces.
[email protected] says
I had never heard of this salad until just now. I was intrigued to see what it was all about. I will have to make this for my family. My sister and Mom love Coke–anything!
Renee says
They will love it especially if they like cherry Coke.
Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb says
Wow, coca cola salad? never seen or heard of such a salad before. It’s ncie to look at. =) So what’s the can Nr 2?
Renee says
It’s what is currently packaged as a 14.5 oz. can. Long ago it was 20 oz.
Jen @ Juanita's Cocina says
My family loves jello! Can’t wait to surprise them with this one!
Renee says
Oh good! I hope they enjoy it a whole lot.
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
What a unique ingredient for a jello-salad. I’m not a huge fan of jello myself but this one is very intriguing. Love that you found your husband snacking on it later that night. Too funny!
Renee says
He does that when he really likes something I make. He’s a late night snacker.
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says
I remember #2 cans. They’re big, huge commercial kitchen size. I worked in a camp kitchen while in high school and that’s all we had around. You should have seen the can opener we used for those things. 🙂
I love the sound of this salad! It’s a gorgeous color too. I’ll be trying it for Valentine’s Day dinner. Many thanks.
Renee says
Those big commercial cans must have been another number. That would be way too much cherries for this recipe.
Keith says
Right you are. Those were called #10 cans. They were just a tad short of a gallon.
Renee says
There must be two different #10 cans because the one I’m familiar with is a lot smaller than a gallon.
Liz says
Boy, this brings me back to the holidays of my childhood! I loved these sorts of jello salads as long as green jello and veggies weren’t involved :/ Yours looks wonderful, Renee!
Renee says
I actually have a recipe for lime salad and it uses green Jello. It’s quite good too. Perhaps one day I will share it also.
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
I haven’t had a jello salad in forever! My mom never made them, but I have had them at potlucks before. Great choice!
Renee says
Thanks Erin! I couldn’t think of anything better to share for a retro celebration.
Terry says
That is one perfect looking jello mold salad..
Renee says
Thank you Terry!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
No clue what a #2 can is, but the jello salad is beautiful! It must taste amazing!
Renee says
Thanks Jennifer! Think soup can for #2 size. These days it’s 14.5 ounces. It was a little larger years ago.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
This is so creative, Renee! I haven’t had a jell-o salad since my great-grandmother was alive. She used to make the best jell-o molds.
Renee says
Do you have any of your great-grandmother’s recipes? I’d love to see them.
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
I have never had jello salad, but I love all the different flavors of this dish.
Renee says
Jello salad is unique to think about if you have never had it. I grew up with them so they are such a part of my past. Some of them (like this one) are mighty tasty.
Amy says
Beautiful photo and well written (IMHO)! Jello certainly takes me back to my childhood. I feel like you couldn’t avoid it back then and now I rarely see it anywhere!
Renee says
Thank you Amy for your kind words on my writing. Perhaps there will be a resurgence of Jello salads? Who knows. I do wonder why they are not “fashionable” anymore.
Heather @girlichef says
I honestly have not had a Jello Salad in years. But ours never, ever looked as good as this one. It’s beautiful, Renee. AND, I am actually going to make it to go with our Easter Ham. Thank you! 🙂
Renee says
Thanks Heather! Please remember to tell me how you like it with your Easter Ham.
Sarah says
Hate to say it but it actually does look good…and no celery! My great aunt used to do celery Jello salads… 0_o
Renee says
Celery in Jello salads? I don’t think that would go over well here either. It must have been a savory one.
Susan says
I must say out of all the Jello salads yours does look the prettiest and I love that you managed to get your hands on some retro Coke bottles!
Renee says
Thanks Susan! I was thrilled to be able to borrow those Coke bottles. One is 10 ounces which is exactly what is called for in the recipe. I don’t think I’ve seen a 10 ounce bottle of Coke in a long time.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
It turns out that it´s an interesting recipe after all…I might even try it, cherry jello is the only one I kinda like. The color is gorgeous Renee! Have a great day!
Renee says
Thanks Paula. It is nice and bright and festive.
Katie says
Ok, this is seriously cool! Not only pretty in color, but I think the flavors sound pretty tasty as well! I want a slice, please!
Renee says
Thanks Katie. I’m sending you a virtual slice. Perhaps you can make it one day and see how it tastes.
Melanie from Fast Food 2 Fresh Food says
Love it! My favorite retro jello recipe is from my grandmother, and it calls for a #5 can of pineapple… Like you, I have NO CLUE, so I just use a normal can of crushed pineapple, and it’s fine. 🙂
Renee says
Oh how funny you have a recipe for a #5 can. I’m clueless too. It would take some research.
Beate says
Oh, it is a Jello type of salad. I was wondering all along what it could be and envisioned something brown, with mayo 🙂
This looks fantastic and I think my entire family would love it as a special treat 🙂 Thank you, Renee.
Renee says
Oh my, no brown or mayo in this salad. It’s shiny and bright red. It even jiggles a little.
Tara says
Never seen a salad like this but yummy!! Very cool with the coca cola in it.
Renee says
Thanks Tara. I think folks here in Atlanta or the South came up with hundreds of recipes for Coca-Cola. I just don’t see many of them anymore.
Linda-There and Back Again says
I had completely forgotten about this dish until you posted it. I loved it as a kid! Thanks for the reminder!
Renee says
Thanks Linda. I’m glad I could bring back some great memories from your childhood.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
No clue about the #2 can either, and I graduated from college in the mid-70’s. I’ve also never seen a jello dish with cocoa-cola! This is perfect for our theme this week. Just perfect!!
Renee says
Thank you! The Coca-Cola does give it a nice cola flavor.
Wendy (TheWeekend Gourmet) says
Yep…this is total southern retro food! No respecting Baptist church “dinner on the ground” would be without an entire table of these jello salads.
Renee says
So true. I grew up with those Baptist church dinners/potlucks. Lots of Jello salads were there.
DB-The Foodie Stuntman says
This is very appropriate because I haven’t had a jello salad in years. I hear you regarding old recipes. Over Christmas, my parents and I went through their old recipe box filled with faded newspaper clippings, etc. It was actually quite fun.
Renee says
Going through old recipes is a real treat. I’m glad you could experience it with your parents. Such fun.
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
How fun! And I love the vintage coca cola cans. This was my first Sunday Supper and I’m having so much fun getting to know everyone and seeing what everyone came up with for this week!
Renee says
Thank you Courtney! I’m glad you joined in the Sunday Supper fun. Nice having you in the group.
Momma's Meals says
Wow I’ve never heard of such a thing but it does look delicious, almost like dessert for dinner!! That’s a riot about the #2 can too, I laughed out loud! Happy Sunday!!
Renee says
It can be a dessert although my family has always served it as a side with ham.
Anne @ Webicurean says
OK now I need to break out the jello mold–this sounds wonderful! My family always makes the green jello with the pineapple and cottage cheese, and I love it. Time for me to try something new!
Renee says
My family makes the green jello with pineapple and cream cheese (Lime Salad).
Emily says
I should have done this Sunday Supper, I just did a party for 20 with all retro themed food & drink! Tomato aspic, Chex mix, sloppy joes, cheese balls, punch, etc. it was epic!
Renee says
Now that sounds like it was a super fun dinner party. Great idea and I might have to do one too.
Conni Smith says
Aww, this is another dish that reminds me of my Oma. She always made a “jello mold” for the holidays, too.
Renee says
I’m smiling that this recipe brought back wonderful memories of your Oma. Do you have any of her recipes?
Hezzi-D says
I’ve had many Jello salads in my life but never this one. I think my husband would adore it because of the Coke and pineapple. I’ll have to make it for him one night!
Renee says
Go team Jello Salads! I’d like to see some of your recipes. I hope you do make this one for your husband.
Elizabeth - Elizabeth's Kitchen says
Oh yum! My grandmother used to make a layered christmas jelly salad for me every year – I could eat the entire thing myself! I’ll have to try this recipe, it sounds so very nice!
Renee says
A layered Jello salad. I bet it was very pretty and great for Christmas.
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
lol – nothing says retro to me more than a jello mold salad! This one sounds delicious and the colour is gorgeous! I love the fruit and nuts in it for different flavours and texture.
Renee says
Thanks Nancy! It does have a nice texture with everything in it.
Pam @ The Meltaways says
Don’t you just love mystery ingredients in old recipes? I am totally pinning this – it sounds amazing!
Renee says
I seriously love old recipes and running across those mystery ingredients. I think it is the research part and finding out what they are that is so exciting. So cool how recipes and ingredients have changed over the years.
The Ninja Baker says
I’m getting such an education around the #SundaySupper table! The South holds a mysterious fascination to me and so I’ve read quite a bit about Southern ways but Coca Cola Jello Salad is a first! Love that your recipe is originally from your Mom and her friends =) Thank you, Renee, for the how-to and this fun post.
Renee says
Thanks Kim! I’m fascinated by Asian foods and customs so I very much enjoy reading your blog and recipes.
Audrey's Mamma says
How pretty! My girls are just starting to enjoy jello. Their father detests it so I rarely serve it. This is the perfect recipe to share with them.
Renee says
I think Audrey and Maurene would have a ball with this recipe…making and eating it.
Carla says
I’ve never heard or tried Coca Cola Salad, and quite frankly not knowing what it was didn’t paint a very pleasant picture in my mind LOL The cherry Jello and coke sound like an awesome pairing. I love cherry coke.
Renee says
I can see how the recipe title could sound strange in a way. Not so much once you see the recipe. It is like cherry coke flavored.
Chris Baccus says
Too funny. We used to stop in Georgia at a place called the New Perry Hotel that serves this and many other retro southern classics.
Renee says
I’ve not heard of the New Perry Hotel before. I wonder if they still serve Jello salads.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I love your retro coke bottles! And I have e same Tupperware mold I took from my mom.
Renee says
Then it’s time to put the Tupperware mold to use! Oh, I also use it for making ice rings for punch. Works great for it too.
Jenne says
I love the color and I can’t help but think it must be a great one for a 4th of July dish.
Renee says
Oh yes! The red would be great for 4th of July.
Cindys Recipes says
I never heard of this salad. Very different!
Renee says
Yep, very different if you are not used to Jello salads.
Debi says
#1 can – 10-1/2 oz
#2 can – 20 oz.
#300 can – 15-1/2 oz.
#303 can – 16 oz.
#5 can – 64 oz.
Have had this taped inside my pantry door for years, don’t know where I got it. Old recipes frequently used these terms instead of measurements. Hope this helps!!
Renee says
Thank you so much for the information Debi! Interesting to see how can sizes have changed. Now a #2 can would be 14.5 ounces. It was 16 ounces for a while. Smaller packaging seems to take over through the years.
Annie says
I’ve heard containers get smaller because prices go up to produce food and people are more likely to buy groceries in smaller containers if price goes up, simply because they are less likely to notice the container got a little smaller, or they can still afford to buy it in smaller containers, but if the company kept the container the same size and raised the price people would complain about it or simply buy less because they could afford less.
Renee says
I’m sure that keeping the price the same is why the containers get smaller. I wish they would stay the same size though.
Linda | The Urban Mrs says
Oh my my, I’ve never tried this before. Cocacola salad? Definitely the kind of salad that I want to try.
Renee says
Thanks Linda!
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says
I’m not familiar with Coca-Cola Salad’s but yours sure looks pretty! My husband is actually quite the fan of retro gelatin salads like this. I bet he’d love it.
Renee says
You will have to make it for your husband since he loves gelatin salads. What a treat for him.
Sarah says
ok I have to honest and say that I have never heard of a coca cola salad but if I was to have jello, I would like for it be made this way. So much I missed in the 60’s. lol Looks delicous Renee!
Renee says
Thanks Sarah. I was born in the 60’s so this is something I saw frequently in my childhood. Not so much anymore.
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP) says
Wow, Renee! Your photo is so gorgeous! Love the retro coke bottles too! I’d def give the jello a try too. Never had anything like it.
Renee says
Thanks Karen. I’m so glad I could borrow those coke bottles from my friend Terry and Jim. They were perfect for the photos.
Alaiyo Kiasi says
You know, this is one salad I’ve never tried but have always been curious about. Now that I see your recipe and the gorgeous photo, I know what to expect. Beautiful!
Renee says
Thanks Alaiyo!
allilau says
So retro-tastic! Being Australian I’ve never tried a jello salad (but) heard of it of course! Yours looks incredible and the simple styling does it much justice. Looks awesome 🙂
Renee says
Thank you so much!
Amanda @ MarocMama says
I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve made Jell-O! This is so unique I may save it for some summer potlucks!
Renee says
Thanks Amanda. It is a great thing to bring to a potluck.
Hmmmmm says
What! I have made Coke Sald for years at evey holiday occasion. It is a substitute for cranberry sauce, Your recipe is so different.
I grew up in Atlanta so I am well aware of the many uses for Coke ( My Dad went to GT in the shadow of Coke World Headquarters)
My recipe uses
black cherry jello
1can Coke (no Pepsi)
1 can Bing Cherries
Pecans
No Pinapple. I have never seen that. Maybe give it a try…not sure 🙂
Renee says
I think there are a lot of variations of Coca Cola salad. The pineapples add a nice extra flavor so give it a try.
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
Hi Renee!! I LOVE this jello salad! It is so fun, super easy, and delicious to boot. It will be making an appearance for Thanksgiving I think! Thanks for a fabulous recipe, I love that it is one that was passed around to your family. I blogged about it over here: http://thefoodcharlatan.com/2013/11/18/coca-cola-jello-salad-with-cherries/
Renee says
Thanks so much Karen and I really enjoyed seeing how yours turned out.
Alaiyo Kiasi-Barnes says
I’ve heard about the Coca-Cola Salads for years but have never seen or tasted one. The recipe looks easy enough. I just might try it! Thanks Renee.
Renee says
It is easy Alaiyo and it is really good too. It’s something that is frequently made for my family celebrations.
Robin says
My family has made this for the past 50 years for holidays and church suppers. Brings back lots of memories.
Renee says
Oh fantastic! Amazing how much this is enjoyed for so long and by so many people.
Mary Ann says
Goodness, you cannot take a gelatin salad out to a picnic or to a church salad, it melts! My college foods teacher introduced me to it, but it had cream cheese, makes it much better. Sorry I lost her recipe. I’ve been frustrated with can size changes when using older recipes…often given them up. Also noted 3 oz. cream cheese size no longer available.
Renee says
Yes, it is best to take gelatin salads to indoor events during the hot summer. I wish the 3 ounce size of cream cheese was still available. I now buy the 8 ounce package and use the amount I need. Besides, it is not a bad thing to have extra cream cheese in the fridge.
Kay says
We ALWAYS had this at holiday meals. My grandmother’s version called for a brick of cream cheese cubed and added to the slightly thickened gelatin mixture. We also used dark sweet cherries instead of the tart ones. (Might have to give that a try). Instead of boiling water, we used the juice from the pineapple and cherries plus enough water to make 2 cups. I have also made it with sugar free jello and diet coke. Love, love, love this salad.
Renee says
Thank you Kay. I’ll have to try using the cherry and pineapple juice too. We also have a recipe for a lime salad that has cream cheese (I haven’t posted that recipe yet).
Pauline Hyder says
Just discovered your blog. I love jello and congealed salads. Please post your green salad recipe. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Renee says
Thank you Pauline and I’m glad you discovered my blog. I certainly will put the green salad recipe on my blog to-do list.
Prairie says
This has been a tradition in my family probably since the 1950s. The variation in our recipe is that we use black cherry jello, Bing cherries, and we add cubed cream cheese to it. The cream cheese has always been my favorite part.
Renee says
How interesting with the cream cheese cubes. I’ll have to give that a try and see how I like it too.
Muriel says
This recipe has been a Thanksgiving tradition in my family for as long as I can remember. I can’t believe I found this recipe online! It is so good with turkey! I like to freeze cream cheese and then grate it on top to give a snowy look for the holidays.
Matt Ross says
This is the same exact recipe handed down from my great grandmother, which dates it somewhere in the 30’s or 40’s. Thanks for modernizing it because I was clueless about the cans. Everyone should try this because it doesn’t get much more retro and it will amaze.
Mary says
Where do I find cherries in water? Have never ever seen them before. Only cherries in syrup.
Katie Moseman says
Red tart cherries in water come in a can. You can usually find them in the canned fruit section. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Oregon-Fruit-Pitted-Red-Tart-Cherries-in-Water-Natural-14-5-Oz-Can/10319691
Devit Clark says
This is an interesting idea about Coca-Cola salad. I read your blog and find the best idea. I think I will apply it in my kitchen