Description

Junk Yard Salad is the ultimate throw-together dessert that never fails to impress. With its colorful mix of cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows folded into a creamy pudding base, this no-bake dessert is a nostalgic favorite. Its origins lie in the creative use of pantry staples, making it an ideal recipe for impromptu gatherings. My first encounter with this salad was at a potluck, and it’s been a hit in my family ever since. Let’s create this fun and easy dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

To prepare this sweet and creamy Junk Yard Salad, you’ll need:

1 (21 oz) can of cherry pie filling
1 (20 oz) can of crushed pineapple, drained
1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 (1 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Optional substitutions:
For a tropical twist, use mango or peach pie filling instead of cherry. To make this dessert lower in sugar, opt for sugar-free pudding mix and low-sugar whipped topping.

Instructions

How to Make Junk Yard Salad

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Junk Yard Salad:

Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the dry instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add the Fruits
Gently fold in the cherry pie filling and drained crushed pineapple. Mix until evenly distributed, but be careful not to crush the fruit.

Step 3: Incorporate the Marshmallows
Add the mini marshmallows to the mixture, stirring gently to ensure they’re coated in the creamy base.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping, making sure it’s fully incorporated for a light and fluffy texture.

Step 5: Refrigerate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

Draining the Pineapple: Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Chill Overnight: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the salad overnight.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips for extra flair.