Heavenly Hash: A Light and Creamy Retro Fruit Salad Recipe
Heavenly Hash is a light and creamy retro dessert salad featuring a delightful mix of whipped topping, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, maraschino cherries, and crunchy pecans. This chilled treat is perfect for summer potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing finish to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruits and Mix-ins
- 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 (14 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup whole red maraschino cherries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice, from jar
Dairy
- 2 (8 oz) tubs Cool Whip, thawed
Nuts
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Soften Cool Whip: Transfer both tubs of thawed Cool Whip into a large mixing bowl and gently stir to soften the whipped topping, making it easier to combine with the other ingredients.
- Add Fruits and Marshmallows: Carefully fold in the drained mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, chopped maraschino cherries, and cherry juice. Mix gently until everything is just combined to preserve the light texture and prevent the fruit from breaking down.
- Chill and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the mixture before serving for added crunch. Chill the salad in the refrigerator if desired, to let the flavors meld and maintain a refreshing cool temperature.
Notes
- Be gentle when mixing to keep the fruit pieces intact and maintain the fluffiness of the Cool Whip.
- Chilling the salad for at least one hour enhances the flavors and texture.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on preference or allergy concerns.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans entirely or use toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
- This dessert is best served cold and should be consumed within 2-3 days for freshness.
