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Crispy Junk Yard Salad Recipe

Crispy Junk Yard Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Junk Yard Salad combines unexpected ingredients from kitchen scraps into a delightful culinary creation. Hungry diners will discover a resourceful, budget-friendly meal that minimizes waste while delivering maximum flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pkg (1 oz / 28 g) instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
  • 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 container (8 oz / 227 g) Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
  • 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans for added crunch

Instructions

  1. Mixing: In a large bowl, combine cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple, creating a vibrant fruity foundation for the dessert.
  2. Creaming: Pour sweetened condensed milk into the mixture, then sprinkle dry vanilla pudding mix, whisking thoroughly to eliminate lumps and develop a smooth, rich consistency.
  3. Folding: Gently incorporate mini marshmallows and Cool Whip, blending with a delicate touch to maintain the light, airy texture while ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Chilling: Transfer the prepared salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least three hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  5. Serving: Just before presentation, stir the chilled salad lightly to redistribute ingredients, then serve cold, revealing a delectable medley of creamy, fruity, and marshmallow elements.

Notes

  • Chill Thoroughly: Refrigeration is crucial for developing rich, melded flavors, so allow at least 3-4 hours of cooling time, preferably overnight.
  • Prevent Lumps: Whisk pudding mix gradually and vigorously to ensure smooth incorporation without clumpy textures.
  • Control Sweetness: Adjust condensed milk quantity based on personal preference to balance overall sweetness level.
  • Optional Variations: Substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream for a fresher, less processed alternative, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch and complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg