Kris's Refreshing Frozen Mint-Pineapple Salad 🍍🌿

This delightful dish is a perfect treat for hot summer days or a fancy brunch! With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, this frozen salad will impress guests and satisfy your cravings. The combination of sweet pineapple, juicy cherries, and a hint of mint creates a harmonious treat that’s both delicious and light. Pair it with crisp salad greens for a beautiful presentation! 🥗✨

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 - 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
• 1 cup white pitted cherries, diced
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup whipping cream, whipped
• ¾ cup chopped green maraschino cherries
• Few drops green food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple and white cherries to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
2. Combine the crushed pineapple, diced cherries, and miniature marshmallows in a large bowl, mixing well.
3. In another bowl, beat together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and peppermint extract into the whipped cream until smooth and creamy.

   🥄 Tip: Ensure your whipping cream is whipped to soft peaks for the best texture!

4. Add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve a pastel shade (if desired) and mix until evenly tinted.
5. Gently fold in the fruit mixture into the whipped cream until combined.
6. Arrange the chopped green maraschino cherries in the bottom of an oiled 9x5 loaf pan.
7. Carefully pour the salad mixture over the cherries, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Freeze until firm, allowing at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

❄️ Once frozen, slice the salad into servings as needed. Serve on a bed of crisp salad greens for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures!

Servings: 10

Additional Tips and Variations

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch if you're a fan of nuts! Just stir them in with the fruit.
• ** Make it tropical**: Add shredded coconut or diced mango for a tropical twist.
• Low-fat option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version that maintains creaminess.

Enjoy your refreshing treat! 🥥💚