This classic Midwestern-style dessert salad is sweet, creamy, and studded with juicy pineapple, marshmallows, and cherries. It’s lightly fluffy from the rice and whipped cream, and served cold for a refreshing finish. Perfect for holidays, church potlucks, or any time you want an easy make-ahead dessert that feeds a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked medium-grain white rice (about 185 g)
- 2 cups water (480 ml)
- 1 can crushed pineapple in juice, well drained (20 oz / about 560 g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (about 75 g)
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream (360 ml)
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (about 75 g)
Directions:
- Rinse the rice under cold water, then combine it with the water in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, spread it out in a shallow dish, and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooled rice, drained crushed pineapple, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and chill this rice mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so the flavors start to blend.
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled rice mixture, then fold in the mini marshmallows and chopped maraschino cherries until everything is evenly distributed.
- Cover and chill for another 30 minutes before serving, then scoop into bowls and enjoy cold.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 95 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 8
Tips:
For the best texture, make sure the rice is fully cooled and not clumpy before mixing; spreading it out in a shallow dish helps it cool faster and stay fluffy.
Glorified rice tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge; store it covered for up to 2 days and stir gently before serving if any liquid separates.
