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Glorified rice is a traditional cold dessert salad that’s been part of holiday tables and family gatherings for generations. You make it by folding chilled white rice into a creamy base with fruit and marshmallows, then chill it until fully set. This recipe stays close to the version many families know, keeping the flavor straightforward and the texture soft and light. Glorified rice is prepared ahead and served chilled, making it a great choice if you want something both hearty and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love It
Glorified rice is a chilled dessert salad with cooked rice, pineapple, marshmallows and whipped cream. Add some glory to your next rice based dessert!
Traditional favorite: This delicious rice pudding recipe follows the familiar version many people recognize from family meals.
Make-ahead friendly: It can be prepared in advance and kept chilled until needed.
No baking involved: After the rice is cooked and cooled, everything is mixed cold.
Also try stick of butter rice, Mexican rice pudding, Italian rice pie, sheet pan buttermilk pancakes, frog eye salad, and Lucky Charms Rice Krispie treats.
Glorified Rice Salad Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
White rice: Cooked and fully cooled so it blends smoothly into the mixture. Plain white rice works perfectly or you could try jasmine rice. You need cooled rice, not warm or hot.
Crushed pineapple: Adds sweetness and moisture while keeping the texture soft. You can use pineapple tidbits instead if that’s what you have.
Powdered sugar: Provides gentle sweetness.
Mini marshmallows: Add softness and classic dessert salad texture. Use white or colored mini marshmallows.
Whipped topping: Brings the rice mixture together with a creamy consistency. Thaw your frozen whipped topping because it mixes in better when softened. You can use Cool Whip or similar.
Maraschino cherries: An optional garnish for a pop of color and sweet flavor.
How to Make Glorified Rice
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prepare the rice: Add rice to a large bowl and separate any clumps.
Add pineapple and sugar: Stir until evenly mixed.
Incorporate marshmallows: Fold them through the mixture.
Add whipped topping: Fold in gently until combined.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate before serving.
Garnish: Add maraschino cherries on top and serve cold.
Substitutions and Variations
Dairy-free version: Use a plant-based alternative instead of the whipped cream topping to keep it dairy-free.
Added fruit: Mandarin oranges or fruit cocktail can be folded in, or you can add chopped maraschino cherries (stemless) or your preferred type of canned fruit (drain off the juices first!)
Nut addition: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a surprise contrasting texture.
Other add-ins: A few drops of vanilla extract add a nice touch or you could sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
Coconut addition: Shredded coconut can be mixed in for variation.
Serving Suggestions
With cookies: Serve this ambrosia style dessert with almond croissant cookies or fluffernutter cookies.
After your holiday meal: It’s a tasty dessert after your holiday turkey or roasted chicken.
After a comfort food style meal: Glorified rice is also delicious after a meal of burgers or salsa verde chicken enchiladas.
With breakfast: A cup of this makes a nice contrast with your bacon and eggs or breakfast burritos.
How to Store
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended due to texture changes.
Top Tips
Cool the rice completely: Warm rice will affect the consistency.
Drain pineapple thoroughly: Extra liquid can thin the mixture.
Fold gently with a rubber spatula: This helps keep the texture even.
Chill before serving: Time in the refrigerator helps this family recipe set properly.
Glorified Rice Salad FAQs
Plain white rice works well as long as it’s fully cooled.
No, the sweetness is light and balanced by the other ingredients.
Glorified Rice Recipe
Glorified Rice
Ingredients
- 3 Cups white rice, cooked and chilled
- 1 Can crushed pineapple, 20-Ounce, drained
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 Cup mini marshmallows, plus more for garnish
- 8 Ounces whipped topping, thawed and softened
Optional Garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cold white rice, drained crushed pineapple and powdered sugar.
- Fold in marshmallows and frozen whipped topping until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries and a few more mini marshmallows just before serving.
Notes
Drain pineapple thoroughly: Extra liquid can thin the mixture.
Fold gently with a rubber spatula: This helps keep the texture even.
Chill before serving: Time in the refrigerator helps this family recipe set properly.
Nutrition
Glorified rice is a chilled dessert salad made with rice, whipped topping, fruit and miniature marshmallows. It’s soft and spoonable with little bursts of fruit and pockets of marshmallow throughout. The rice gives it body so it isn’t just a fluffy fruit salad, while the pineapple keeps the flavor bright and sweet. Finished with maraschino cherries on top if liked, it’s a simple cold dessert that fits naturally on a holiday table or at a potluck – a real nostalgic family favorite!
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