Fresh Cherry Burst: A Juicy Summer Salad Recipe

Crisp summer days invite a delightful cherry salad bursting with unexpected flavors.

Sweet, juicy cherries dance alongside crunchy ingredients for a refreshing twist.

Our simple approach transforms ordinary produce into something magical.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of textures and colors.

Seasonal cherries bring natural sweetness that surprises and delights.

Minimal preparation makes this dish perfect for quick gatherings.

Fresh herbs and a light dressing will spark conversation around your table.

Jump in and create a memorable culinary moment that celebrates summer’s bounty.

Cherry Salad That Brings a Burst of Flavor

• Create a restaurant-quality salad in just 15 minutes with minimal kitchen skills.
• Combines fresh cherries, creamy avocado, and protein-rich nuts for a balanced, healthy lunch or dinner option.
• Perfect for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and casual dinner parties with its vibrant colors and refreshing taste.
• Easily customizable by swapping ingredients or adjusting dressing intensity to match personal preferences or dietary needs.

What Goes in a Fresh Cherry Salad

• Mixed Greens: Fresh and crisp base that provides a nutritious foundation for the salad.
• Cherries: Sweet and juicy fruit that adds a burst of summer flavor and natural sweetness.

• Avocado: Creamy texture that provides healthy fats and richness.
• Red Onions: Sharp and tangy ingredient that gives a bold crunch.
• Nuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor with extra protein.

• Goat Cheese, Feta: Tangy and creamy cheese that provides a rich, smooth contrast to the salad.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Acidic element that balances the sweetness of cherries.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that helps balance the vinegar's tartness.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base for the dressing that helps blend flavors.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dressing.

How to Assemble Cherry Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients vigorously until perfectly combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar.

Step 2: Build Salad Foundation

• Mixed greens
• Fresh cherries
• Creamy avocado
• Crisp red onions
• Crunchy nuts

Gently toss ingredients to ensure delightful distribution.

Step 3: Crown With Creamy Cheese

Sprinkle generously with crumbled goat cheese or feta, creating delectable cheese pockets throughout the salad.

Step 4: Drench In Dressing

Slowly drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, tossing carefully to ensure every ingredient gets a perfect coating.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Transfer masterpiece to elegant serving dishes or individual bowls. Serve immediately while ingredients remain crisp and vibrant.

Quick Tips for Making Cherry Salad

• Customize Sweetness: Adjust the dressing's flavor by adding more honey for sweetness or balsamic vinegar for tanginess, creating a personalized taste profile.
• Prevent Browning: Slice avocados just before serving and toss with lemon juice to maintain their fresh, green color and prevent oxidation.
• Choose Fresh Cherries: Select ripe, firm cherries with deep, rich coloration for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Enhance Texture: Toast nuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding to the salad to intensify their nutty flavor and create a crunchier texture.
• Make Ahead Tip: Prepare dressing and chop ingredients separately, combining just before serving to keep greens crisp and prevent wilting.

How to Keep Cherry Salad Fresh Longer

• Store leftover cherry salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Skip freezing this salad, as avocado and mixed greens will lose texture and become mushy when thawed.
• Drain any excess liquid, add fresh nuts for crunch, and drizzle with a bit of new dressing to revive the salad's flavors before eating.
• Best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture, as fresh ingredients like avocado and delicate greens deteriorate rapidly.

Favorite Pairings for Cherry Salad

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio's light, zesty notes perfectly complement the cherry salad's sweetness and tangy balsamic dressing.
• Crusty sourdough or whole grain baguette provides a delightful textural contrast and helps soak up the delicious dressing.
• Lemon-herb chicken or seared salmon adds protein and balances the salad's fresh, bright flavors while creating a complete meal.
• Citrus-infused sparkling water cleanses the palate between bites and highlights the salad's vibrant cherry and goat cheese elements.

Versions of Cherry Salad to Explore

• Vegan Cherry Salad: Replace goat cheese with dairy-free almond cheese crumbles and use agave nectar instead of honey in the dressing for a completely plant-based version.
• Protein-Packed Cherry Salad: Add grilled chicken strips or quinoa to transform the salad into a hearty main course with extra protein and substance.
• Low-Carb Cherry Salad: Swap mixed greens with fresh spinach or arugula and eliminate nuts to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Cherry Salad: Incorporate kalamata olives, replace red onions with thinly sliced shallots, and use extra virgin olive oil for an authentic Mediterranean-style experience.

Cherry Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent cherries dance with creamy cheese in this Mediterranean cherry salad, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Cool ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a refreshing experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) cherry pie filling
• 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) crushed pineapple, drained

Dairy and Sweet Components:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 container (8 ounces / 227 grams) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Nuts and Texture Enhancers:

• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

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Instructions

1. Create a harmonious dressing by whisking balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well blended, adjusting the balance of sweetness and tanginess to suit your palate.
2. Select a spacious mixing bowl and gently combine crisp mixed greens with plump, vibrant cherries, creamy avocado slices, thinly sliced red onions, and a crunchy medley of toasted nuts.
3. Elevate the salad’s complexity by artfully scattering crumbled goat cheese or feta across the surface, allowing the creamy cheese to nestle between the ingredients.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, using a delicate tossing motion to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated with the flavorful vinaigrette.
5. Present the salad immediately in an elegant serving dish or individual portions, capturing the fresh and dynamic textures of the ingredients at their peak moment of readiness.

Notes

• Enhance sweetness by using ripe, in-season cherries for maximum flavor depth.
• Swap goat cheese with plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast for vegan diets.
• Toast nuts briefly before adding to elevate their nutty essence and provide extra crunch.
• Prep ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp greens and prevent avocado browning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg