Hello, food lovers! Chef Bin Jaoe here. As we embrace the beauty of summer and its bounty, I’m excited to share one of my favorite salads with you: Roasted Cherry Salad. If you’ve never thought of roasting cherries, let me tell you—it takes them to a whole new level. Roasting enhances their sweetness, making them even more luscious and perfect for pairing with fresh greens, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts.

This roasted cherry salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy, making it an ideal dish for any summer salads gathering, special occasion, or even a light lunch. Ready to dive in? Let’s get roasting and building a salad that will wow your taste buds!

Why Roasted Cherries Are a Game-Changer for Salad

At first glance, cherries might seem like a fruit better suited for pies and desserts, but trust me, when roasted, they take on a deeper, richer flavor that pairs perfectly with savory ingredients. Roasting cherries caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness and creating a slightly smoky depth. This makes them a fantastic addition to salads, especially when combined with peppery greens and creamy cheeses.

The Sweet-Savory Balance

One of the things I love about roasted cherry salad is the unique contrast of flavors. The sweetness of the cherries, once roasted, perfectly balances out the sharpness of cheese and the bitterness of greens. It’s a harmonious blend that keeps you coming back for more.

An Unexpected Delight

Most people don’t think of cherries as a salad ingredient, but roasting them unlocks a new level of flavor. The warm, soft cherries become the star of the salad, with each bite offering a juicy burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the other components.

How to Make Roasted Cherry Salad

Making a roasted cherry salad is incredibly easy, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Here’s a simple recipe that combines the sweetness of roasted cherries with the richness of cheese and the crunch of nuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delicious roasted cherry salad, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  
• 4 cups of mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale work great)
  
• 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
  
• 1/4 cup of toasted pecans or walnuts
  
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• Fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  

Steps to Roast and Assemble the Salad

1. Roast the Cherries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the halved cherries on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil and honey, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Roast for 15-20 minutes until they are softened and the sugars have caramelized.
   
2. Prepare the Greens: While the cherries are roasting, prepare your mixed greens. I like to use a combination of arugula and baby spinach for a nice peppery flavor, but feel free to use whatever greens you prefer.
   
3. Assemble the Salad: Once the cherries are roasted and slightly cooled, toss them with the greens in a large salad bowl. Add the crumbled goat cheese or feta, and sprinkle the toasted nuts on top for crunch.
   
4. Finish with Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then drizzle it over the salad. Toss everything gently to combine. Garnish with fresh mint for an extra burst of freshness.
   

Why Roasting Cherries Works So Well in This Salad

Roasting cherries isn’t just about enhancing their sweetness; it’s about transforming them into a component that brings richness and depth to the salad. The heat of the oven concentrates the flavor of the cherries, making them a delicious contrast to the fresh greens and tangy cheese.

The Caramelization Effect

When you roast cherries, their natural sugars begin to caramelize, creating a rich, almost jam-like consistency that enhances the flavor profile. This caramelization adds complexity to the salad and makes it feel like you’ve put a lot more effort into creating the dish than you actually have.

A Warm Element in a Cool Salad

Adding roasted cherries to an otherwise cool and crisp salad gives the dish a warm element, which is comforting and inviting. It’s this warmth that helps balance the refreshing greens and crunchy nuts, creating an unforgettable bite every time.

Variations on the Classic Roasted Cherry Salad

While the classic version of this salad is absolutely delicious, there are so many fun ways to customize it based on what you have available or your personal preferences. Here are some variations that I absolutely love.

Add Protein for a Heartier Meal

If you’re looking to turn this salad into a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, steak, or even crispy bacon. These proteins complement the sweetness of the roasted cherries and make the salad more filling, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Swap the Cheese

Goat cheese and feta are my go-to choices for this salad, but you can easily swap them for blue cheese or brie for a creamier, richer flavor. The tanginess of blue cheese, in particular, pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the roasted cherries.

Experiment with Other Fruits

While cherries are the star of this salad, you can experiment with other roasted fruits. Peaches, figs, or even roasted apples would work wonderfully in place of cherries, bringing their own unique flavor to the salad.

Tips for the Best Roasted Cherry Salad

Creating the perfect roasted cherry salad requires a few simple tips and tricks to ensure that all the flavors come together just right. Here’s what I recommend:

Don’t Over-Roast the Cherries

It’s important to roast the cherries just enough so that they soften and caramelize but still retain their juiciness. Over-roasting can turn them into mush, which can detract from the overall texture of the salad.

Keep the Dressing Simple

The roasted cherries already bring a lot of flavor to the salad, so you don’t need a heavy dressing. A simple balsamic vinaigrette is all you need to add a tangy contrast without overpowering the flavors.

Toast the Nuts

Toasting the nuts brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Whether you use pecans, walnuts, or almonds, make sure to lightly toast them before adding them to the salad. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a huge difference.

FAQs About Roasted Cherry Salad

Can I make roasted cherry salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Roast the cherries and store them in the fridge. You can also toast the nuts and prepare the dressing in advance. Just assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.

What other fruits can I roast in this salad?

You can experiment with other fruits like peaches, plums, or even figs. These fruits have a similar texture to cherries and will work beautifully in this salad.

What’s the best cheese to use in this salad?

Goat cheese and feta are my favorites, but you can also use blue cheese, brie, or even sharp Parmesan for a different twist.

Conclusion

Roasted cherry salad is one of those dishes that’s sure to impress. The sweet, caramelized cherries, paired with peppery greens, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts, create a salad that’s both sophisticated and comforting. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer, and whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, it’s bound to be a hit.

As always, happy cooking from Chef Bin Jaoe!

Roasted Cherry Salad: A Sweet and Savory Delight by Chef Bin Jaoe

Recipe by Chef Bin JaoeCourse: homeCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy, Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

6

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Calories

280

kcal

Total time

14

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups of fresh cherries, pitted and halved

• 4 cups of mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale work great)

• 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese

• 1/4 cup of toasted pecans or walnuts

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Roast the Cherries:
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the halved cherries on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and honey, and sprinkle a pinch of salt over the cherries. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cherries are softened and their sugars have caramelized.
• Prepare the Greens:
• While the cherries are roasting, prepare the mixed greens. I suggest a blend of arugula and baby spinach for a nice peppery flavor, but you can use any leafy greens you prefer.
• Assemble the Salad:
• Once the cherries are roasted and slightly cooled, toss them with the prepared greens in a large salad bowl. Add the crumbled goat cheese or feta and sprinkle the toasted nuts on top.
• Finish with Dressing:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh mint for an aromatic finish.
• Serve:
• Enjoy your Roasted Cherry Salad right away as a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer meals.