Cherry Cheese Salad

Cherry Cheese Salad Recipe - A Refreshing and Delicious Salad

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cherry Cheese Salad is a delightful and refreshing salad that combines the sweetness of dark cherries with the tanginess of blue cheese. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The combination of cherries and cheese in salads has been a popular choice for many years. The sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a unique and delicious dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

0.75 cup mild red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 qt (2.84 liter) mixed salad greens, rinsed and crisped, in bite-size pieces or mesclun
1 qt (946 ml) radicchio, rinsed and crisped, in bite-size pieces
1 lb (454 g) dark sweet cherries, pitted
3 tbsp merlot
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (a fruity variety)
3 tbsp raspberry vinegar
1.5 tsp honey
1.5 tsp dijon mustard
0.75 cup blue cheese, packed, coarsely crumbled (0.25 lb (113 g))
salt and pepper

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine the onion with 2 cups of water and lemon juice. Chill for 15 to 30 minutes.
Drain the mixture well.
To make the dressing, whisk together merlot, fruity extra-virgin olive oil, raspberry vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
In a large bowl, combine the onion, salad greens, radicchio, cherries, and dressing. Mix lightly.
Sprinkle the salad with cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Substitute feta cheese for the blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Add some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Try using a different type of vinegar in the dressing, such as balsamic or apple cider vinegar.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pit the cherries before adding them to the salad to avoid any unwanted surprises while eating.

- Crumble the blue cheese just before serving to ensure that it stays fresh and flavorful.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a fruity iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to rinse and crisp the radicchio before adding it to the salad to remove any bitterness.

- Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor.

- Swap out the cherries for another type of fruit, such as strawberries or peaches.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and pit the cherries ahead of time, but it is best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with some fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Cherry Cheese Salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or a simple pasta dish. It also goes well with a glass of sparkling water or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture of the salad may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g

Fats

Total Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Proteins

Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

Vitamin C: 30%

Calcium: 10%

Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains dairy (blue cheese)

Summary

This Cherry Cheese Salad is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for a meal.

Summary

Cherry Cheese Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer meal. With the sweet and savory flavors of cherries and blue cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cherry Cheese Salad. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Martha, who was known for her delicious and innovative recipes. As we chatted in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a faded recipe card from her recipe box and handed it to me with a mischievous smile.

"Here, you have to try this Cherry Cheese Salad recipe. It's a family favorite and always a hit at gatherings," Martha said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I eagerly scanned the ingredients list and instructions, taking in the combination of cream cheese, whipped cream, and sweet cherries. It sounded like the perfect refreshing dessert for a summer picnic or barbecue.

Martha explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She shared stories of making the Cherry Cheese Salad with her family, of the laughter and joy that accompanied each bite of the creamy, fruity dessert.

Inspired by Martha's enthusiasm, I decided to give the recipe a try. I carefully followed each step, from mixing the cream cheese and sugar until smooth to gently folding in the whipped cream and cherries. The process was simple yet satisfying, and the finished dish looked like a work of art with its swirls of pink and white.

As I took my first bite of the Cherry Cheese Salad, I was transported back to my childhood, when my own grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, teaching me the art of cooking and baking. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, her gentle hands guiding mine as we worked together to create delicious meals for our family.

Over the years, I made the Cherry Cheese Salad countless times, each batch bringing back memories of Martha and her grandmother, of my own grandmother and the love she poured into every dish she made. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on not just the ingredients and instructions, but the stories and traditions that made it truly special.

As I grew older, I realized that recipes were more than just lists of ingredients and measurements. They were a connection to the past, a way to honor the memories of loved ones who had passed on their culinary wisdom. Each time I made the Cherry Cheese Salad, I felt their presence in the kitchen, guiding me as I mixed and stirred, creating something delicious to share with those I cared about.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells of baking bread and simmering sauces, I can't help but smile as I pull out the recipe card for the Cherry Cheese Salad. It may be just a simple dessert, but to me, it is a reminder of the love and joy that food can bring, of the stories and traditions that make each meal a celebration of life and family.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, remember that the dishes we make are more than just food. They are a connection to the past, a way to honor the memories of those who came before us. And who knows, maybe one day, you'll create a recipe that will become a cherished tradition for generations to come.