Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries Recipe
If you are searching for the ultimate taste of sunshine, this Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries is about to become your new favorite. This vibrant, healthful salad brings together juicy, ruby-red cherries, crisp cucumbers, plump blueberries, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed atop a bed of fresh spring lettuce with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Every bite is a celebration of summer, bursting with the Northwest’s best flavors and perfect for everything from picnics to elegant dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh, real ingredients that let summer’s flavors shine. Each component brings something special, from texture to color and flavor, making this Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries irresistible every time.
- Spring lettuce mix: Offers a crisp and colorful base that lets the other ingredients shine.
- Cucumbers: Sliced lengthwise and chopped for a cool, refreshing crunch that plays well with the fruit.
- Sweet Northwest cherries: Pitted and halved, these juicy and deep-red cherries are the real stars of the salad.
- Blueberries: Add juicy bursts of tart-sweet flavor that complement the cherries perfectly.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Provides a salty, tangy touch that balances the fruit beautifully.
- Chopped walnuts: Offer satisfying crunch and a subtly nutty, earthy flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Gives your dressing a zippy kick and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity to lift the entire dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Smooths out the dressing and ties together every flavor.
- Kosher salt + pepper: Essential for seasoning both your salad and the dressing to perfection.
How to Make Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by rinsing and drying your spring lettuce mix well—nobody enjoys a soggy salad! Slice your cucumbers lengthwise and chop them into half-moons, pit and halve those beautiful Sweet Northwest cherries, and measure out the rest of your fruit, cheese, and nuts. Laying out your ingredients now will make assembly a breeze!
Step 2: Whisk the Vinaigrette
Grab a small bowl and add your Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture looks glossy and emulsified. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning or vinegar to your liking—the dressing should be bright and zingy to play off the sweetness of the fruit.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together your spring lettuce mix, cucumbers, Northwest cherries, blueberries, feta, and walnuts. Pour your homemade dressing over the top and toss again until everything’s glistening and well coated. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there—gentle tossing helps keep the delicate fruit and cheese intact.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
This is your moment to make the Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries just right! Give a little sample bite and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or even another splash of vinegar if it needs more brightness. Your personal touch brings out the best in every bowl.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls, taking care to showcase the colorful fruit and feta on top. Serve immediately for the freshest crunch and flavor—then savor every summery bite!
How to Serve Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries
Garnishes
For an extra special finish, sprinkle a few extra crumbles of feta cheese and a handful of chopped walnuts on top. A twist of freshly ground black pepper or a few torn mint leaves add bright, beautiful flair to your Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries.
Side Dishes
This vibrant salad shines alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or your favorite veggie skewers. It also makes a gorgeous, colorful addition to brunch spreads or as a lively starter for summer dinner parties.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad in clear glasses for a fun parfait-style presentation, or serve individual portions on chilled salad plates for a touch of elegance. You can even pack it into mason jars for an eye-catching picnic treat, showing off the layers of fruit and greens—Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries is as photogenic as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within one to two days, as the fruit and greens are most vibrant when freshly tossed. Give everything a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The delicate texture of the lettuce and fruit will break down after thawing, and the feta can become grainy. For best results, enjoy your Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries freshly made or, at most, chilled overnight.
Reheating
No reheating is needed! This salad is meant to be enjoyed crisp and cold. If serving leftovers, simply remove from the refrigerator, toss gently, and serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in addition to cherries and blueberries?
Absolutely! Peaches, strawberries, or raspberries all pair wonderfully with the Sweet Northwest cherries. Feel free to mix and match with what’s in season and to your personal taste.
What’s the best way to pit cherries quickly?
A simple handheld cherry pitter works wonders and speeds up the process. If you don’t have one, a sturdy straw or a chopstick can push the pit out easily—just watch your fingers!
Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can whip up the dressing a day or two ahead and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before using to re-emulsify the oil and vinegar.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative. Everything else in the Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries is naturally vegan!
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy if making ahead?
For the freshest texture, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. Assemble and refrigerate the salad ingredients, then toss with the vinaigrette just before serving to keep everything crisp and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries is a celebration in a bowl—a perfect ode to summer’s most irresistible flavors. I hope you’ll give it a try and share it with friends and family at your next gathering. You’ll be amazed at just how deliciously simple fresh can be!
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Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Summer Fruit Salad using Northwest Cherries is a delightful mix of vibrant flavors and textures, perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Spring Lettuce Mix:
1 (5 oz)
Cucumbers:
1 cup, sliced lengthwise and chopped
Sweet Northwest Cherries:
2 cups, pitted and halved
Blueberries:
1/4 cup
Feta Cheese:
1/4 cup, crumbled
Walnuts:
1/4 cup, chopped
Dijon Mustard:
1 1/2 teaspoons
Apple Cider Vinegar:
1 tablespoon, plus more if needed
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
1/2 cup
Kosher Salt and Pepper:
To taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Toss all the salad ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat evenly. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: Fresh Summer Fruit Salad, Northwest Cherries, Salad Recipe, Cherry Salad
