Grilled Michigan Cherry and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad combining smoky grilled Michigan cherries, peppery arugula, toasted walnuts, and tangy crumbled goat cheese, finished with a sweet balsamic reduction. This american-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh Michigan cherries, pitted, arugula leaves, toasted walnuts, roughly chopped into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread 1 cup pitted fresh Michigan cherries onto skewers and brush with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill cherries for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and cherries soften; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and reduce for 8-10 minutes until thickened into a syrupy glaze; remove from heat and cool.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, toss 5 cups fresh arugula with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Arrange dressed arugula on a serving platter, top with grilled cherries, 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, and 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving for a balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Michigan Cherry and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Michigan Cherry and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arugula leaves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Michigan Cherry and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Michigan Cherry and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Michigan Cherry and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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