Lake Michigan-Inspired Cherry and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese

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

A fresh salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet Michigan cherries, and creamy goat cheese, dressed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This American-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 10 minutes, pairs fresh arugula, fresh cherries, pitted and halved, goat cheese 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 280 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: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
  2. Step 2: Place 5 cups fresh arugula in a large salad bowl and add 1 cup pitted, halved fresh cherries.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the arugula and cherries, tossing gently to coat all leaves evenly.
  4. Step 4: Top the salad with 4 oz crumbled goat cheese and 1/2 cup toasted pecans for a crunchy, creamy contrast.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately as a light lunch or elegant starter.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lake Michigan-Inspired Cherry and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 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 Lake Michigan-Inspired Cherry and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese?

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 fresh arugula from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lake Michigan-Inspired Cherry and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese?

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 Lake Michigan-Inspired Cherry and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese 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 Lake Michigan-Inspired Cherry and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese?

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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