Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Mixed Green Salad
A fresh mixed green salad combining sweet dried Michigan cherries, tangy goat cheese, and a zesty balsamic vinaigrette for a light but flavorful starter or side. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, dried Michigan tart cherries, crumbled 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 210 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.
Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup dried Michigan tart cherries
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup, roughly chopped toasted walnuts
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1/2 cup dried Michigan tart cherries, 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese, and 1/4 cup toasted walnuts.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Mixed Green Salad 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 Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Mixed Green Salad?
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 mixed salad greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Mixed Green Salad?
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 Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Mixed Green Salad 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 Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Mixed Green Salad?
Mediterranean 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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