Michigan-Inspired Cherry Almond Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
A refreshing mixed green salad featuring Michigan cherries, crunchy almonds, and a sweet-tart maple vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, sliced almonds, toasted, crumbled feta 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 cup fresh Michigan cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup pitted and halved fresh Michigan cherries, 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, and 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 3: Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Michigan-Inspired Cherry Almond Salad with Maple Vinaigrette 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-Inspired Cherry Almond Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?
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-Inspired Cherry Almond Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?
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-Inspired Cherry Almond Salad with Maple Vinaigrette 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.
Is Michigan-Inspired Cherry Almond Salad with Maple Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
