Rustic Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette
A vibrant salad combining local Michigan tart cherries, creamy goat cheese, and toasted walnuts, dressed in a tangy maple-walnut vinaigrette for a perfect balance of flavors. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, dried Michigan tart cherries, goat cheese, crumbled 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 320 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
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp walnut oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1/2 cup dried Michigan tart cherries, 4 oz crumbled goat cheese, and 1/3 cup toasted chopped walnuts.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp walnut oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the dressing emulsifies and is smooth.
- Step 3: Drizzle the walnut vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and contrasting textures.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rustic Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Rustic Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnut 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 Rustic Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnut 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 Rustic Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnut 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 Rustic Michigan Cherry and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnut 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.
