Sweet & Savory: The Ultimate Arugula Salad with Cherries, Feta, and Candied Almonds

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this vibrant arugula salad with cherries – a truly delightful and healthy way to savor the peak flavors of summer. This salad is a masterpiece of contrasts, effortlessly combining the peppery kick of fresh arugula with the juicy sweetness of ripe cherries, the creamy saltiness of feta cheese, and the irresistible crunch of homemade candied almonds. It comes together in a flash, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch, a refreshing side dish, or an impressive addition to any summer gathering. Get ready to experience a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more!

Embracing Peak-Season Cherries: Nature’s Sweet Jewels

For many food enthusiasts, the changing seasons are marked not just by weather, but by the magnificent bounty of fresh produce they bring. And when summer arrives, a special excitement buzzes in the air, largely due to the arrival of luscious peaches and, of course, the star of this dish: exquisite cherries! Rainier cherries, with their delicate yellow-red blush and perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, often steal the show for many, but any sweet, ripe cherry variety will shine in this recipe.

Cherries are not just delicious; they’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them a fantastic addition to a healthy diet. Beyond simply enjoying them by the handful – which, let’s be honest, is a pure summer joy – I love exploring their versatility in various culinary creations. From delectable desserts that highlight their natural sweetness to refreshing smoothies and, of course, innovative salads like this one, cherries truly elevate any dish.

This particular cherry and arugula salad takes its love for cherries a step further by incorporating them in two delightful forms: succulent fresh Bing cherries (or your favorite sweet variety) and chewy, concentrated dried cherries. This dual approach intensifies the sweet-tart flavor profile and adds an extra layer of textural interest that makes every bite an experience.

Effortless Candied Almonds: A Crunchy, Sweet Delight

The secret to an extraordinary salad often lies in its textural contrasts, and these homemade candied almonds deliver precisely that. While store-bought options exist, crafting your own takes mere minutes and adds an unparalleled freshness and customizability to your dish. My goal was to create a recipe that was incredibly simple, quick, and didn’t require a messy sheet pan or extensive clean-up. Here’s my fuss-free method for perfectly crunchy, subtly sweet candied almonds:

• Begin by heating a good quality nonstick skillet over medium heat. This is key for preventing sticking and ensuring even caramelization.
• Add the brown sugar and a splash of water to the hot skillet. Watch as the sugar slowly begins to melt and bubble, transforming into a fragrant, syrupy mixture.
• Once bubbling, stir in the unsalted butter. The butter will melt quickly, adding a rich, creamy depth to the candy coating.
• Immediately add the sliced almonds to the skillet. Stir continuously with a spatula, ensuring every almond slice is thoroughly coated in the warm, sticky sugar mixture. Keep stirring until the sugar starts to crystallize and cling to the nuts.
• Promptly transfer the entire mixture onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread the almonds out thinly with your spatula, separating them as much as possible to prevent them from clumping into one solid piece.
• Allow the candied almonds to cool completely. As they cool, they will harden and become wonderfully crisp. Once firm, you can break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces if needed.

It truly is that simple to achieve a gourmet crunch in your salad! If you’re pressed for time or prefer to skip the cooking entirely, a great alternative is to purchase pre-made candied pecans or walnuts. They’ll still provide that essential sweet and crunchy element.

Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Arugula Salad

Every great salad starts with a selection of high-quality ingredients that harmonize beautifully. This cherry arugula salad is no exception, featuring a thoughtful combination of fresh produce, savory cheese, and a zesty dressing. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make this salad sing:

• Baby Arugula: Don’t let the “spicy” reputation of arugula deter you! Its peppery notes are surprisingly delightful when paired with sweet elements. In this salad, the vibrant, slightly bitter kick of baby arugula perfectly complements the sweetness of the cherries and the bright tang of the vinaigrette, creating a balanced flavor profile. If you find arugula too assertive, feel free to substitute with milder mixed greens or tender baby spinach for a different, yet equally delicious, experience.
• Cherries (Fresh): The star of the show! I highly recommend using sweet Bing cherries for their rich flavor and vibrant color. However, if you can find Rainier cherries, their unique delicate flavor and beautiful yellow-red hue would also be an excellent choice, offering a slightly tarter and crisper bite. Choose firm, plump cherries with green stems for the freshest taste.
• Dried Cherries: Adding another layer of cherry flavor and a delightful chewiness, dried cherries provide a concentrated burst of sweetness. You’ll typically find them in the dried fruit aisle of your grocery store. For convenience and value, many bulk stores like Costco often offer large bags that are perfect for snacking and baking, as well as for salads like this.
• Candied Almonds: As detailed above, these provide a crucial crunchy and sweet counterpoint. Their delicate caramel coating adds a sophisticated touch that elevates the entire salad. Sliced almonds are preferred for their ideal texture and ease of coating.
• Feta Cheese: The salty, tangy notes of crumbled feta cheese offer a wonderful contrast to the sweet fruit and peppery greens. Its crumbly texture also adds another dimension to the salad. Adjust the quantity to your liking – we find that a generous amount truly enhances the overall flavor. For a milder, creamier alternative, goat cheese is also an excellent option.
• Carrots (Shaved): Gone are the days of boring, chunky carrot pieces in salads! Shaved carrots, created easily with a vegetable peeler, are a game-changer. They introduce a subtle sweetness, a delicate crunch, and a beautiful ribbon-like texture that integrates seamlessly into the salad without overpowering other ingredients. This simple technique transforms the humble carrot into an elegant component.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette: A good dressing ties all the flavors together. While I sometimes enjoy making my own homemade balsamic dressing, for ease and consistent flavor, a high-quality store-bought option is perfectly acceptable. Panera’s Balsamic Vinaigrette is a personal favorite, known for its balanced tang and slight sweetness. You can usually locate it in the refrigerated salad dressing section near the produce aisle. Feel free to use your preferred brand or whip up a simple homemade version with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a touch of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Assembling Your Delicious Arugula Salad with Cherries

Creating this stunning cherry and arugula salad is remarkably straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. The key is efficient preparation and gentle handling of the ingredients. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a gourmet salad ready to enjoy in minutes:

• Prepare the Candied Almonds: Start by making your candied almonds first. This allows them ample time to cool and crisp up while you focus on the other salad components. Once cooled, gently break them into desired sizes.
• Prep the Carrots and Cherries: Next, tackle the fresh produce. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel and then shave the carrot into thin ribbons. This technique creates delicate textures that blend beautifully into the salad. For the cherries, meticulously de-stem and pit them. Once pitted, slice each cherry into quarters to ensure bite-sized pieces that distribute evenly throughout the greens.
• Combine All Ingredients: In a generously sized mixing bowl, gently combine the vibrant baby arugula, the prepared fresh cherries, the crunchy candied almonds, the salty feta crumbles, the chewy dried cherries, and the delicate shaved carrot.
• Dress Lightly and Toss: Drizzle a small amount of your chosen balsamic vinaigrette over the ingredients. Remember, it’s always easier to add more dressing than to remedy an over-dressed salad! Begin with a conservative amount.
• Toss to Combine: Using salad tongs or your clean hands, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and add more vinaigrette if you desire a stronger flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the peak freshness and crunch!

Creative Variations to Customize Your Cherry Arugula Salad

One of the most appealing aspects of salads is their incredible flexibility and adaptability – a blank canvas for culinary creativity! This cherry and arugula salad recipe is exceptionally forgiving, allowing you to easily customize it based on your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! The possibilities for delicious salad toppings are endless, and here are a few simple swaps and variations to inspire you:

• Candied Nuts: While our homemade candied almonds are fantastic, if you prefer to save time, feel free to purchase pre-made candied walnuts or pecans. They are readily available in most well-stocked grocery stores and will still provide that essential sweet crunch. Alternatively, for a savory twist, try toasted plain pecans or walnuts.
• Cheese Options: If feta isn’t your favorite, this salad tastes equally divine with other cheeses. Creamy goat cheese offers a milder, more luxurious tang, while pungent gorgonzola or a sharp blue cheese would add a bolder, more complex flavor profile that beautifully contrasts with the sweet cherries. Fresh mozzarella pearls or shaved Parmesan could also work.
• Greens Alternatives: While I have a strong preference for the distinctive peppery kick of arugula, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility. If you prefer a milder base, mixed greens will provide a softer texture and more neutral flavor, while tender baby spinach offers a slightly earthy note and a smoother mouthfeel. Romaine lettuce would also add a crisp, refreshing crunch.
• Fruit Additions & Swaps: Cherries are wonderful, but this salad base is incredibly adaptable to other fruits. Freshly sliced peaches would be a sensational summer swap, bringing their own delicate sweetness and juiciness. Ripe strawberries, with their classic appeal, also pair beautifully with arugula and balsamic. For an exotic touch, consider adding a handful of blueberries or even thinly sliced plums.
• Protein Boost: To transform this salad into a complete meal, consider adding a lean protein. Grilled chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, or even crispy chickpeas would be excellent additions, making it a hearty and satisfying main course.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can brighten any salad. A sprinkle of fresh mint, basil, or even a little thyme could add an aromatic layer of flavor that complements the fruit and greens.

Storage and Freshness Tips

As with most fresh green salads, this cherry and arugula salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly. The tender leaves of arugula are quite delicate and tend to wilt quickly once dressed, losing their desirable crispness and peppery bite. For this reason, I highly recommend preparing and serving this salad fresh.

However, if you need to prepare components ahead of time, you can certainly do so! You can candy the almonds a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The carrots can be peeled and shaved, and the cherries pitted and quartered, then stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a day. Keep the arugula unwashed and dry until just before serving. Only combine and dress the salad right before you plan to eat it to ensure the freshest, most delightful experience.

Explore More Delightful Summer Salad Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the refreshing flavors and ease of this cherry arugula salad, you’ll love these other fantastic summer salad creations. Perfect for warm days, picnics, and light meals, these recipes offer a variety of tastes and textures to keep your summer cooking exciting and delicious:

• Dawn’s Vegetarian Pasta Salad
• Strawberry Cucumber Salad
• Mango Cucumber Salad
• Watermelon Fruit Salad
• Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)