May 31, 2017
Michigan Cherry Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette
Michigan Cherry Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette is a perfect simple meal with grilled chicken, dried cherries, blue cheese, pecans, spinach and a homemade cherry vinaigrette.
I am so excited for the warmer weather! This Michigan Cherry Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette is perfect for eating outdoors on a beautiful summer day. We have started to have our meals on our patio and spend more time outdoors. I love it! Adalyn and I have enjoyed being active and running around every day. She always tells me right before she takes a nap, "If I take a good nap, we get to go on a walk outside and eat popsicles". Not a bad plan! Today, I want to share this Michigan Cherry Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette as a healthy meal option.
We made this salad and enjoyed a meal together as a family. Then, we went on a big walk. I've been trying to increase my exercise as I've been cleared for resuming exercise post-baby. I can tell that I've lost a lot of muscle and it is going to take a bit to get back into it. I ran a little bit with my dad a few weeks ago and was sore for two days after.
Whenever I see a Michigan cherry salad on a menu, I always, always order it. It is my go-to dish. I love dried cherries and it is usually accompanied by blue cheese (though sometimes feta), pecans, spinach or mixed greens and grilled chicken- my favorite foods all put together! This dish is perfect for summer and can be made in just about 15 minutes. Throw the chicken on the grill and get everything else ready. By the time the chicken is cooked, everything else will be ready to eat.
What is a Michigan Cherry Salad
Why is this salad called a Michigan Cherry Salad? Well, I live in the state of Michigan for one and it is on menus everywhere. Also, Michigan is a huge producer of cherries and therefore, has a salad named after this. There is always dried cherries and typically blue cheese or feta cheese and some kind of nuts like pecans. Often, there is red onion on the salad and it can be topped with chicken.
Michigan Cherry Salad Ingredients
- olive oil
- Chicken
- Baby spinach
- dried cherries
- pecans
- Blue cheese
- Frozen cherries
- Red wine vinegar
- Honey
- Black pepper
How to Make Michigan Cherry Salad
First, grill your chicken. Blend up the cherry vinaigrette. Then, toss of the salad ingredients together. Super easy but so delicious!
Homemade Cherry Vinaigrette
A Michigan Cherry Salad often comes with a raspberry vinaigrette but I decided to step-it-up a notch and make a homemade cherry vinaigrette by using frozen cherries. It is so good! After making a strawberry vinaigrette and a mango vinaigrette and absolutely loving them, I knew that it was time for a cherry one too! It turned out wonderful.
Michigan Cherry Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette
Prep + Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups baby spinach
- 1/3 cup dried cherries
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup blue cheese
Instructions
1. Drizzle chicken with olive oil. Grill for 4-5 minute on each side until chicken is cooked through.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients for cherry vinaigrette and blend until very smooth.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients for cherry vinaigrette and blend until very smooth.
3. Slice grilled chicken breast. Mix together all ingredients for salad. Top salad with dressing and enjoy!
Check out The Nutritionist Reviews recipes Pinterest board for more healthy and fun recipe ideas!
I love dried cherries in a salad, too, but I've never tried cherry vinaigrette. I'm intrigued! #client
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