This summertime salad features ruby red Bing cherries. It’s rounded out with spicy arugula and some of my favorite Middle Eastern ingredients—couscous and pistachios. I added celery for some complementary crunch and goat cheese for a creamy component.
Homemade balsamic vinaigrette brings these unlikely ingredients together. This green salad is light, filling and very refreshing.
I’m stuck on the slow summer wavelength. You, too? Let’s embrace it. Let’s sit in the shade and watch the sun go down. Sip on cold drinks. Hop in the pool. Play board games on the porch. Stretch at yoga class. Maybe even do less work (and not feel bad about it). Let’s fill up on big, fresh salads, too. Salads like this cherry stunner you see here.
I’ve been eating big bowls of this salad for lunch over the past week. It’s a flexible recipe. Use any sweet cherry, or try another stone fruit like sliced plum or peach. Feel free to substitute quinoa for the couscous, if you’d like (check the notes for details). Three cheers for summer salads!
PrintCherry Couscous & Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Salad
A delightful summer salad featuring fresh cherries, arugula, pistachios and goat cheese (optional) tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Feel free to substitute pearl couscous for the fine couscous shown here, or quinoa to make the salad gluten free (cook according to package directions and proceed to step 2).
Ingredients
Couscous
- ¾ cup whole wheat couscous
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Several twists of freshly ground black pepper
Balsamic vinaigrette (this makes extra)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup or agave nectar
- Generous amount freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Salad
- 4 big handfuls arugula
- ½ pound cherries (about 2 big handfuls), pitted, halved and quartered
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (to yield about ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese)
- ⅓ cup shelled pistachios or almonds (choose slivered or sliced almonds and you can skip the chopping step)
Instructions
- To make the couscous: Bring ¾ cup water to boil in a small saucepan. Once it’s boiling, remove the pan from heat and pour in the couscous, olive oil, sea salt and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. Stir, cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff the couscous with a fork and set it aside for later.
- To make the dressing: Whisk together all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl until emulsified.
- To toast the nuts: In a skillet over medium-low heat, toast the nuts, tossing frequently, until fragrant, about 3 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and use a chef’s knife to chop the nuts into small pieces.
- To compose the salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the arugula, sliced cherries, chopped celery, crumbled goat cheese and chopped nuts. Drizzle with enough vinaigrette to lightly coat the greens (you might only need half of the dressing) and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
Why buy organic? Conventionally grown celery, cherries and leafy greens are notoriously high in pesticide residues.
Make it vegan: Skip the goat cheese and substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey in the dressing.
Make it gluten free: Substitute cooked quinoa for the couscous.
Storage suggestions: For best results, store the dressing separately from the greens and toss just before serving.
Change it up: Feel free to substitute sliced peaches, plums or nectarines for the cherries. You can also use spinach in place of the arugula.
Prepare in advance: You can cook the grains and whisk together the dressing. Store them in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to serve.
Recommended equipment: A cherry pitter makes pitting cherries a much more pleasant experience. I love this cherry pitter by Oxo.
More of my favorite cherry recipes: Check out my vegan cherry chocolate cake, rainier cherry mojito and balsamic stone fruit sundae.
Daniel Rowen
As tempting as it is to say I’m craving cherries, what I really crave is freshly picked peaches once those are in season.
Monica
I can’t believe I’m finally commenting on your blog. After each of your amazing posts I say “I need to comment” and then….well, I never do. I have been a long time lover of your blog and have made so many of your recipes.
Hummm, what am I craving this summer…just about everything I can get at my farmer’s market. I’m basically addicted to my local markets (and I don’t just mean one). I live in Boston and have a wonderful farmers market on Saturdays in my neighborhood. My only limitation (thankful I have one or I would buy everything) is what I can carry home as I live on top of a steep hill. Luckily, if I forget something I can easily bike to another market across town on Sundays. Additionally, I have two markets near my work that run on Mondays & Wednesdays and the other on Tuesdays and Thursday. Yes, I have a farmer’s market addiction. I love walking to my market on my lunch break to find my lunch. Yes, I will literally buy a couple Diva cucumbers, a red and yellow tomato and whatever else happens to be there (corn, green beans or shelling peas) and go back to my office and make a salad (salad greens totally optional).
I have been eating as many local berries as I can. My excuse is that the season is so short that I need to load up now. Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries and basically anything berry will do. However, I do crave pickles. Last week I saw some pickling cukes at the market and had to whip a batch of refrigerator pickles the moment I got home. My latest craving (yes, there are so many cravings) is gazpacho. Since I live in New England we really have to wait a long time for tomatoes but I’m starting to see them in the markets. One of my favorite farmers is starting to have loads of tomatoes in all kinds of beautiful shapes, colors and sizes. Yes, gazpacho is in my very near future!
Kate
Monica, it’s great to hear from you! Thank you for commenting. Your farmers’ market office salads sound spectacular! I have never made gazpacho, I think it’s time to change that.
Jackie Dubin
This summer, thanks to the bounty of farmers markets, I’m not craving anything. Peaches, cherries, apricots, plums, all the summer fruits are there for the taking, well, purchasing! Supporting farmers markets is one of my favorite things to do and, living in CA, I’m able to go year round. I feel very fortunate. Can’t wait to try your cherry salad – looks amazing!
Nancy
I can’t wait for the white peaches. Thanks for the cherry ideas. They have been wonderful this year. I have been pigging out on raspberries. I should be happy but why are blackberries so expensive this year? Happy Summer from a Florida teacher.
Kate
Happy summer to you, Nancy!
Meridith Miller
I’m craving the cherry pitter because I’m going to be making a lot of this salad! Cherries are my favorite fruit so I always pit and freeze a bunch of them for later in the year. The combination of cherries, goat cheese & pistachios is like dessert and salad on one plate. Thank you!
Alana Busekrus
This summer I am craving wild maine blueberries and fresh mangos from my backyard.
Annie
I am seriously craving fruit this summer! Watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, all of it!
Kim
I’ve been craving (and thus gorging on) all the summer fruits: peaches, nectarines, plums and, of course, cherries! Thank you for the giveaway – the cookbook looks interesting as my husband is eating vegetarian and I’m trying to reduce my meat consumption.
Sarah
I’m craving peaches, blackberries and blueberries…yum!! Keep the great recipes coming! My family is eating healthier because of you! Thanks!
Gaby
This looks great!! And I am craving all things salad!!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Your first paragraph is everything I want to do right now. I want a pool and I want a cold drink and I want cherries with EVERYTHING! Love this salad!
Elizabeth
Time off! But other than that, ice cream.
Harini
I’ve been craving watermelon and sweet peaches!
Kate
I’m craving tomatoes and peaches! I could live off of caprese salad all summer.
jackie
When it’s hot outside, I just want all the watermelon. So refreshing.
Nadine
Blueberries! I have a great blueberry, feta, and corn chicken salad. Blueberries fit in many salads, sauces, and dressings just like cherries.
Amy
Peaches and sugar snap peas. And local tomatoes are just getting started, I am excited!
Lauren Smith
This summer, I am craving anything to which I can add fresh, organic berries. Definitely getting into raspberries lately; I love how tart they are!
P.S. Your salads are so amazingly colorful!
Allie
I have been craving fresh GREENS (kale, spinach, arugula, etc) in addition to dates and almond butter! Kind of all over the place, but it depends on the day!!
Toby
I just returned from Maui (I know, poor me!) and I am craving really ripe pineapple right now! In Washington, there aren’t too many places to find ripe pineapples – you have to buy and wait. I am terribly impatient!
J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats
I am craving fig and cherries all day, everyday. And ok I’ll have some cheese with my figs too if you insist.
Aleena
I’ve been really craving grilled veggies and fruit. Squash, zucchini, asparagus, pineapple (yes pineapple), mushrooms, basically any fruit or veggie I can get my hands on.
grace
to me, summer means corn, and i’ll continue to crave it well into fall! :)
Sofia
I had my first bite of this summer’s corn last weekend, and it’s all I’ve been craving since!
Mary Ellen
This summer, I’m craving bright, clean Mediterranean flavors (which your blog supplies so well!): lemon, garlic, olives–and also as much local fruit as I can get my hands on. My toddler loves all summer fruits, especially watermelon, and he also loves beets and spinach and fish, so I’ve been into those this summer, too. For grains I’ve been into farro (which you introduced me to), quinoa, and brown rice pasta.
Allison
This summer, I’m craving big, juicy heirloom tomatoes to old-fashioned tomato pies! I also cannot give enough of cherries, blueberries and peaches. Love summer produce!!
Katherine
All the berries all the time! Finally, strawberries and blueberries at the farmer’s market – hooray!
Carly
Popsicles. I just want popsicles, all the live-long day! Preferably spiked. NOM!
Rachel P.
I’ve been craving fresh basil, mint, and Utah peaches. I can’t wait for peaches to be in season!
Kate S.
What am I craving? After seeing these beautiful pictures I’m really just craving this salad! =)
Diana @ASpoonfulofLuxe
I’ve been craving salads like crazy… which is good because they are so healthy and fresh! It’s been so hot here in the South, but also so beautiful!
Shannon
I’m craving raspberries and peaches.
rika@vm
Kolhrabi
Laura
I’m craving fruit…watermelon, berries, cherries, peaches, all of them!
Amanda
Peaches! I’d give anything to get my hands on a GOOD peach. We moved to Northern Illinois (I grew up in the DEEP south)and I expected to make trip to Southern Illinois to try theirs this year. But alas mother nature has ruined my plans. Next year. I guess.
Rachael
HUGE craving for garden tomatoes and summer peaches for sure!!!
Amanda @ Running By Day
I’m craving avocados. Absolutely love them in everything :)
Sarah @ 12 Twenty Seven
I’m craving peaches and blueberries! I could eat them all day, every day!
Lorel
Summer is always for craving fresh berries and nectarines!
Tess Bundy
I am craving berries and whipped cream!
Meghan
I crave all the fruit, in all the things! I’ve been on a cherry and peach kick lately so this recipe is perfectly timed!
Marisa @ Uproot from Oregon
Wow, this recipe is a stunner! I crave the Rainier cherries all year, so I am happily munching away on those now that they’re back in Whole Foods. I could definitely get on board with throwing them into a salad with pistachios and couscous.
Dana
mango!
John
Thank you for doing what you do. Frankly I’m craving fish – a nice, clean salmon. Otherwise I’m also in love with hummus and anything I can dip into hummus — carrots, celery, cauliflower, you name it.
Kerry
I can’t get enough salad with crunchy greens.
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run
craving peaches and apricots!
Christina Barbara
Freshly picked fruit!
Stacey
I can’t wait for the bounty of tomatoes.
Laurie C
Summer fruit! Cherries, berries, peaches…
Christy
a vacation! and homemade ice cream!
Genevieve
This salad looks amazing. Must try it. As much as I wish I was only craving salads though, fruit pies are what I want. Cherry, raspberry, any and all fruit pies!
Andrea G.
I have been craving Heirloom tomato sandwiches. I have been eating them every day!
Alyssa
This summer, I’ve been craving sweet and tart fruits paired with sharp, creamy cheeses (think watermelon&feta, strawberries&goat cheese, etc). This salad is right up my alley!
Katie
I’m craving sugar snap peas and peaches as well as beets!!! I love beets – just simply roasted and tossed in a salad. Beet greens are good too!!! Can’t wait to make this salad!
lottie
I’m craving big kale salads and fruity ice cream.
Steff
I am craving all the summer fruit! Cherries, peaches, watermelons–ALL of it.
Ruby
Watermelon!
Autumn
I’m craving some fru
Trisha
Stunning salad! To be honest, I’m craving fresh cherries and lots and lots of ice cream! (I really want to try that peanut butter honey ice cream you posted earlier this week….)
Emily
I’m craving the yellow grape tomatoes growing in my backyard! And salad, as always. I love a good salad, and this looks like one I’ll add to my to-make list. You’re recipes never let me down (:
Becky
Craving frozen yogurt topped with fresh fruit – peaches, strawberries, cherries… I can’t get enough.
Thank you for this recipe! I was looking at the bag of cherries I have in my fridge and wondering what I should do with them. Problem solved!
Jen
Fresh fruit!!
Erica
I’ve been craving ice cream for about a month. And avocados. :)
Tess
This salad is gorgeous! This summer I’m craving outdoor adventures, picnics with board games and good books, nectarines and berries, grilled corn on the cob, and homemade ice cream :)
Jess
I’ve been craving tomatoes!
Sana K
I’m craving the fresh apricots from my mother’s tree in her garden in California. We would collect all the apricots, save some to eat home, put some in little gift bags to share with the neighbors and our friends, and make jam from the rest. I’m definitely craving the homemade apricot jam as well which I would spread on toasted whole wheat toast along with some almond butter. Nothing compares to your mother’s cooking, food made at home, and produce from your own home garden!
Dara
Think I’m craving vegemite…
Not that I’m Australian or anything but I just ran out of my fav breakfast spread and would love to replace it!
But, yes cherries are pretty much my top summer fruit.
Emma Beyers Carlson
I’ve been craving fresh juicy nectarines and caprese salads!
Shoshana
My cravings kick into high gear when I see all of the fresh berries at the farmer’s market!
CAM
Watermelon- all the time! Great Giveaway!
Cassie
I’m craving tons of salads this summer!
Riley Jane
I have been craving strawberry shortcake ever since the Fourth of July! It has always been a family tradition to make it for the fourth, and as I am off traveling (aka couch surfing, because I am young and poor hehe) I didn’t get to be with my family this year. When I return we will make it and celebrate :) Love the blog!
Marie
Fresh fruit, especially watermelon and blackberries – yum!!!
Kelsey
Watermelon, always watermelon. Also wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your “statement” about what being a vegetarian means to you. It was like you were voicing my thoughts.
Keep up the awesome work.
Meredith
Kohlrabi! Strange I know, but my kids love the crunch and taste. We just dice it up and snack on it or throw it into a salad…yummy!
I love your website and your delicious and easy to make recipes!
Thank you!
Liz S.
This summer I am craving coconut milk ice cream with fresh cherries on top.
Kate
I’m craving corn (and champagne cocktails!)
Elizabeth
I’m craving bruschetta made with tomatoes and basil from my garden! It made the perfect dinner last night on a super hot day.
Vix
I’ve been craving every kind of fruit this summer, but right now it’s cherries (of course!) and WATERMELON. I’ve yet to have a good one this summer and it’s killing me! Something tells me that’s on the grocery list for this week…
Taylor H
What am I craving this summer? ADVENTURE.
I live in Victoria, BC and have the unique opportunity to be surrounded by an abundance of local wines and farm fresh cuisine. This summer I hope to fill my cravings for adventure by exploring the island as a culinary tourist; tasting and drinking my way through vast amounts of locally sourced goodness. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and wine … here I come!
Marianne
I crave any meal that doesn’t require turning my oven on :)
Monica
I’m craving some rest and relaxation. Other than that, pizza would be nice. :-)
Madeline
I’m craving fresh,clean, do-able homemade food (which is where my discovery of your blog comes in). I just started my first full-time job after grad school, and I am loving my time after work spent in the kitch! I left Texas for this job, but your Mexican dishes have given me a little taste of home away from home!
Yoojin
this summer, i’ve been craving smoothie bowls every morning! i love topping them with fresh berries, like blueberries & strawberries :)
Nikita
I am craving some summer galettes, love them so dearly. Also just fresh new cooking ideas which is why I love your blog (and a few others including Smitten Kitchen!).
Esther
I’m craving the time to do all the canning I want! Bourbon cherries and lots of pickles!!
Ellen
Because it’s summer and so hot out… I am always craving POPSICLES!!
Dani
I crave watermelon! Nothing better than a sweet, juicy treat on a hot summer day!!
Kristen D.
I’m craving sweet corn! Nothing can beat it for this midwest girl!
Meghan
Super ripe, red, juicy tomatoes…a big slice of tomato on sourdough, with just a swipe of mayo, topped with Maldon and pepper – best summer lunch ever!
Eileen
Ooh, this salad sounds so good! You know I am all about the fruit in salads (and, um, everything lately), and I love the contrast of pistachios too. Most of my summer cravings seem to involve either fruit, salad, fruit and salad at the same time, or gigantic glasses of iced tea. :) Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Katie Miller
I am currently living in Texas and craving all things PNW: berries, rainier cherries, and smoked salmon!
Suzanne
I’m craving smoothies. Smoothies with yogurt, banana, strawberries or peaches and sweet honey.
Karla
Is it ok to say margaritas? :-]
Taylor
This summer I’ve been craving beets! Seriously…pickled, roasted, shredded – sooo good =)
Jen
TOMATOES! A juicy heirloom tomato sliced on a thick slab of toast with maybe a bit of mayo is pure. heaven.
Also, this salad looks delightful and will shake up my lunch routine at work- can’t wait to make it!
Sylvia
Right now I am in Juneau, Alaska, performing in a play. This environment, while completely different from what I am used to (summers in LA!), has been full of fun, surprises and beauty. There is an abundance of seafood here, but what I am craving and what unfortunately I have not yet been able to find is a good lobster roll! I know that it wouldn’t be found on your blog here, but I would love to pair it with some of your salad recipes and refreshing cocktails (whee!) for a good old fashioned picnic. Hope you are having a lovely summer!
Heather
Love this recipe. I never would’ve thought of the grain/fruit/veggie combo. This summer I want allllllll of the caprese combos. Give me fresh basil (from my balcony garden!), heirloom tomatoes and gooey delicious mozzarella.
Rosie
I keep pinching myself because I do live near a Whole Foods! I keep craving smoothies made with organically grown fruits and the freshest ingredients! I can’t get enough of them – I’d pick that over a fancy meal! Any healthy smoothie!
Karina Seppi
Tazo iced passion tea mixed with lemonade! It’s the best I could live off it all summer.
Cory
Could I substitute pumpkins seeds for the nuts (I’m allergic)…can’t wait to try this salad!!!
Kate
Cory, I’m sorry I missed your comment! Yes, you could definitely substitute pumpkin seeds for the nuts in this salad. (Or any of my other salads! I love pumpkin seeds!)
Marisa
This recipe looks amazing!! Thanks for the chance to win :)
Jan Lariviere
What a wonderful way to use the delicious Bing cherries I just bought. Can’t wait to try this salad. Thanks for all the great ideas.
Jen
Watermelon and stone fruit!!
Laura
Fresh, juicy tomatoes (with basil and fresh mozz)!
Mia
I’m craving corn off the cob everyday!!! (preferably sauteed in some bacon grease or butter!)
ps. This salad looks delicious…cherries, pistachios, goat cheese, I love it.