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.
Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming
craving all the fresh fruits!! watermelon, blueberries, peaches!
R
Well this salad now! Haha!!! Anything from the farmers market, but a juicy tomato on a sandwich is by far the best summer favorite for me! Reminds me of childhood…
Lesley Eats
Tennessee peaches and Washington Rainier cherries! :)
Melinda
After visiting my meat-loving family, I am craving any type of vegetarian dish. Particularly your black bean tacos which is a must at my house at least once a month!
Kate
Awesome! So glad you love the tacos, Melinda.
Holly
I’m craving homegrown tomatoes and can’t wait until mine start ripening! Also, fried zucchini (so far, I’m being good and baking mine, but I may have to give in just once!).
And that salad looks like THE BOMB!!!
Jenny
Fruit on the grill!
Laura in DC
Fruit smoothies!
Katie M
Watermelon… always watermelon!
Lis
I’m craving anything and everything on the charcoal grill – last night was fish tacos and asparagus, for the 4th weekend we got through bbq chicken, burgers and hot dogs, stuffed bell peppers, and grilled tilapia. The more grill marks the better!
lynsay
I am craving fresh tomatoes out of the garden. I love the scent of the vines and then the actual treat of the tomatoes themselves!
Hannah
This recipe has me craving cherries…but paired with some dark chocolate :)
Sally
craving home grown tomatoes and local sweet corn – coming soon!
Carol
Fresh picked tomatoes and corn!
Christina
I have been craving fresh, local tomatoes! Since trying to eat mostly local and seasonal produce, I have mostly avoided the pale grocery store tomatoes. I have already made gazpacho with the tomatoes from my farmers market several times in the last couple weeks…
Lydia
I’m craving a cold limeade and something full of cilantro! Always a good pairing, amaright?
Nancy Hudgins
Salads, salads and more salads. So glad there are new ones like this to try. Arugula and kale are my new favorite greens. Never heard of them one year ago.
Tiana
I can’t wait to make this salad! I looks delicious. I have been going through a bag of cherries a week, but I also crave grilled sweet corn and juicy nectarines. Thank you, summer!
Cindy Tracy
This looks great and I may try it tonight so karma can make me a winner as I love Whole Foods but cannot afford a lot there. (I never win, but keep entering giveaways). I too will substitute peaches for cherries!
Julie Taylor
Salads! Any & all!
Ingrid
I’ve been wanting to sit on the patio at lunch time and not go back to work… :) here is to slushy drinks in the summer!
Caroline
Craving salads: southwestern chicken w cilantro dressing; easy vega gazpacho w avocados; margaritas & mojitos!
Julia
Anything involving fresh avocado and/or mango!
Fiona
This looks so good! I haven’t been eating many sweets lately, but for some reason, I’ve really been craving a strawberry shortcake with whipped cream. Also, berries–blackberries and raspberries in particular.
It’s not the season AT ALL, but the Whole Foods brand hot cocoa is so delicious–and is always sold out at my store!
Sarah-Ann Y
Lapin cherries! Their season is so short but the wait is worth it.
Jo
I am craving those little orange cherry tomatoes. So delicious they taste like candy!
Anne
Heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers fresh from my garden!
Megan
I’m craving berries (like a lot of people). Looking forward to trying out that salad, it’s making me hungry looking at the pictures!
Ivar Anderson
Craving: a sun warmed tomato fresh off the vine with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh ground pepper.
Erin
I’m craving blueberries! And blueberry pie!
Melissa
Cucumber, tomato and basil salad!
Kathryn
I absolutely cannot WAIT for the first heirloom tomatoes from our garden! Once they are ripe, I will make a batch of fresh mozzarella, pick some basil from the pot outside the back door, and have an insanely flavorful caprese salad!
Andrea
My cravings change every time I pass by the farmers’ market. Oooh, tomatoes! Ooh, peaches! Ooh, blueberries! All the best things are in season right now and I’m craving ALL of it!
Andrew G.
I’ve been craving some local tomatoes and watermelons. I just got some green heirloom tomatoes at a farm market last weekend and they were amazing!
Heathermarie
I am craving yogurt and beets! Yummy!
Kathleen
Limes, basil, cherries, raspberries. . . all my favourites.
Corey White
Corn on the cob with every meal! My friends and family know the way to please me at any meal is to have some grilled corn on the cob. I will always leave happy.
Robin
This summer I have been craving anything quick easy and tasty. Trying to come up with a dinner menu for two vegetarians/vegans and one carnivore (I have two teenage children), can sometimes be challenging. Thanks to your website and others, you all have done all the work! So, all that is required of me is grocery shopping! Thanks again!
Kate
Thank you, Robin! Glad to help!
Heidi Hess
I can’t wait for Momotaro tomatoes. THE most amazing tomatoes in the world.
Janis Ilekys
I am craving sweet snap peas ♥ my fav!
Adriane Mullins
I’m craving anything with fresh fruit! Peaches, strawberries, and cherries!
Spring
I am craving peaches and blueberries!
Amanda
Forgot to add what I’m craving – grilling! Summer makes us get out and grill more often and I LOVE seared zucchini and of course corn on the cob :) Can’t wait to add this salad into the mix. :)
Kristina
Think this salad will be a new summer BBQ favorite! I can’t get enough cold ice tea with orange or lemon this summer. Which I usually drink wearing a scarf – since I’m in “cold” and foggy SF. Ah, summer dreaming :)
Ella
I’m craving fresh, crisp vegetables and fruits! Can’t wait to make this salad…
Jessica
Definately craving lots of strawberries and watermelon…my favorite summertime fruits :) … oh and mangoes def can’t forget them!
Beth
I’m craving colorful, juicy summer fruits and the pea pods in my garden right now. Your photos are amazing. They caught my eye first and now it is your recipes that capture my attention. Thank you.
Kate
Thank you, Beth!
Breezy
I am craving homemade salsa! As I wait for my pepper plants to grow.
Jen
I am craving juicy, sweet nectarines! I just made your blueberry honey bran muffins, and would love to substitute nectarines for the blueberries. I’ve never tried nectarines in a muffin before, it would be fun to experiment with a new muffin ingredient.
Also, thanks for writing such a beautiful recipe blog! I make something from your blog at least 4 times a month, and am always pleased with the result!
Kate
Nectarine bran muffins sound perfect! Thank you for commenting, Jen. I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the recipes.
Matt @ Plating Pixels
I love watermelon! Add feta and balsamic and you really have something special.
Ellen
pickled rhubarb and/or pickled watermelon rind
Raya T.
Tomatoes! Perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes with cheese and bread–that can be my breakfast, lunch, and dinner all summer long.
Stephanie
I am craving cocktail popcicles (margarita, pina colada, mai tai etc), but I have not figured out how to make them yet!
Kate
I haven’t figured out how to make them yet, either, but here are some tips! http://www.thekitchn.com/diy-boozy-popsicles-just-how-much-alcohol-to-use-171509
Malia
Peaches! And fresh corn. And sugar snap peas. Yum.
Lori
Homemade veggie burgers for the grill, no frozen stuff and fresh pesto. Thx for giveaway!
Laura
I’m craving fresh peaches!! Can’t wait til the local ones start showing up :)
Melanie
I have been craving stone fruit this summer–peaches, plums, cherries, nectarines. So sweet!
Corey
I crave watermelon!
Laura
Well, NOW I’m craving cherries! :) I’ve been craving roasted broccoli for some reason, which is unfortunate because it’s been warm enough without me having to go and turn on the oven!
Corey
I crave melon!
Jill
This recipe looks Delicious!!! I have been craving any and all fruits this summer, Rainier cherries have been my go-to dessert this week – cannot get enough of them! I’ve always been a fan of summer salads sprinkled with the freshest fruits. The cookbook sounds amazing, as a vegetarian I’m always looking for new, great recipes!
Kate
I can’t wait to try this salad out, I absolutely love cherries!! I’m craving big salads, packed full of veggies, fruits, nuts, and cheese.Especially in the heat of the summer, getting a full meal from a salad bowl is perfect.
Sara Day
This summer I’m craving my dining al fresco favorites: corn on the cob, baked beans, and fried zucchini!
Tara
I’m now craving this salad! And I think my Whole Foods has their cherries on sale tomorrow, so I’ll be making it this weekend!
Autumn
Mmmmmm I’ve actually been craving salads like this and currently have a big bag of juicy cherries in my fridge now! They are so freaking tasty!!!! I can’t wait to make this salad!
Joni
I’m craving sushi with brown rice, mango, and avocado!
Annie
This salad looks delicious–can’t wait to try it! I’ve definitely been craving grilled peaches and corn this summer!
Megan
Avocados. I have been eating them like a mad woman all summer–they are so good! Grilled, made into guacamole, sliced on a sandwich or salad–give it to me! Also, I’ve been roasting mushrooms. I crave those, too.
Penny
Well now I’m craving this Cherry Couscous & Arugula Salad! Thanks for the chance to win – I love Whole Foods!
Angie
I am loving salads made with fruits and cheese and I love cherries so I can’t wait to try this one!
Dana
I am craving watermelon.
Kathy Lippke
During the summer I crave lots of watermelon with a grilled piece of meat. Usually I do not eat much meat, but during the summer cooking a good steak, burger or chicken on the grille is the best.
Elle
I am craving pasta salads – I love pasta salads in the summer as sides during barbecues and like to play around with different, unique recipes.
kelly
All the summer greats- corn on the cob but with a new type of yogurt based topping with fresh herbs, heirloom tomatoes, watermelon and something cool and refreshing to drink…mojito anyone?
Laura
I am seriously craving homemade ice cream…everyday! This is a problem :)
Katie
I am craving fresh summer tomatoes and mozzarella. The good stuff.
Alexa
Usually in the summertime I crave salads and smoothies, but in the spirit of wanting something new… Im craving all things coconut. Coconut oils, shavings, and milks. I can’t seem to get enough right now and Ive been thinking about trying some new recipes. Cold soups, curries, and maybe some desserts. My palette is crying for a new and energetic flavor. Im going to try your coconut curry with greens and cauliflower tonight! I would love a recipe with coconut and dark chocolate and maybe cherries or oranges! Love your blog!
Kate
Thanks, Alexa! Hope you love the curry! Here’s my favorite macaroon recipe: https://cookieandkate.com/2011/healthy-macaroon-recipe/
Sharon Engel
I ALWAYS crave fresh, cooked greens with lots of garlic, salt and pepper. But in the summer I crave (and eat too much of) berries and stone fruits. Yummm.
Diana Demopoulos
Pineapple and Mango…can’t get enough.
Jill
I am craving “time” and “energy” to cook homemade vegan meals every night instead of going out to eat. We shop Whole Foods in Scottsdale and love the choices- plant based and oil free. I’d love a copy of your cookbook and a gift card to WF!!
Jae
Sad to say, but nothing really.
Sarah
Ok–this is an odd one–I’m craving sardines! I need more protein and tuna is off my list of go-to’s (because of high mercury/toxins)
I have been eating them with crackers and well as in a yummy chopped salad of cucumbers, chickpeas, red onion, black olives and feta.
Mason
I am on a quest to find my favorite vegan ice cream recipe, and based on my cherry obsession, I’m thinking it will have cherries in it!
Nicole
Fruit! I get so caught up on making full meals that I forget to listen to my body, but when I do all it wants is big big bowls of fruit with kombucha on the side – ahh summer:)
Also.. goat cheese never hurts;)
Nicole S.
Craving Rainer cherries!
Heather
Love home grown tomatoes with fresh basil, olive oil and a little salt and pepper!
Ericka
I’m craving all the seasonal fruits and veggies! Watermelon, cherries, peaches, grapes, tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, summer squash – I love it all!
By the way this recipe was awesome Kate! I happened to have everything in my pantry except for the pistachios, so I subbed chopped almonds instead and it was still delicious!
Kate
Thank you, Ericka! Glad your salad turned out great!
Aliza N
I LOVE all summer produce. Corn, tomatoes, stone fruit, summer squash. There is nothing better.
mark guncheon
Suggestion, when using slivered almonds raw in salads or even pecans or walnuts, I toasts them in a hot pan (no oil, butter or anything) on the stove top until they start to brown. You can smell when this is starting to happen. Remove from heat. Let them cool and then add to salad. It really brings out the flavor.
Mark
Mandy
I just returned from Lanai, Hawaii, and I am really craving gingersnap cookie/pineapple ice cream sandwiches from the Four Seasons at Manele Bay! But on a healthier/more realistic note…..watermelon, I can’t get enough once it’s in season!
I just bought a huge bag of fresh cherries, so this salad will be happening soon.
Suzanne Parvey
I totally crave salads in summer along with fresh fruit. I love cherries so this salad looks delicious and I must make it. Right now with lavender blooming I enjoy lavender in baked goods and fresh lemonade/limeade. A quick energy lift for me is fresh veggies dipped in hummus. I appreciate your blog and wonderful recipes. Kate. Thank you.
Kate
Thank you, Suzanne! :)
Masha
Fresh, juicy peaches!
Erica
Currently craving garden fresh tomatoes…all varieties. Nothing like a tomato fresh from the garden.
Valerie
I’m not a huge fan of arugula but will still try this – it looks wonderful. Might sub in some other green too.
I love the crunchy/smooth contrast and really love cherries but don’t usually bother with them for just straight-up eatin’.
THANKS as always.
Ella
This looks SO good, Kate! I’m loving cherries right now, but I’m really craving is CORN! When we visit our family beach house in August, we always get the most deliciously fresh corn on the cob and grill it on the BBQ. I think it might be my favorite part of the whole summer.
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Alyssa
I crave juicy watermelon all summer long! It is perfect to quench my thirst and super tasty
Jayme
Cold, vegetarian sushi.
Johnnie Moore-Dotson
I am currently craving figs. I love figs but their season is so short!
Chris
I am craving all the delicious summer fruit and peaceful, lazy days!
Sonja B
I had never thought of putting cherries in something like this but why not? Now that I think about it my mouth is watering so will be off to the shops soon to find some luscious cherries.
Julie
Peaches! I love making Peach Sorbet! :)