Arugula Salad with Cherries & Feta

This Arugula Salad with Cherries and Feta is summer in every bite — light, flavorful, and bursting with bold colors and textures. Peppery arugula forms the base, topped with sweet, juicy cherries, creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of homemade cherry balsamic vinaigrette that ties it all together beautifully.

It’s the kind of salad that’s simple to make but tastes elevated, making it ideal for backyard dinners, brunches, or a fresh side at your next summer BBQ.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Combines sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy in one bite

• Features fresh, seasonal cherries at their best

• The homemade cherry balsamic dressing is easy and packed with flavor

• Takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish

• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian

Final Thoughts:

This Arugula Salad with Cherries, Feta, and Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette is proof that salads don’t have to be boring. It’s elegant, seasonal, and incredibly satisfying, with each bite offering a contrast of textures and flavors that keep you coming back for more.

Whether you’re prepping a quick weekday lunch or serving a beautiful side for guests, this salad always feels like a special occasion.

Yield: 4 servings

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Arugula Salad with Cherries & Feta

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

This Arugula Salad with Cherries and Feta is summer in every bite — light, flavorful, and bursting with bold colors and textures. Peppery arugula forms the base, topped with sweet, juicy cherries, creamy Feta, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of homemade cherry balsamic vinaigrette that ties it all together beautifully.

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Ingredients

For the Salad

• 5 cups baby arugula
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• ¼ cup crumbled Feta
• ⅓ cup toasted pecans (halves or chopped)
• Optional: thinly sliced red onion or shaved fennel

For the Cherry Balsamic Vinaigrette

• ½ cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. In a blender or small food processor, combine cherries, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. With the motor running, slowly stream in olive oil until emulsified. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. (If you prefer a thinner dressing, add 1–2 tsp water.)
4. In a large bowl or on a serving platter, layer arugula with halved cherries, crumbled Feta, and pecans.
5. Drizzle with cherry balsamic vinaigrette just before serving. Toss gently or leave layered for presentation.

Notes

Toast your pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to bring out extra flavor

Add grilled chicken or salmon for a hearty main dish salad

Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese if preferred

Make it vegan: use maple syrup and a dairy-free cheese alternative

Use leftover dressing on roasted veggies or grain bowls

Nutrition Facts

Calories

258

Sugar

10 g

Protein

4 g

Fat

22 g

Carbs

15 g

Sat. Fat

4 g

Cholesterol

8 mg

Fiber

3 g

Net carbs

12 g

Sodium

140 mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.