Sweet Cherry Salad Dressing – A Must-Try Recipe
Are you looking for a way to add some zing to your salads? Look no further than this sweet cherry salad dressing recipe! Made with fresh sweet cherries and a combination of flavorful vinegars and oils, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Not only does this dressing taste great, but it also adds a pop of color to any dish. The deep red hue of the sweet cherries gives the dressing a vibrant look that will impress everyone at your next dinner party.
But don’t just take my word for it. Try this sweet cherry salad dressing recipe yourself and see why it’s quickly become one of my favorites. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there, foodies! Get ready to savor a delightful taste explosion with this Sweet Cherry Salad Dressing recipe. Trust me; you will thank me later for introducing this one of a kind recipe into your kitchen.
Let’s get right to it, shall we? The secret ingredient is luscious, juicy sweet cherries that offer an unmatched sweetness and slight tang that awakens your senses. They are the pièce de résistance of this recipe, making it stand out from regular salad dressings.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe includes black cherry juice and honey, which add a natural sweetness with a touch of tartness that fills your mouth with flavor. Plus, the cherry dressing comes together beautifully with extra virgin olive oil and walnut oil that give richness and depth to the dressing.
Imagine tossing crisp greens, nuts, and fresh fruit in this divine dressing; the stunning combination will leave you feeling refreshed, satiated and craving more. And because the recipe can be easily adapted by switching up the vinegar used or adding different ingredients like roasted beet or pear to make Spinach Salad with Dried Cherries or Arugula Salad with Cherry Lime Dressing respectively. This salad is a work of art that is both diverse and delicious.
So if you’re looking for an exciting way to transform your basic salad into something exceptional, give Sweet Cherry Salad Dressing Recipe a try. Believe me when I say that it’s not just another dull salad dressing- it’s an experience you won’t forget any time soon!
Ingredient List
Before delving into the Sweet Cherry Salad Dressing Recipe instructions, it’s essential to have all the ingredients at hand. Here’s everything you need to prepare a bowl of delicious salad dressing:
Sweet Cherry Vinaigrette
- 1 cup sweet cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons walnut oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
You can substitute the red wine vinegar with 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar or 2 tablespoons of cherry juice. Additionally, you can add 1/5 cup of sugar for a sweeter taste.
This recipe makes approximately 1 4-cup of sweet cherry vinaigrette. If you desire more, it’s easy to double the recipe – the ingredients will blend well when added in larger quantities.
The Recipe How-To
For making the Sweet Cherry Salad Dressing Recipe, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved. Begin with blending the cherries in a food processor or blender until they are pureed. You can strain the puree through a sieve to remove any chunks or fibers.
Next, add ⅓ cup of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to the cherry puree. Mix well together.
Add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/5 teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the mix.
Slowly pour in a mixture of ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil and ¼ cup of walnut oil while whisking constantly to create a homogeneous mixture.
Finally, add chopped walnuts to the cherry vinaigrette salad dressing.
This Sweet Cherry Salad Dressing Recipe will add a burst of flavor to any dish!
Substitutions and Variations
Do you want to switch things up and try something different with your sweet cherry salad dressing? Don’t worry! There are many possible substitutes and variations that can be made to this recipe, depending on your preference.
One option is to replace the sweet cherries with black cherries or dried cherries. You can also combine different types of cherries to create a unique and flavorful dressing.
If you prefer a tangier dressing, you can use lime juice instead of lemon juice. Additionally, swapping out the olive oil with walnut oil or grape seed oil can give your vinaigrette an extra nutty undertone.
For a sweeter dressing with some depth, try adding honey or maple syrup. By doing so, the vinegar’s acidity will be balanced out and will add a hint of sweetness to your dressing.
If you are looking for more complexity in flavor, you can mix balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar. The cherry balsamic salad dressing will give a robust taste when complemented with grilled steak, roasted beet, spinach salad with pear or arugula salad.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and their ratios until you find your perfect palate. Have fun while concocting variations and find a balance among flavors and textures that satisfy your cravings!
Serving and Pairing
As a home chef, I always aim to make dishes that are both contrast and complement each other. The Sweet Cherry Salad Dressing Recipe can be paired with a range of dishes to make it perfect as a meal or side dish for your family gatherings, brunches or romantic dinners.
For an earthy and flavorful twist, the Sweet Cherry Dressing can be served on top of a spinach salad with roasted beets and walnuts. Adding some goat cheese will balance the tartness from the cherries and make it a bit creamier.
Another great option is pairing this dressing with a grilled steak. This combination gives you something very sweet mixed with something savory, which is a nice take on the traditional steak marinades out there.
A sweet arugula salad with some pear slices also makes for another great pairing option for your upcoming luncheon party, bridal shower or even date night.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, you may choose to try the Sweet Cherry Vinaigrette as a marinade for chicken or pork dishes. The cherry lime combo flavors in this dressing is sure to turn up the notch on different types of foods.
Keep in mind that this dressing has enough flavor, mostly tart cherry flavor that you might not want to pair it with other big flavors such as chipotle-laden south-of-the-border dishes. Opting for something simple like grilled steak makes it shine all on its own.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made the sweet cherry salad dressing, you can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. The dressing will thicken when chilled, but you can bring it back to room temperature before serving.
You can also make this dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s a great option if you’re hosting a party or just want to save time during meal prep. If you’re making a big batch, consider freezing the extra portions in individual servings so that you can use them later.
To reheat the dressing, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Alternatively, you can place the dressing in a small saucepan over low heat and whisk until heated through.
It’s important to note that this dressing is best used within a week of making it. After that, the flavors may start to change and the texture may become grainy or unappetizing.
Overall, this sweet cherry salad dressing is a delicious addition to any salad or dish, and its long shelf life makes it an easy make-ahead option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Tips for Perfect Results
For the most flavorful and perfectly smooth Sweet Cherry Salad Dressing, follow these tips and tricks:
Firstly, make sure to use fresh cherries for the recipe. Fresh cherries not only add a delicious sweetness but also contain more natural pectin, which helps to thicken the dressing.
Secondly, be sure to pit the cherries before using them in the recipe. The last thing you want is an unsuspecting pit in your salad dressing!
Thirdly, experiment with different types of vinegar. Balsamic vinegar will give the dressing a deep sweetness, while red wine vinegar adds acidity that balances out the sweetness of the cherries.
Fourthly, use high-quality oils such as extra virgin olive oil or walnut oil for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Fifthly, don’t be afraid to adjust the amounts of lemon juice, honey, or sugar based on your preferences. Taste as you go and make adjustments until it’s just right for you.
Sixthly, if you want a smoother texture for your dressing, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any chunks or fibers.
Seventhly, if you want a thicker consistency for your dressing, add more olive oil and blend again until desired thickness is achieved.
Lastly, store your sweet cherry salad dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, giving it a good shake before each use. Enjoy this zesty and sweet dressing with your favorite salads or use it as a dipping sauce.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this sweet cherry salad dressing recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves to impress their guests with mouthwatering salads. With its delicious combination of sweet cherries, tangy vinegars, and flavorful oils, it is sure to add excitement and flavor to your salads.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also offers countless possibilities for substitutions and variations. Whether you prefer dark sweet cherries or black cherry juice, you can customize this recipe to suit your personal taste and preferences.
So don’t hesitate to give this sweet cherry salad dressing recipe a try at your next party or gathering. Your guests will surely thank you for it!
Sweet Cherry Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet cherries, pitted, with juice saved
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons walnut oil (or 2 more T extra-virgin olive oil, but the walnut oil adds a ton to the flavor, so I would use that)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (white balsamic, red wine or raspberry vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons almonds or 2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Blend everything in a food processor or blender until smooth.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!