Cherry Chicken Smoked Cheese Salad with a simple and light dressing is the perfect dish to enjoy the cherry season!
This post was originally published in July 2015. I have taken and uploaded new photos and improved the recipe while the blog post itself remains the same.
Hello, friends!
It’s been a while since I posted the salad recipe. It was…July, 8. Wow. Shame on me! But believe me, I’ve got a lot of nice salad ideas to share with you. What I haven’t got, it’s time. And probably, a personal secretary to manage all publishing work:)
Anyway, I hope you’ve missed my salads, haven’t you? Okay, don’t lie. I know you have.
And I’m kind of hoping you are still having sweet cherries in your grocery stores. Because I’ve got a feeling you’re going to run into your kitchen to make this delicious Cherry Chicken Smoked Cheese Salad. Am I being delusional?
To say that I like sweet cherries is basically not to say anything. Cherries are the most favourite summer thing for me. And watermelons. And peaches. Sure nectarines too. Apricots, of course.
Okay, I acknowledge I’ve got pretty much favourite summer food. But cherries are still on top of that.
That’s why for the last few years I’ve been incorporating cherries in summer salads at least once every year! Cherries are beautifully paired with many things. Since they’re succulent and sweet, you don’t need any dressings. I usually use a humble drizzle of oil and vinegar, for acidity. I used to use regular mozzarella, but last year I combined the salad with smoked mozzarella, and that perfectly worked!
Indeed, could be wrong in that combo, right? Tender chicken, juicy cherries, smoked cheese, nuts, and some peppery arugula? Perfection! Oh, not to mention some beautiful comestible flowers, but sure they’re optional.
Well, I think I should wrap it up because you may need to run to a supermarket to grab some cherries. And don’t forget about smoked mozzarella because it makes the difference too.
But before you leave, there’s one question, guys. What’s your favourite summer fruit or berry? Do you incorporate any summer fruit in savoury salads? Have you already tried this salad? :) Ouch. Sorry for more that one question.
Cherry Chicken Smoked Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken breast, thickly sliced
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- a pinch of salt and black pepper
- a pinch of smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp. dried herbs (such as Italian seasonings)
- 2 cups cherries, pitted
- about 2 cups of green salad such as arugula, spinach or mix
- 1/3 cup grated smoked cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- a little drizzle of balsamic or wine vinegar (optional)
- a drizzle of olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the butter and olive oil in a pan, over high medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until no longer pink.
- Reduce heat. Season with the rosemary, salt, paprika, and pepper. Cover and continue cooking for about 7 minutes or until cooked and soft. If the pan gets too dry, add 1 tbsp. of water. Off heat and let it cool a little. Slice thinly if desired.
- In a bowl mix the cherries with salad and drizzle with oil and balsamic, if desired. Arrange between plates and sprinkle with the cheese and walnuts.
- Enjoy!
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
Your photos are beautiful! That’s what drew me into your site. I have never tried cherries on a salad before…but it looks divine. I LOVE nectarines or from-the-garden cherry tomatoes.
Sarisa
Sarisa Trew recently posted…Rainy Daytrip in Seattle
All these yummy flavors in one bowl! I can’t stand it!! Easy and light recipes are what I like during summer so trying this one for sure :)
karrie @ Tasty Ever After recently posted…Paleo Pickled Eggs with Fresh Beets
Thanks, Karrie!
I HAVE missed your salads (and your donuts, come to think about it!)! But this is one heck of a way to get back on the salad track! Love the combination of flavors, Ben! My favorite summer fruit is strawberries and peaches… since you asked :) I love cherries, but I hate the whole removing the pit debacle. I’m lazy. Oh, and yes to fruit in salads. Yes.yes.YES!! Happy weekend!!! ♡
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Slow Cooker Strawberry, Jalapeno & Rum Chicken Lettuce Wraps {with Quinoa, Goat Cheese, Almonds & Strawberry Salsa}
THANK you, Cheyanne! But sorry to say, I’m not going to have any donuts in the nearest future.
This looks like a fantastic combination of flavors… love the smoked mozzarella. Cherries are one of my favorite fruits, dried or fresh and with the walnuts to top it all off I’d eat this in a heartbeat!
KevinIsCooking recently posted…Forbidden City Chinese Meat Pies with Scallion Ginger Cilantro Butter
Thaaaaaanks, Kevin!
Oh! SO glad to see your another super hit salad recipe, Ben! This is just so gorgeous! —almost too good to be true! :) Your favorite lavender is making this salad more inviting! I think, I am obsessed with LAVENDER now! :) Beautifully crafted and presented salad! Loved it, Ben! Have an awesome weekend! :)
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen recently posted…Mascarpone Cream Cheese Chocolate Mousse Cups
Thanks, Anu! But there’s no lavender in here indeed. But I’ve been thinking of adding it too!
Such a delicious looking salad and those flowers make it way too pretty!! Love the way you photographed this salad :)
Ami@NaiveCookCooks recently posted…Melon Spinach Salad With Prosciutto Chips
Thank you, Ami!
This is probably the prettiest salad that I have ever seen – gorgeous pictures! And smoked mozzarella?? how have I never heard of that before? I am so trying this!
Sarah recently posted…Power House Salmon Salad
Thanks a lot, Sarah! P.S. Your comment got in spam so it took time to reply you:)
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Gooseberry Mint Ice Cream
Yet another beautiful salad, Ben! Using smoked mozzarella is a fantastic idea! And I have never used cherries in a salad, but it looks like that is going to change. I can almost taste how fantastic this salad is! My favorite fruit is watermelon—I can eat it until I burst.
Thao @ In Good Flavor recently posted…Apricot Cream Cheese Dip with Bacon and Pecans
Thanks a lot, Thao! Smoked mozzarella is a great thing in cooking. I recently used it in pizza, and it was fabulous:)
First off – I can’t even handle how beautiful this post is! My eyes are dancin’! And this salad sounds amazing!! Cherries and smoked mozzarella? Love it! PS) I wanted to tell you that I had a pluot gallette with lavender sweet cream the other night and I absolutely LOVED the sweet cream!! My first experience tasting lavender – it was splendid!
annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce with Butter and Onion
Thank you very much, Annie! Not a big deal, though. Just throw some flowers around, and you’ve got quite a pretty picture:) But wait….lavender!!! Such an event! I should write it down:)
cherries and smoked mozza what a great Idea! nicely done! Ben..
petitgourmetsd recently posted…Duck confit ravioli
Thanks, Gaila! Hope you’re enjoying your summer!
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Nectarine Salad with Wine Dressing
It looks as though we’re both into putting cherries in salads! :) Haha! Well, great minds do put the same fruits in salads, right? I love how you used the smoked mozzarella in it! It really brings home the smoky grill flavor that is so perfect for summer! Yum! Thanks for sharing! :D
Kennedy Cole| KCole’s Creative Corner recently posted…Broccoli Pasta Salad with Dijon Lemon Roasted Tomatoes
Smoked mozzarella does work great indeed in cooking! Thanks a lot!
I just used some dried cherries in a grilled recipe, Ben…and it turned out great. Now I see your cherry + smoked mozz idea. I love it! But if I was making this recipe, I’d have to add lavender and double the amount of edible flowers. This salad looks awesome!!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
Leave dry cherries for winter, David! Grab some fresh now:) Thanks a lot!
Ben Maclain|Havocinthekitchen recently posted…Nectarine Salad with Wine Dressing