I absolutely love fresh cherries and because they have such a short season I find myself wanting to eat them any way I can. Including savoring them a light, refreshing salad that’s easy, healthy, ready in 30 minutes, and packed with texture and flavors galore. Tender yet chewy quinoa is mixed with lightly caramelized sweet yellow onions and fresh green onions to boost the savory flavor while the juicy cherries and crisp sugar snap peas add sweeter notes. I love salty-and-sweet desserts so why not do the same with my salads. Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice really brighten up the dish up and perfectly complement the various veggies and cherries while goat cheese adds a tangy loveliness.
I used a honey chèvre that was perfect but your favorite goat (or feta, gorgonzola, or sharp cheddar) will all work. If you want the goat cheese to stay more intact rather than melting into the quinoa (delicious but not as visually striking), wait for the quinoa to cool before adding the cheese. I finished the salad with mint and it adds the perfect summery fresh touch. Or if basil is exploding in your garden, it also works well. If you want to make the salad but cannot find fresh cherries, go ahead and use red grapes or possible even frozen cherries instead. The salad is great right away but it’s a perfect make-ahead recipe because it can be served either warm or cold. It’s a great salad for lunch boxes, picnics, potlucks, and parties. It’s accidentally gluten-free and vegetarian or vegan (omit the cheese).
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