Bright, juicy cherries pair beautifully with salty, paper-thin prosciutto in this fast, elegant salad. Peppery arugula provides a vibrant base, while creamy goat cheese and toasted almonds add rich contrast. A honey-balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together with sweet-tart depth,perfect for spring lunches, light dinners, or a stunning side at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory Harmony: Ripe cherries and salty prosciutto create a flavor pairing you’ll crave.
- Textural Contrast: Peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy almonds deliver satisfying variety.
- Quick Assembly: Ready in 10 minutes, no cooking required.
- Showstopper Appeal: A riot of color and flavors that looks as good on the table as it tastes.
Equipment Needed
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl or jar (for vinaigrette)
- Whisk or fork
- Salad tongs or serving spoons
- Knife & cutting board
Timings & Servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Yields: 4 servings (as a side) or 2–3 servings (as a light main)
Nutritional Information (per serving as a side)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups (4 oz) baby arugula
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 4 oz prosciutto, torn into bite-size strips
- 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled (about ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt & freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the Almonds (Optional, 2 minutes):
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds, shaking pan until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the Vinaigrette (2 minutes):
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad (3 minutes):
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherries, and prosciutto strips.
- Dress & Finish (3 minutes):
- Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
- Sprinkle goat cheese and toasted almonds on top.
- Drizzle remaining vinaigrette if desired. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Cherry Swap: If cherries aren’t in season, substitute halved strawberries or stone fruits like apricot or peach.
- Nut Alternatives: Walnuts or pistachios work beautifully in place of almonds.
- Greens Variations: Mix in baby spinach or mâche for a milder base.
- Make-Ahead: Prep cherries and vinaigrette up to 2 hours ahead; keep prosciutto and cheese separate until just before serving to maintain texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another cured meat?
Yes—thinly sliced Serrano ham or jamón ibérico are excellent prosciutto alternatives. - How do I pit cherries quickly?
Use a paper-clip or a cherry pitter tool to push the pit out from the stem end. - Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes—just double-check that your mustard and vinegar contain no hidden gluten.
Enjoy this quick, elegant Cherry & Prosciutto Arugula Salad where sweet fruit, savory ham, and tangy dressing unite in every forkful!
Cherry & Prosciutto Arugula Salad with Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Bright, juicy cherries pair beautifully with salty, paper-thin prosciutto in this fast, elegant salad. Peppery arugula provides a vibrant base, while creamy goat cheese and toasted almonds add rich contrast. A honey-balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together with sweet-tart depth,perfect for spring lunches, light dinners, or a stunning side at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
Toast the Almonds (Optional, 2 minutes):
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds, shaking pan until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Make the Vinaigrette (2 minutes):
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad (3 minutes):
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherries, and prosciutto strips.
Dress & Finish (3 minutes):
- Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
- Sprinkle goat cheese and toasted almonds on top.
- Drizzle remaining vinaigrette if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Pro Tips
- Cherry Swap: If cherries aren’t in season, substitute halved strawberries or stone fruits like apricot or peach.
- Nut Alternatives: Walnuts or pistachios work beautifully in place of almonds.
- Greens Variations: Mix in baby spinach or mâche for a milder base.
- Make-Ahead: Prep cherries and vinaigrette up to 2 hours ahead; keep prosciutto and cheese separate until just before serving to maintain texture.
- Can I use another cured meat?
Yes—thinly sliced Serrano ham or jamón ibérico are excellent prosciutto alternatives. - How do I pit cherries quickly?
Use a paper-clip or a cherry pitter tool to push the pit out from the stem end. - Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes—just double-check that your mustard and vinegar contain no hidden gluten.
