Cherry & Prosciutto Arugula Salad with Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette

cherry and prosciutto salad 18

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.
cherry and prosciutto salad 25

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)
cherry and prosciutto salad 11

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Assemble the Salad (3 minutes):
    • In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherries, and prosciutto strips.
  4. 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.
cherry and prosciutto salad 16

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use another cured meat?
    Yes—thinly sliced Serrano ham or jamón ibérico are excellent prosciutto alternatives.
  2. How do I pit cherries quickly?
    Use a paper-clip or a cherry pitter tool to push the pit out from the stem end.
  3. 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 and prosciutto salad 18
Ella Cooks

Cherry & Prosciutto Arugula Salad with Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Be the first to rate this recipe!
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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Salad
Calories: 220

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
  • tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of salt & freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small bowl or jar (for vinaigrette)
  • Whisk or fork
  • Salad tongs or serving spoons
  • Knife & cutting board

Method
 

Instructions
    Toast the Almonds (Optional, 2 minutes):
    1. 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):
    1. 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):
    1. In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherries, and prosciutto strips.
    Dress & Finish (3 minutes):
    1. Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
      cherry and prosciutto salad 17
    2. Sprinkle goat cheese and toasted almonds on top.
    3. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette if desired. Serve immediately.
      cherry and prosciutto salad 11

    Nutrition

    Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSodium: 420mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g

    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.
    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.

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    Let us know how it was!

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