We’ve got a real gem in our Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad, a fresh twist on a classic that’s straight from the heart of cherry country. Drawing from Michigan’s bountiful orchards this vibrant dish combines juicy tart cherries with tender chicken for a burst of flavor that’ll brighten any meal.
It’s perfect for quick lunches or summer gatherings and we’re confident you’ll love how easy it is to whip up. Our recipe highlights simple ingredients that pack a nutritious punch making it a go-to favorite in our kitchen.
Ingredients
In our Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of Michigan’s orchards and deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. Below, we list them in the order they’re typically prepared and assembled, with specific prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- 2 cups fresh Michigan cherries, pitted and halved – for a tart, juicy burst that forms the salad’s vibrant base.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and diced – ensure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for tender, protein-packed bites.
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula and spinach), washed and dried – provides a crisp, nutrient-rich foundation we layer next.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced and soaked in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the sharpness.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, for a creamy, tangy contrast that enhances the cherries’ sweetness.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes until golden – adds a nutty crunch we incorporate just before serving.
- 1/4 cup olive oil, extra-virgin for the dressing – whisked with other elements to create a light, flavorful vinaigrette.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, for the dressing – balances acidity and complements the cherries’ tartness.
- 1 tablespoon honey, to sweeten the dressing naturally and tie in the fruit’s flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – season the chicken and dressing for a well-rounded finish.
Instructions
Now that we have our fresh ingredients gathered, including those vibrant Michigan cherries and tender chicken breasts, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to craft our Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad. Our process ensures a flavorful, nutritious dish that’s perfect for quick meals.
Prep the Ingredients
First, we start by preparing our key components to maximize their fresh flavors and textures. Begin with the Michigan cherries: pit and halve 2 cups of them, ensuring each piece releases its juicy, tart sweetness for a burst of orchard-fresh taste. Next, rinse and dry 4 cups of mixed salad greens, then thinly slice 1 small red onion—aim for about 1/2 cup—to add a crisp, pungent crunch.
For the remaining elements, toast 1/2 cup of sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning; this enhances their nutty aroma. Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast. Finally, whisk together the vinaigrette: in a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste for a light, harmonious dressing that ties everything together.
Cook the Chicken
We move on to cooking the chicken to achieve that perfectly tender, juicy texture that pairs beautifully with the salad’s fresh elements. Start by seasoning 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for added depth.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat—about 400°F—and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping once for even charring that locks in moisture and flavor. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board, let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices, then dice it into 1/2-inch pieces for easy incorporation into the salad.
Assemble the Salad
With everything prepped, we bring our Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad to life by layering flavors and textures for a vibrant, satisfying dish. In a large bowl, start with the 4 cups of mixed greens as the base, then add the diced chicken, halved Michigan cherries, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds, tossing gently to distribute evenly and create a colorful, textural medley.
Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the top—about 1/4 cup—to coat everything lightly, then mix until each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and savory notes from the cherries’ juiciness, chicken’s tenderness, and almonds’ crunch. Serve immediately for the freshest experience, portioning into bowls to highlight the salad’s bright appeal as a nutritious, crowd-pleasing option.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad efficiently, we rely on a few essential tools that streamline the process from pitting cherries to assembling the final dish. These items ensure precision and ease, allowing us to focus on the fresh flavors of Michigan’s tart cherries and grilled chicken.
Must-Have Tools
We recommend the following tools based on the recipe’s steps. Using the right equipment not only saves time but also enhances safety and presentation:
- Cherry Pitter: Essential for quickly and cleanly pitting 2 cups of Michigan cherries without bruising the fruit, ensuring each halve is perfectly prepared for the salad.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp chef’s knife paired with a sturdy cutting board is crucial for dicing 1 pound of grilled chicken breasts and thinly slicing red onion, promoting uniform pieces that blend seamlessly in the salad.
- Grill or Grill Pan: For achieving tender, flavorful chicken, we use a grill or grill pan to cook the chicken to perfection, imparting that smoky essence that complements the cherries.
- Baking Sheet or Toaster Oven: Ideal for toasting sliced almonds, this tool helps create a nutty crunch that adds texture to our salad—simply spread the almonds on the sheet and toast until golden.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in our vinaigrette, so we use these for measuring extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey precisely, ensuring a balanced dressing every time.
- Mixing Bowls (Set of 2-3): Versatile for whisking the vinaigrette and tossing salad greens, these bowls keep ingredients organized during assembly.
- Whisk: A reliable whisk is indispensable for emulsifying the vinaigrette, combining oil, vinegar, and honey into a smooth, light dressing that elevates the dish.
- Salad Spinner or Colander: We use this to rinse and dry 4 cups of mixed salad greens thoroughly, removing excess moisture to prevent a soggy salad.
With these tools in hand, we can execute the recipe steps with confidence, making our Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad a breeze to prepare.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad even more convenient for busy days, we can prepare several components in advance without compromising its fresh, vibrant flavors. This approach saves time while preserving the juicy tartness of the cherries and the tender texture of the chicken. Let’s break down the key steps for efficient make-ahead preparation.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We recommend prepping the following elements up to 24 hours in advance to maintain optimal freshness:
- Chicken: Grill and dice 1 pound of chicken breasts as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. Once cooled, store the diced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the meat moist and ready to use, ensuring it retains its savory, grilled essence.
- Cherries: Pit and halve 2 cups of Michigan cherries. Place them in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, then refrigerate. This step prevents oxidation and keeps the cherries plump and tangy for up to a day.
- Nuts and Onions: Toast 1/2 cup of sliced almonds until golden and fragrant, then let them cool completely before storing in an airtight jar at room temperature. Thinly slice 1/2 red onion and submerge it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness; drain and store in the fridge to add a crisp, mild crunch when needed.
- Vinaigrette: Whisk together the dressing using 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey. Transfer to a jar and shake well before refrigerating. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a more robust, tangy-sweet profile that enhances the salad’s overall appeal.
Storage and Assembly Tips
For the best results, we advise against fully assembling the salad ahead of time to avoid wilting the 4 cups of mixed salad greens. Instead, store greens separately in a salad spinner or breathable bag in the refrigerator to keep them crisp and vibrant.
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diced Chicken | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Retains tenderness and flavor for quick integration |
| Halved Cherries | Up to 24 hours | Sealed container with paper towel in fridge | Preserves juiciness and prevents browning |
| Toasted Almonds | Up to 48 hours | Airtight jar at room temperature | Maintains crunch and nutty aroma |
| Vinaigrette | Up to 48 hours | Jar in fridge | Enhances taste through flavor infusion |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad comes together effortlessly, delivering a refreshing burst of orchard-fresh goodness whenever you need it.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad with us. It’s a recipe that brings orchard-fresh vibrancy to our everyday meals, blending ease with bold flavors that keep us coming back.
By incorporating it into our routines, we’ll enjoy nutritious, crowd-pleasing dishes that celebrate Michigan’s best. Give it a try and let it elevate your next gathering—it’s sure to become one of our favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad?
Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish inspired by Michigan’s cherry orchards. It combines juicy tart cherries with grilled chicken, mixed greens, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted almonds, tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. Ideal for quick lunches or summer gatherings, it’s nutritious and easy to prepare, offering a burst of orchard-fresh flavors.
What ingredients are needed for Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad?
The main ingredients include 2 cups of pitted and halved Michigan cherries, 1 pound of grilled and diced chicken breasts, 4 cups of mixed salad greens, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, toasted sliced almonds, and a vinaigrette made from extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. These simple, high-quality components ensure a delicious, nutritious salad.
How do you make Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad?
Start by prepping ingredients: pit and halve cherries, rinse greens, and toast almonds. Grill seasoned chicken breasts until done, then dice. Assemble by layering greens, cherries, chicken, onion, feta, and almonds in a bowl. Drizzle with a vinaigrette of oil, vinegar, and honey, and toss gently. The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes for a fresh, colorful meal.
What tools and equipment are required for this recipe?
You’ll need a cherry pitter for cherries, a chef’s knife and cutting board for dicing chicken and slicing onions, a grill or grill pan for cooking chicken, a baking sheet or toaster oven for toasting almonds, measuring cups and spoons for the vinaigrette, mixing bowls for combining ingredients, and a salad spinner or colander for greens. These tools make preparation straightforward.
Can I prepare Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep components like grilling and dicing chicken, pitting cherries, toasting almonds, and making vinaigrette up to 24-48 hours ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness. Avoid assembling the full salad until serving to keep greens crisp and prevent wilting, ensuring easy, high-quality meals on busy days.