10 Healthy Cherry Recipes Perfect for Right Now

Cherries are in season, so it’s the perfect time to grab a bag at the grocery store or farmers market and add them to, well, everything. Along with being pretty, juicy, and delicious, cherries are loaded with good nutrition. Their bright color means they’re full of anthocyanins, powerful compounds that help fight heart disease, cancer, cognitive disease, and more. Plus, cherries enhance all kinds of dishes, both sweet and savory. We gathered 10 cherry recipes for all kinds of meals and snacks, so you can get the most out of this seasonal fruit right now.

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1. Cherry Salad with Feta and Walnuts

If you’re looking for a light lunch, or a flavorful side for dinner off the grill, this recipe is for you. Combine fresh cherries with sweet onion, salty feta, crunchy walnuts, and fresh greens, toss with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, and you have a perfect summer salad. Swap goat or blue cheese for the feta, if you like.

Try this recipe from An Oregon Cottage.

2. Healthy Cherry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt

Fresh cherries add a pop of color and sweetness, and roasted sunflower seeds add saltiness and crunch to this chicken salad, made creamy with Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Enjoy it in a wrap, on toasted whole-grain bread, with crackers, or on top of a bed of greens.

Try this recipe from Breathe Sweat Eat.

3. Cherry Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

Chicken breast gets all the attention, but pork tenderloin is another tasty, neutrally flavored, lean protein that’s perfect for busy weeknights. And as far as savory cherry recipes go, this one is bound to become a favorite. Marinate the pork in a mix of cherries, Dijon, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme, then grill the pork. Cook some reserved marinade into a sauce, pour it over the pork, and get ready for a restaurant-worthy meal, all in just 30 minutes.

Try this recipe from Give it Some Thyme.

4. Cherry Salsa

You can put mango in salsa, and pineapple, and even strawberries, so why not cherries? Combine them with shallot, jalapeno, lime juice, and cilantro, then grab the chips and watch your salsa disappear. It’s also a great twist for topping tacos or grilled steak.

Try this recipe from Eat Love Eats.

5. Cherry Pistachio Mint Quinoa Salad

A protein-rich grain salad made with quinoa is a summer staple, and this one, with cherries, pistachios, fresh mint, and arugula, will be a show-stopper at your next potluck. Enjoy it as is, or top it with grilled chicken.

Try this recipe from Simple Veganista.

6. Cherry Chocolate Chia Pudding

Chia pudding is one of the tastiest ways to boost your fiber intake — and it’s especially delicious when you add cherries and chocolate. As indulgent as this is among cherry recipes, it’s still healthy enough to eat for breakfast, since it’s made without refined sugar. Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make it even more satisfying.

Try this recipe from Savory Spin.

7. Homemade Ricotta Toast with Cherries

This recipe couldn’t be simpler, yet it feels like a gourmet treat. Toast sourdough bread, top it with ricotta, lightly mashed cherries, and crunchy walnuts, drizzle with honey, and it’s done. Add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you want to take it over the top.

Try this recipe from Chef Sous Chef.

8. Cherry Coconut Popsicles

Nothing makes a hot day more bearable than a popsicle, and these, which combine cherries with coconut milk, vanilla, and a little maple syrup, are low in sugar and super refreshing. It wouldn’t be wrong to drizzle them with dark chocolate, if you felt like it.

Try this recipe from Resplendent Kitchen.

9. Healthy Cherry Pie Oatmeal Bars

Enjoy the flavors of cherry pie without fussing with a rolling pin thanks to this recipe. You make the crust and topping with oats and whole wheat flour, with maple syrup and cinnamon for sweetness, so this indulgent treat also happens to be good for you. Take them to a picnic, and if there are leftovers, have one for breakfast with some plain Greek yogurt. 

Try this recipe from Erin Lives Whole.

10. Almond Cherry Smoothie

No collection of cherry recipes would be complete without a smoothie. This pretty and nutrient-dense one features spinach, banana, and almond milk, so it’s wholesome and satisfying. Add vanilla protein powder and some ground flaxseed to boost the nutrition even more.

Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

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