My #1 favorite healthy & hearty fall salad with butternut squash, tart cherries and a savory apple cider sage dressing. Gluten free.
My mom loves to clip articles. Newspaper clippings, magazine clippings, stories, recipes – sometimes they come in the mail, sometimes she saves them up for a visit. A couple of years ago she brought me a recipe for a couscous salad clipped from Edible Michiana that was similar to this one. We made it, loved it… then later I lost it. But I could never get this sweet & savory flavor combo out of my mind so I’ve been making versions of it ever since.
The original recipe used couscous but I used quinoa here because it’s the grain I usually have on hand. I tossed it with roasted butternut squash, feta cheese and dried tart cherries for a sweet & tangy pop of flavor. They perfectly balance the warm, savory flavors that are going on here.
While the butternut squash is roasting in the oven, make your dressing. I slightly warm some olive oil and mix in apple cider vinegar, sage, honey and cinnamon. I promise – once you toss the sage in, your kitchen will instantly smell like fall… it’s just so warm and cozy.
recipe inspired by this recipe from Edible Michiana.
I LOVE thinking about how to incorporate cherries (and other dried fruits) in SAVORY dishes!
I would put tart cherries on top of brie and bake it! And then enjoy with a glass of wine.
Dried tart cherries are awesome in homemade granola!
I love tart cherries in scones, oatmeal cookies, or eaten straight out of the bag alongside chocolate chips
I would love to try a tart cherry salsa!
Tart cherries and anything chocolate. Black Forest Cake!
I love tart cherries and pecans in my morning oatmeal, yummy!
salad sounds good. might try it with sweet potatoes too.
tart cherry oatmeal
plain oatmeal
handful of tart cherries
splash of vanilla
dash of cinnamon
a little honey
with milk
mix and warm up…can also add in some nuts
or I would make a sauce for pork with tart cherries, plums, balsamic vinegar and honey
or a syrup for some cherry pancakes with sugar/water/tart cherries/lemon juice
Loving the idea of a tart cherry and vanilla ice cream, with nice gooey swirls of cherry.
This recipe looks scrumptious!
My idea for a recipe including tart cherries are scones made with chia seeds and tart cherries.
I don’t have much experience working with tart cherries, but here’s an idea: Tart cherries with dark chocolate and almonds in a base of vanilla bean ice-cream!
I love a good smoothie- A Tart Cherry Berry smoothie sounds delicious! Tart Cherries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yogurt, Vanilla and Honey. YUMMM
I have the best memories of my grandmother making tart cherry pie during the cherry festival in northern Michigan. Cherries found their way into everything. I think a dreamy concoction would include the best products of summer: cherry, peach and rosemary cobbler served warm in ramekins. Or leave out the rosemary and top with honey lavender ice cream!
tart cherries, couscous, toasted slivered almonds, and watercress with a citrus dressing
Super yummy recipe!!! I make something similar to your beautiful recipe and use it as a stuffing for all differerent kinds of squash. I saw a River Cottage yesterday, and a lovely fresh cranberry focaccia was made. I think subbing in tart cherries would be amazing!!!!
There are a lot of good ideas for recipes in these comments! Way to go!
Someone’s already kind of mentioned an idea I had….except i’d do a Brie en Croute, with tart cherries, and walnuts inside, served with fresh cut french bread. Or do a crostini topped with caramelized onions, melted brie, and a tart cherry relish as appetizers! *salivating*
Love your blog, btw. Great ideas!
I love all your quinoa salad recipes! So healthy and easy to make. My favorite thing I’ve made with tart cherries was a cherry & goat cheese galette, although those were fresh cherries of course. For the dried ones I’d probably do something like a tart cherry & pistachio scone.
thanks! I really love quinoa, in case you hadn’t noticed 🙂
I would make a tart cherry and lime sorbet with a little basil for an herbal kick. Or I might pickle the cherries with vanilla, peppercorn, and star anise to use in cocktails or on charcuterie plates!
I’m thinking some type of sauce for meringues.
I think I’d like to try making roasted sweet potatoes topped with goat cheese and tart cherries and sage.