Balsamic Grilled Cherry, Blueberry, Goat Cheese, and Candied Hazelnut Salad

Why This Balsamic Grilled Cherry and Blueberry Salad Works So Well

The smoky char from grilled cherries pairs beautifully with the creamy tang of goat cheese in this balsamic grilled cherry blueberry goat cheese candied hazelnut salad. Fresh blueberries add little bursts of sweetness, and the candied hazelnuts bring a sweet crunch. This grilled fruit salad is one of my favorite ways to use summer fruit.

3 Reasons to Make This Grilled Fruit Salad This Summer

• The warm grilled cherries contrast with cool greens and creamy goat cheese for a satisfying texture mix.
• Candied hazelnuts are simple to make and add a sweet, crunchy element that elevates the whole dish.
• It’s a healthy summer salad that feels indulgent, perfect for light lunches or backyard dinners.

Key Ingredients for This Summer Salad

• Cherries: Sweet varieties like Bing or Rainier work best. Grilling concentrates their natural sugars. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries can be grilled, but they’ll be softer.
• Goat cheese: A soft, crumbly log adds creamy tang that balances the sweet fruit. For a milder flavor, use chèvre or a spreadable goat cheese.
• Hazelnuts: Toasting and candying them gives a sweet crunch. Buy shelled hazelnuts to save time. If you have whole hazelnuts with skins, rub them in a clean kitchen towel after toasting to remove the skins.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Grilled Cherry Salad

• Baking sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment paper for candying the hazelnuts
• Grill pan or grill basket to keep cherries from falling through the grates
• Large bowl for tossing the salad
• Small bowl for mixing the brown sugar and hot water

Tips for Perfectly Candied Hazelnuts and Grilled Cherries

When candying the hazelnuts, keep a close eye on them in the oven. The sugar can go from golden to burnt in under a minute, so check at the 12-minute mark. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before chopping, or they’ll be sticky and hard to break apart.

For the cherries, a grill pan is your best friend. It keeps the fruit from slipping through the grates while still giving you those nice char marks. Toss them in the balsamic dressing before grilling to add flavor and help them caramelize. Use a spatula to turn them gently so they don’t break apart.

Easy Variations on This Balsamic Fruit Salad

If cherries aren’t in season, try grilled peaches or nectarines instead. They bring a similar sweetness and hold up well on the grill. For a different cheese, crumbled feta works nicely in place of goat cheese, adding a saltier bite. To turn this into a main dish, top with sliced grilled chicken. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and add diced avocado for creaminess. You can also swap the hazelnuts for pecans or walnuts if that’s what you have on hand.

What to Serve with This Blueberry Goat Cheese Salad

This salad makes a great light lunch on its own, especially with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. The smoky, tangy flavors also pair well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé.

How to Store Leftover Salad Components

This salad is best assembled just before serving, but you can prep the components ahead. Store the mixed greens in a sealed bag in the fridge with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Keep the grilled cherries and blueberries together in a covered container. Candied hazelnuts should go in an airtight container at room temperature. Greens will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, the fruit for 3 to 4 days, and the hazelnuts for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Balsamic Salad