7 Healthy Cherry Recipes Whether You Like Them Sweet or Savory
By By Kelly Kennedy, RDN, LDN. Medically Reviewed by Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES,
12 days agoAdobe Stock (2)
Sweet cherries make a great snack, but are also an incredibly versatile fruit that can be used in savory dishes as well as sweet desserts. Here are seven recipes that can put the cherry on top of your healthy diet today.
1Cherry Fruit Leather
Fresh fruit can go bad quickly, but fruit leathers are a great option when you need an on-the-go snack that won't spoil, and surprisingly easy to DIY. You can make this cherry fruit leather year-round using frozen fruit, which is picked at the peak of its ripeness.
SERVES
16
CALORIES PER SERVING
40
AUTHOR
Kelly Kennedy, RDNREVIEWED BY
Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCESPREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
5 hr 10 minTOTAL TIME
5 hr 15 minIngredients
4 cups frozen cherries ¼ cup honeyDirections
1Preheat oven to 170 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat and set aside.
2Place cherries in a medium saucepan with ¼ cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook until cherries begin to break down, about 10 minutes.
3Carefully transfer mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
4Pour evenly over prepared baking sheet and spread with a spatula until an even layer is formed. Bake until just slightly tacky to the touch, about 5 hours.
5Cool completely, then cut into 16 even strips or squares. Roll up and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. These will be good for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size 1 piece
calories
40total fat
0gsaturated fat
0gprotein
0gcarbohydrates
11gfiber
0.8gsugar
9.3gadded sugar
4.3gsodium
0mgTAGS:
Diabetes-Friendly , Heart-Healthy , Gluten-free , Vegetarian , Low-Sodium , Low-Calorie , Family-Friendly , SnackRate recipe
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2Cherry, Almond, and Goat Cheese Salad
Cherries are one of the most delicious treats that summer has to offer, and make a great salad topper, because their sweetness is balanced by tangy goat cheese and salty almonds. Cherries are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant and has been linked to improved immunity, collagen synthesis, and wound healing.
contains Tree Nuts , DairySERVES
4
CALORIES PER SERVING
275
AUTHOR
Kelly Kennedy, RDNREVIEWED BY
Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCESPREP TIME
10 minTOTAL TIME
10 minIngredients
8 cups dark green lettuce of your choice 3 cups fresh bing and/or Rainier cherries, halved and pitted ¼ cup sliced almonds ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp pure maple syrup ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp ground black pepperDirections
1Evenly divide lettuce, cherries, almonds, and goat cheese among 4 serving bowls.
2In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over salads just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size 3 cups
calories
275total fat
16gsaturated fat
3.5gprotein
4gcarbohydrates
26gfiber
3.2gsugar
20.5gadded sugar
3gsodium
181mgTAGS:
Tree Nuts , Dairy , Diabetes-Friendly , Heart-Healthy , Mediterranean , Gluten-Free , Vegetarian , Anti-Inflammatory , Quick & Easy , Lunch , Dinner , Psoriasis-Friendly , Eczema-Friendly , GERD-Friendly , Cancer Prevention , ADHD-Friendly , Depression-Friendly , Anxiety-FriendlyRate recipe
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3Balsamic Roasted Cherry Crostini
Roasting cherries is a simple step that takes this appetizer to the next level. Heat caramelizes the fruit's natural sugars for a more robust flavor that is less sweet and more savory, especially when dressed with balsamic vinegar. Paired with camembert cheese and fresh herbs, it's the perfect topper for slices of whole grain bread.
contains Wheat , DairySERVES
8
CALORIES PER SERVING
193
AUTHOR
Kelly Kennedy, RDNREVIEWED BY
Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCESPREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
15 minTOTAL TIME
20 minIngredients
1 baguette, preferably whole-wheat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3 cups fresh cherries, halved and pitted 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup 6 tbsp camembert cheese 2 tbsp fresh oregano, roughly choppedDirections
1Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2Slice the baguette into 16 even pieces. Lightly brush the side of each slice with olive oil and place on baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through. Transfer to a plate.
3Add cherries to the same baking sheet. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey and stir to coat. Roast until cherries have softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4Spread camembert cheese evenly on one side of each bread slice. Top each with roasted cherries and a sprinkle of oregano.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size 2 crostini
calories
193total fat
7gsaturated fat
2.3gprotein
6gcarbohydrates
27gfiber
1.2gsugar
10.5gadded sugar
2.2gsodium
255mgTAGS:
Wheat , Dairy , Mediterranean , Vegetarian , Family-Friendly , Quick & Easy , AppetizerRate recipe
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4Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Cherry Sauce
Pork chops make for a quick and easy dinner with lean protein at its center. A simple cherry sauce takes only minutes to make, while adding flavor and valuable nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
SERVES
4
CALORIES PER SERVING
328
AUTHOR
Kelly Kennedy, RDNREVIEWED BY
Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCESPREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
15 minTOTAL TIME
20 minIngredients
4 bone-in pork chops ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp ground black pepper 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, halved and pitted 1 tsp fresh thymeDirections
1Season pork chops with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2Place a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add vegetable oil and carefully place pork chops in pan. Cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip pork chops and cook until browned and internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, about 3 to 5 minutes more. Transfer pork chops to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3To the same skillet, add cherries, 1 cup of water, and thyme. Cook over medium-low heat until cherries are softened and sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Serve over pork chops.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size 1 pork chop + sauce
calories
328total fat
19gsaturated fat
4.8gprotein
27gcarbohydrates
13gfiber
1.7gsugar
9.9gadded sugar
0gsodium
83mgTAGS:
Diabetes-Friendly , Gluten-free , High-Protein , Family-Friendly , Quick & Easy , DinnerRate recipe
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5Cherry Pie Smoothie
Although fresh cherries are only in season during summer months, frozen, canned, or jarred work, too. Cherries have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Nutrients , and are a natural source of melatonin, a compound that aids sleep. (Tart cherries are highest in melatonin but sweet cherries have it as well.) Riced cauliflower may seem like an odd addition, but its taste is easily masked and it gives this smoothie a creamy body and bonus vitamin C, while adding a serving of vegetables to the mix.
contains DairySERVES
2
CALORIES PER SERVING
264
AUTHOR
Roxana Ehsani, RD, CSSD, LDNPREP TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
5 minIngredients
2 cups plain, low-fat kefir or plain yogurt 2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen ½ cup riced cauliflower, fresh or frozen ½ cup tart cherry juice 2 tbsp chia seeds 1 tsp vanilla Grated dark chocolate, topping (optional)Directions
1Add all ingredients to a blender and mix on high until completely smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.
2Divide between 2 glasses, and top with grated dark chocolate, if using.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size 1 ½ cups
calories
264total fat
6gsaturated fat
1.9gprotein
15gcarbohydrates
38gfiber
4.1gsugar
20gadded sugar
0.3gsodium
155mgTAGS:
Dairy , Heart-Healthy , Mediterranean , Gluten-free , Vegetarian , Anti-Inflammatory , Quick & Easy , Snack , BeverageRate recipe
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6Chocolate Oatmeal With Cherry Sauce
This spin on morning oats delivers a chocolate fix first thing. Try soaking steel-cut oats overnight to slash their cook time. Research suggests blood sugar and insulin responses are better after eating intact oat kernels, like steel-cut oats, than after eating instant oats. This dish is filling and packed with nutrition. For example, the cherries lend vitamin C, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) , which may protect against chronic disease, the National Institutes of Health notes.
SERVES
4
CALORIES PER SERVING
387
AUTHOR
Matthew Kadey, RDREVIEWED BY
Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCESPREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
15 minTOTAL TIME
20 minIngredients
1 cup steel-cut oats or 1½ cups old-fashioned oats* 1 tsp ground cinnamon, divided ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ⅛ tsp salt 2 cups pitted frozen cherries 2 tsp honey Zest of 1 lemon ¼ tsp almond extract (optional) 2 tsp cornstarch ⅓ cup low-fat or plain dairy-free milk 2 oz dark chocolate, about 70 percent cocoa, chopped ⅓ cup chopped walnutsDirections
1Place oats, ½ tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium-sized saucepan. Add 3 cups water. Bring to a slight boil, immediately turn off heat, and let oats soak overnight, covered.
2To make the cherry sauce, in a small saucepan, bring cherries, honey, remaining cinnamon, lemon zest, and ½ cup water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cherries start to break down, about 5 minutes. Smash about half of the cherries with the back of a fork. Stir in almond extract, if using, and cornstarch and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
3Before serving, reheat oats in medium saucepan over medium-low heat with milk, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and creamy, about 5 minutes. Gently stir in chocolate until chocolate streaks run through the oatmeal. Serve topped with warm cherry sauce and walnuts.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size 1½ cups
calories
387total fat
14gsaturated fat
3.5gprotein
10gcarbohydrates
59gfiber
9gsugar
22gadded sugar
9gsodium
85mgRate recipe
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7Frozen Cherry Berry Bark
This twist on chocolate bark uses yogurt as a base, so you get protein and probiotics, along with fresh fruit and pistachio crunch. It's tasty, healthy, and so easy to make: Just stir together and freeze. The cherries and berries are packed with antioxidants, which, the Mayo Clinic states, provide protection from free radicals and decrease risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Likewise, the pistachios are a rich source of healthy unsaturated fats, according to an article published in May 2016 in Nutrition Today , making this dessert a well-balanced indulgence.
contains Dairy , Tree NutsSERVES
8
CALORIES PER SERVING
87
AUTHOR
Kelly Kennedy, RDNREVIEWED BY
Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCESPREP TIME
10 minTOTAL TIME
2 hr 10 minIngredients
2 cups plain, nonfat yogurt ¼ cup pure maple syrup 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ½ tsp lemon juice 1 pinch kosher salt ¾ cup strawberries, sliced ¾ cup blueberries ¾ cup cherries, fresh or frozen, chopped ⅔ pistachios, choppedDirections
1In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.
2Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Pour yogurt mixture onto baking sheet.
3Top with all of the fruit and nuts and freeze for 2–3 hours. Cut into 8 pieces and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size 1 piece
calories
87total fat
2gsaturated fat
1gprotein
3gcarbohydrates
15gfiber
1gsugar
13gadded sugar
6gsodium
TAGS:
Dairy , Tree Nuts , Dessert , Diabetes-Friendly , Gluten-free , Heart-Healthy , Family-Friendly , Low-Fat , VegetarianRate recipe
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Editorial Sources and Fact-CheckingEveryday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Sources
- The Cherry on Top: 8 Health Benefits of Cherries. Cleveland Clinic . March 27, 2023.
- Cherry. Britannica . July 4, 2024.
- Studies on Cherry Juice Unravel a Multitude of Health Benefits. Northumbria University Newcastle . August 4, 2024.
- Cherries, Sweet, Raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 8, 2019.
- Vitamin C. National Institutes of Health . March 26, 2021.
- Dietary Fiber. MedlinePlus . April 25, 2023.
Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES
Medical Reviewer
Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She completed requirements to become a registered dietitian at Valparaiso University in 1987 and completed a dietetic internship at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois, in 1988.
Lynn brings her expertise in nutrition, exercise, and behavior change to her work in helping people reach their individual health and fitness goals. In addition to writing for Everyday Health, she has also written for websites and publications like Food and Health Communications, Today's Dietitian , iVillage.com, and Rodale Press. She has a passion for healthy, nutrient-dense, great-tasting food and for being outdoors as much as possible - she can often be found running or hiking, and has completed a marathon in every state.
Kelly Kennedy, RDN, LDN
Author
Kelly Kennedy is a licensed dietitian-nutritionist with over 14 years of experience in digital media. She manages and oversees nutrition content, recipe development, meal planning, and diet and nutrition coaching at Everyday Health. She has developed and reviewed various meal plans, books, slideshows, and online tools, and has overseen the creation of more than 500 unique recipes. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a master's degree from the State University of New York College at Oneonta.
Kennedy enjoys anything that takes her outside, from gardening and playing in the yard with her kids to hiking and even feeding her pet chickens.
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