7 Healthy Cherry Recipes Whether You Like Them Sweet or Savory

Sundae topper, cocktail garnish, pie filling - cherries may not have the healthiest associations, but they are among the healthiest fruits. A lot of the credit goes to high concentrations of anthocyanins, the plant-based compounds that give cherries their rich color and antioxidant properties.

While their small size, high antioxidant content, and use as a pie filling often see cherries lumped in with berries, they're more closely related to peaches, apricots, and olives, other one-pitted fruits known as stone fruit or drupes.

Cherries can be tart (also known as sour cherries) or sweet. Tart cherries have gotten a lot of attention because research indicates the fruit and its juice have benefits including improved athletic recovery, better sleep, and lower levels of chronic inflammation.

In spite of their higher sugar content - one cup with pits has more than 17 grams (g) - sweet cherries have plenty of perks, too. They are a particularly good source of vitamin C, which helps improve immunity and promote skin health.

They also contain vitamin A and a variety of B vitamins that your body needs to thrive, and are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, gut health, and weight loss and maintenance.

And of course, as their deep ruby color indicates, sweet cherries are high in antioxidants including anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, so they may decrease the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

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.

1 Adobe Stock

Cherry 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, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

5 hr 10 min

TOTAL TIME

5 hr 15 min

Ingredients

4 cups frozen cherries ¼ cup honey

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 170 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat and set aside.

2

Place cherries in a medium saucepan with ¼ cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook until cherries begin to break down, about 10 minutes.

3

Carefully transfer mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.

4

Pour 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.

5

Cool 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

40

total fat

0g

saturated fat

0g

protein

0g

carbohydrates

11g

fiber

0.8g

sugar

9.3g

added sugar

4.3g

sodium

0mg

TAGS:

Diabetes-Friendly , Heart-Healthy , Gluten-free , Vegetarian , Low-Sodium , Low-Calorie , Family-Friendly , Snack

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2 Adobe Stock

Cherry, 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 , Dairy

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

275

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

10 min

Ingredients

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 pepper

Directions

1

Evenly divide lettuce, cherries, almonds, and goat cheese among 4 serving bowls.

2

In 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

275

total fat

16g

saturated fat

3.5g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

26g

fiber

3.2g

sugar

20.5g

added sugar

3g

sodium

181mg

TAGS:

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-Friendly

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3 Adobe Stock

Balsamic 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 , Dairy

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

193

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

20 min

Ingredients

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 chopped

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2

Slice 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.

3

Add 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.

4

Spread 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

193

total fat

7g

saturated fat

2.3g

protein

6g

carbohydrates

27g

fiber

1.2g

sugar

10.5g

added sugar

2.2g

sodium

255mg

TAGS:

Wheat , Dairy , Mediterranean , Vegetarian , Family-Friendly , Quick & Easy , Appetizer

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4 Adobe Stock

Pan-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, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

20 min

Ingredients

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 thyme

Directions

1

Season pork chops with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2

Place 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.

3

To 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

328

total fat

19g

saturated fat

4.8g

protein

27g

carbohydrates

13g

fiber

1.7g

sugar

9.9g

added sugar

0g

sodium

83mg

TAGS:

Diabetes-Friendly , Gluten-free , High-Protein , Family-Friendly , Quick & Easy , Dinner

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5 iStock

Cherry 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 Dairy

4.8 out of 12 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

264

AUTHOR

Roxana Ehsani, RD, CSSD, LDN

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

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

1

Add all ingredients to a blender and mix on high until completely smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.

2

Divide between 2 glasses, and top with grated dark chocolate, if using.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size 1 ½ cups

calories

264

total fat

6g

saturated fat

1.9g

protein

15g

carbohydrates

38g

fiber

4.1g

sugar

20g

added sugar

0.3g

sodium

155mg

TAGS:

Dairy , Heart-Healthy , Mediterranean , Gluten-free , Vegetarian , Anti-Inflammatory , Quick & Easy , Snack , Beverage

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6 Shutterstock

Chocolate 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, RD

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

20 min

Ingredients

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 walnuts

Directions

1

Place 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.

2

To 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.

3

Before 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

387

total fat

14g

saturated fat

3.5g

protein

10g

carbohydrates

59g

fiber

9g

sugar

22g

added sugar

9g

sodium

85mg

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7 Ina Peters/Stocksy

Frozen 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 Nuts

5.0 out of 3 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

87

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

2 hr 10 min

Ingredients

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, chopped

Directions

1

In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.

2

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Pour yogurt mixture onto baking sheet.

3

Top 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

87

total fat

2g

saturated fat

1g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

15g

fiber

1g

sugar

13g

added sugar

6g

sodium

TAGS:

Dairy , Tree Nuts , Dessert , Diabetes-Friendly , Gluten-free , Heart-Healthy , Family-Friendly , Low-Fat , Vegetarian

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Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Everyday 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

1. The Cherry on Top: 8 Health Benefits of Cherries. Cleveland Clinic . March 27, 2023.
2. Cherry. Britannica . July 4, 2024.
3. Studies on Cherry Juice Unravel a Multitude of Health Benefits. Northumbria University Newcastle . August 4, 2024.
4. Cherries, Sweet, Raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 8, 2019.
5. Vitamin C. National Institutes of Health . March 26, 2021.
6. Dietary Fiber. MedlinePlus . April 25, 2023.

Meet Our Experts See Our Editorial Policy Meet Our Health Expert Network Meet Our Experts

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.

See full bio

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.

See full bio See Our Editorial Policy Meet Our Health Expert Network