Cherries have officially hit the farmers market! Aside from being a proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich cherries reduce uric acid and cholesterol levels in the body and help reduce sore muscles and joint pain. Usually enjoyed as a snack, cherries also make a great main ingredient for sweet and savory dishes. Curious? Keep reading to see what healthy cherry recipes we'll be cooking up this season.
— Additional reporting by Aemilia Madden
Photo: Jenny Sugar
Quinoa Salad With Cherries and Feta
For a delicious dinner that's equal parts sweet and savory, cook up a batch of quinoa salad with cherries and feta [1]. This healthy and hearty meal will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Photo: Nicole Perry
Vegan Cherry Smoothie
Quit eating blah breakfasts, and start your day with a vegan cherry smoothie [2] that is full of fiber and protein to help keep you full through lunchtime.
Photo: Michele Foley
Cherry Almond Coconut Protein Balls
Boost your muscle recovery post-workout with these cherry almond coconut protein balls [3]. This easy snack features an unexpected ingredient that helps amp up the protein.
Photo: Jenny Sugar
Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
Filled with ingredients like spinach, almond butter, and coconut water, this cherry vanilla smoothie [4] is full of vitamins but happens to taste like an old-school shake — delicious!
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
Almond Cherry Chunks of Energy
Both sugar-free and gluten-free, these small almond cherry bites [5] are a deliciously crunchy alternative to a traditional protein bar.
Photo: Jenny Sugar
Chocolate Cherry Granola Bites
Since cherries have been shown to help reduce sore muscles and joint pain, make yourself a batch of cherry granola bites [6] to enjoy post-workout!
Source: POPSUGAR user JuicyNoelle [7]
Chocolate-Cherry Pie
A little indulgence is always good, especially when you make some healthy swaps. This recipe for chocolate-cherry pie [8] is made using whole-wheat flour, flax meal, and almond milk, and these are just a few of the healthy ingredients found in this dessert.
Source: Never Homemaker [9]
Cherry Yogurt Popsicles
Greek yogurt, fresh cherries, milk, and just a touch of sugar are all you need to make these cherry yogurt popsicles [10]. For a little added decadence, the recipe calls for a light drizzle of chocolate to finish off the treat!
Source: Sweetest Kitchen [11]
Cherry Salsa
Guests will love the unexpected savory twist of POPSUGAR Food's cherry salsa recipe [12]. Great as a dip, it also works well when served on chicken or fish.
Photo: Susannah Chen
Vanilla Cherry Coconut Breakfast Risotto
Oatmeal fatigue setting in? Fuel up until lunch with a comforting bowl of cherry coconut breakfast risotto [13].
Source: Healthy Happy Life [14]
Turkey Sandwich With Cherry Compote
Amp up the flavor profile of a sweet or savory dish by adding some of cherry compote [15] to the mix. We're especially fond of this turkey sandwich with cherry compote [16].
Photo: Katie Sweeney
Cherry-Banana Parfaits
Ice cream for breakfast? Heck yeah! Indulge by adding cherry-banana soft-serve ice cream as a layer in these breakfast parfaits with granola [17].
Source: Oh She Glows [18]
Cherry Protein Pop'ems
Why buy energy bars when you can make your own? Cherry Protein Pop'ems [19] are a little bit sweet, a little bit crunchy, and contain five grams of protein in each serving.
Source: Eating Bird Food [20]