Seared-Chicken Salad with Cherries and Goat Cheese Dressing

By AllisonClayman

Cherries aren't only for jams and pies -- these juicy, ruby red summer beauties are ripe for the picking in this refreshing salad.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 1/2 cup crumbled fresh goat cheese (2 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives
• 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower
• 1 pound chicken cutlets
• 1 head Boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 pound (2 cups) Bing cherries, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup walnut pieces

Preparation

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, goat cheese, chives, vinegar, and 2 tablespoons water; season with salt and pepper. Set dressing aside.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Working in batches, cook until opaque throughout, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Thinly slice chicken crosswise.

Divide lettuce among four plates; top with chicken, cherries, and walnuts. Serve salad with dressing alongside.