Michigan Salad Recipe

Quick Summary

• Learn what makes a traditional Michigan Salad unique and delicious.

• Get a complete recipe featuring Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Poppyseed Dressing.

• Explore two simple dressing variations and popular optional add-ins.

Published: November 2025

Introduction

Curious about what makes a classic Michigan Salad so special? At first glance, it looks like a simple fruit-and-greens combination. But take one bite, and you’ll immediately understand why it has become one of the Midwest’s signature dishes.

Crisp greens, sweet-tart cherries, juicy apples, toasted nuts, and a cherry-forward dressing come together to create a salad that’s bright, balanced, and incredibly satisfying.

Michigan Salad has been embraced by healthy-eating readers nationwide, thanks to its antioxidant-rich ingredients and naturally sweet flavors. In this guide, you’ll learn what goes into an authentic Michigan Salad, how to make the classic recipe, and how to customize it using two delicious dressing variations — including a maple-mustard vinaigrette and a cherry preserves dressing.

For even more cherry-forward recipes, visit our Traverse Bay Farms Recipe Collection. And for nutritional reference, check out our Traverse Bay Farms Orchard of Health Lens. Simply take a photo or upload an image and learn helpful insight into the salads natural  antioxidants and more.

This recipe is easy, flexible, and perfect for weekday meals or entertaining.

Why Customers Trust Traverse Bay Farms

Traverse Bay Farms has won 38+ national food awards for its gourmet salsas, barbecue sauces, dressings, and cherry-based products. Family-owned in Northern Michigan since 2001, we use as much locally grown fruit as possible in every product.

At-a-Glance

• Michigan Salad features dried cherries, crisp apples, toasted nuts, and mixed greens.

• Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Poppyseed Dressing provides the classic sweet-tangy flavor profile.

• Add-ins like blue cheese, chicken, bacon, or seeds help customize the salad.

• Two bonus dressing variations included for flexibility and flavor.

What Is a Michigan Salad?

A Michigan Salad is a bright, fruit-forward mixed-greens salad featuring ingredients commonly grown in the state, especially tart cherries and apples. The traditional combination includes:

• Mixed greens

• Dried Michigan cherries

• Fresh apple slices

• Toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans)

• Blue cheese, cheddar cheese or feta (optional)

• A fruit-forward dressing, often cherry poppyseed

Thanks to the abundance of cherry farms across the state, this salad has become a beloved Michigan staple in restaurants and home kitchens alike.

For more on why tart cherries are a Michigan signature, see our guide on Why Michigan Fruit Tastes So Good 

Where Did Michigan Salad Come From?

Michigan Salad became popular throughout the 1990s and early 2000s as farm-to-table restaurants looked to highlight locally grown produce. Tart cherries, especially the Montmorency variety grown near Traverse City and the 45th Parallel, became the defining ingredient. Over time, the salad grew into a regionally recognizable dish featured on menus across the Midwest.

Michigan Salad Ingredients (Classic Version)

Greens

• 6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, spinach, romaine, or a combination)

Fruit

• 1 cup dried cherries

• 1 crisp apple, diced or thinly sliced

• Optional: 1 pear, thinly sliced

Crunch + Texture

• ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans

• Optional: ¼ cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds

Cheese (Optional)

• ¼ cup blue cheese, feta, cheddar cheese or goat cheese crumbles

Protein Options (Optional)

• Grilled chicken

• Sliced turkey

• Roasted chickpeas

Dressing

• Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Poppyseed Dressing (recommended)

How to Make a Michigan Salad (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the greens.
   Add mixed greens to a large serving bowl.

2. Add the fruit.
   Top with dried cherries, apple slices, and optional pear.

3. Add crunch.
   Sprinkle walnuts, pecans, or seeds over the top.

4. Add cheese, if using.
   Blue cheese and feta are classic, but optional.

5. Dress the salad.
   Toss with Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Poppyseed Dressing or serve on the side.

6. Serve immediately.
   Michigan Salad is best enjoyed fresh so the apples stay crisp and the dressing remains bright.

Two Dressing Variations

Below are two dressing alternatives that pair beautifully with the Michigan Salad if you’re not using the cherry poppyseed version.

1. Cherry Preserves Dressing

A sweet, tangy option with a cherry-forward flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp cherry preserves

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: ½ tsp Dijon mustard for balance

Instructions
Whisk all ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.

2. Maple-Mustard Dressing

A slightly savory, lightly sweet vinaigrette.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp pure Traverse Bay Farms Michigan maple syrup

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider or white wine vinegar

• Pinch of salt

Instructions
Combine in a small bowl or jar and whisk (or shake) until emulsified. Toss lightly with the salad.

Most Common Optional Add-Ins

These ingredients frequently appear in Michigan Salad variations:

• Candied pecans

• Sliced grapes

• Roasted sweet potatoes

• Grilled or smoked chicken

• Crispy bacon

• Avocado

• Red onion

• Goat cheese crumbles

• Toasted almonds

• Pumpkin seeds

These add-ins allow you to adapt the salad for holidays, meal prep, or seasonal availability.

Nutritional Benefits of Michigan Salad Ingredients

Healthy-eating readers appreciate that this salad incorporates antioxidant-rich foods:

• Tart cherries: contain anthocyanins and melatonin (USDA + NIH studies support antioxidant content).

• Apples: fiber-rich and hydrating.

• Nuts: healthy fats and plant-based protein.

• Greens: vitamin A, K, and folate.

For a deeper breakdown, see our Traverse Bay Farms Orchard of Health Lens

Pulling it all Together

Michigan Salad brings together Michigan’s most iconic produce — cherries, apples, and crisp greens — into one fresh, flavorful dish. With Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Poppyseed Dressing, two optional dressings, and plenty of add-ins, you can customize this salad for any season, meal, or dietary preference.

Take the Next Step

Ready to enjoy the full flavor of a classic Michigan Salad? Try it with Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Poppyseed Dressing, made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible. Shop our award-winning dressings or explore more cherry-forward recipes on our site.

FAQ 

Q: What is a Michigan Salad made of?
A: The classic version includes mixed greens, dried cherries, apples, toasted nuts, optional cheese, and a cherry poppyseed dressing.

Q: What dressing goes best with Michigan Salad?
A: Cherry Poppyseed Dressing is traditional, but maple-mustard and cherry-preserves dressings also pair well.

Q: Can I add protein?
A: Yes. Chicken, turkey, or chickpeas blend seamlessly with Michigan Salad flavors.

Q: Are dried cherries required?
A: Yes — they are the signature ingredient that gives Michigan Salad its recognizable flavor.

Q: Where can I learn more about cherries?
A: Visit our Ultimate Guide to Tart Cherry Juice for ingredient insights and serving ideas.

People Also Ask 

Why is it called a Michigan Salad?

Because it features ingredients commonly grown in Michigan, especially tart cherries and apples.

What fruit goes in a Michigan Salad?

Dried cherries, apples, pears, or grapes.

What cheese works best?

Blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta complement the sweet-tart flavors.

How can I make it healthier?

Use nuts for added protein, keep dressing light, and add leafy greens.

Enjoy the Taste of Michigan

If you’ve ever wanted a salad that feels nourishing, vibrant, and deeply connected to regional flavors, Michigan Salad is a perfect choice. With its balance of sweet fruit, crisp greens, and crunchy textures, it offers a refreshing way to incorporate more whole foods into your routine. The recipe is highly customizable, meaning you can swap ingredients based on season or taste preference.

Healthy-eating readers appreciate how easily this salad fits into weekly meal planning. It pairs well with lean proteins, makes a great lunch prep option, and works beautifully as a holiday side dish. If you enjoy experimenting, try rotating through the dressing variations — the Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Poppyseed Dressing for classic sweetness, the cherry preserves option for extra cherry depth, or the maple-mustard version for a savory touch.

To explore more cherry-centered recipes and wellness ideas, visit our educational blog or download our cherry recipe guides. Great meals start with great ingredients, and Michigan-grown fruit has a flavor profile all its own.