Effortless Summer Delight: Cherry Ricotta with Almonds and Mint
A chilled treat that balances sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures without any oven time.
Cherry Ricotta with Almonds and Mint: The Ultimate Summer Dish
There are few pleasures as simple—or as rewarding—as combining the season’s ripest cherries with creamy ricotta, a scattering of toasted almonds, and a spark of fresh mint. Whether you crave a light, indulgent dessert or an impressive yet effortless brunch dish, this cherry ricotta with almonds and mint offers color, texture, and flavor in every bite. Best of all, this recipe comes together without turning on your oven, keeping summer days cool and stress-free.
Why This Recipe Works
- No-bake simplicity: Minimal prep, zero cooking (except quick almond toasting), and no fussy steps.
- Versatility: Serve as a dessert, brunch item, or even atop crostini for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Balanced flavors: The sweet-tart cherries are macerated for depth, ricotta brings creaminess, toasted almonds add crunch, and mint provides refreshing brightness.
- Scalable: Easily doubles or triples for gatherings, or halved for a quick treat.
Ingredients for Cherry Ricotta with Almonds and Mint
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cherries | 1 pint (about 2 cups) | Pitted and halved |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons | Or substitute maple syrup for a different flavor |
| Sherry vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Red wine vinegar or balsamic also work well |
| Kosher salt & black pepper | Pinch each (optional) | For subtle seasoning |
| Ricotta cheese | About 15 ounces (1 1/2 cups) | Whole-milk preferred for richness |
| Slivered or sliced almonds | 1/2 cup | Toasted for maximum flavor |
| Fresh mint leaves | 1/4 cup | Torn or roughly chopped |
| Crostini | Optional | To serve as an appetizer |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
1. Prepare the Macerated Cherries
Combine the halved cherries with honey and sherry vinegar in a medium bowl. Stir gently to coat the fruit. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor complexity. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the cherries rest, they’ll release juices, mingling with the honey and vinegar to create a vibrant, flavorful syrup.
2. Toast the Almonds
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the almonds on a sheet pan in an even layer.
- Toast for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
- Let the almonds cool; they will crisp up further as they cool.
- Tip: You can purchase pre-toasted almonds to skip this step if time is short.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Spoon ricotta into serving bowls or spread generously over fresh crostini if serving as an appetizer.
- Top with the juicy macerated cherries and a spoonful of the syrup.
- Scatter toasted almonds and plenty of torn fresh mint over the top.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and contrast.
Serving Suggestions
This cherry ricotta with almonds and mint can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- As a light dessert: Spoon into shallow bowls for individual servings; it’s both satisfying and refreshing after a summer meal.
- Brunch or breakfast treat: Serve alongside croissants or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Appetizer for gatherings: Spread ricotta on toasted crostini, then add cherries, almonds, and mint for a stunning party platter. This method makes it easy for guests to handle and eat.
- Picnic fare: Pack components separately and assemble on-site for a fresh, elegant outdoor meal.
Flavor Variations & Ingredient Swaps
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Try these substitutions and tweaks to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Vinegars: Sherry vinegar gives mild acidity, but red wine vinegar or balsamic provide a punchier or sweeter profile.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a light brown sugar syrup will all work in place of honey.
- Cherries: If fresh cherries are out of season, high-quality frozen cherries (thawed and drained) are a good alternative. Other stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, or apricots also pair wonderfully.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pistachios can replace almonds for different flavor and texture.
- Herbs: Basil makes a lovely alternative or addition to mint for another aromatic note.
What others are reading
Tips for Success
- Pitting cherries: Use a cherry pitter or cut cherries in half and remove pits by hand for speed and ease.
- Ricotta texture: For ultra-smooth ricotta, whip it briefly with a hand mixer or in a food processor.
- Toasting nuts: Always watch nuts closely while toasting; they can burn quickly.
- Serving cold: For the coolest, most refreshing result, keep ricotta and cherries chilled until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is as wholesome as it is delicious. Here are general nutrition estimates per serving (based on a portion with ricotta, cherries, honey, almonds, and mint):
- Calories: ~190 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 21 g
- Calcium: 147 mg
These figures will vary based on exact ingredients and serving size. For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and reduce the portion of honey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Cherries can be macerated a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble right before serving to keep the almonds crunchy and the mint vibrant.
Q: Is there a vegan alternative for ricotta?
A: Yes, vegan ricotta options made from almonds or cashews work well and are widely available. Ensure your sweetener is also vegan, such as maple syrup or agave.
Q: What other fruits pair well with ricotta, almonds, and mint?
A: Peaches, nectarines, plums, strawberries, and blueberries are excellent alternatives. Adjust maceration time depending on juiciness.
Q: I don’t have sherry vinegar—what should I use?
A: Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar are great substitutes. Balsamic yields a deeper, sweeter character, while red wine vinegar is more neutral and tart.
Q: How do I pit cherries without a cherry pitter?
A: Halve cherries with a paring knife and pop the pit out with your fingers, or use a sturdy straw to push pits through whole cherries one at a time.
Make It a Crowd Pleaser
This recipe shines at summer gatherings. To serve a group, simply scale up the components. Arrange ricotta on a platter, pile macerated cherries in the middle, scatter generous handfuls of almonds and mint, and let guests scoop or spread as they please. Keep extra almonds and mint handy for topping—presentation makes a big impression!
Looking for More Inspirational Cherry Recipes?
- Try Brandied Cherry Jam for homemade preserves with a kick.
- Chill out with Drunken Cherry Ice Cream, perfect for grown-ups.
- Pack Cherry Vanilla Muffins for easy snacks on the go.
- For cocktails, explore a Cherry Piña Colada for tropical refreshment.
Conclusion: Your Best Summer Dish Yet
If you’ve been searching for an easy, elegant, and vividly flavored summer dish, cherry ricotta with almonds and mint has you covered. Requiring minimal time and no fancy techniques, it captures the spirit of summer eating—casual, joyful, and endlessly adaptable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can this be served as an appetizer?
A: Absolutely. Top crostini with ricotta, cherries, almonds, and mint for a stunning hors d’oeuvre.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store the cherries and ricotta separately in airtight containers for 1–2 days. Almonds and mint should be added fresh for best texture and color.
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