Dried Fruits: Not Just for Baking

Dried fruits are a must for your winter pantry, when fresh berries and stone fruits are but a distant memory. Not only do they keep well, dried fruits pack a nutritional punch and add a deep, concentrated flavor to any dish.

 

While it’s traditional to see dried fruits in sweet applications (think oatmeal-raisin cookies or biscotti with dried cherries) they’re delicious in savory courses, too. Toss them into a salad and serve alongside roasted meats — or try one of the recipes below, all top-rated by our customers.

 

Chicken Couscous with Dried Fruit This one-dish meal is perfect for a picnic or potluck for two reasons: It’s easily transported and tastes great at room temperature. Use any mix of dried fruits you have on hand; dates, apricots, currants or dried cherries all work well while adding different flavors.

Turkey Salad with Dried Cherries Dried fruits — from cherries and cranberries to peaches and mangoes — can add a flavorful boost to green salads, pasta salads and grain-based salads. This recipe calls for cherries, which balance the creamy turkey salad with a sweet-tart punch.

Roast Pork with Apricots Pork marries well with many dried fruits, but slow-cooked apricots make this dish a memorable one.

Quinoa with Dried Cranberries and Toasted Pecans Dried cranberries add a pop of sweetness to this earthy dish, anchored by protein-rich quinoa and toasted nuts.

Lahvosh Filled with Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Dried Figs Dried figs are sweet and nutritious, with a rich flavor that combines well with bright and creamy goat cheese. This recipe makes an original and delicious appetizer, perfect for preparing ahead.