Persian-style rice salad with cherries

British cherries at this time of year are absolutely delectable, so sweet and juicy, hands down my favourite fruit! I’m working them into all manner of savoury dishes and salads as well as sweet ones. This salad has fast become a summer favourite – it’s sweet and tangy, thanks to the cherries and pomegranate molasses, crunchy and refreshing thanks to the cucumber and fresh herbs, and wholesome and satiating thanks to the wholegrain rice.

We enjoyed it most recently with charred aubergine, tahini sauce and some spicy fermented turnip – a truly delectable al fresco dinner! It’s a great one if you are having guests over as it can be fully made in advance. In fact this is a little tastier, as the rice will absorb more of the dressing, and any juices that will seep from the cherries.