Sweet berries, fresh herbs, tangy cheese and a citrusy dressing make a perfect brunch salad.
We are on the countdown to summer here- only 3 more weeks! And we are already having the brighter mornings and warmer weather. The kids and I are already planning out the things we’ll do. Bowling, swimming, crafts, sleeping in (my main goal) etc. We also have our big trip to Hawaii, a couple visitors planned and we will go to San Antonio a couple times I am sure. So basically, summer is planned! Bring it on!
This berry and herb salad screams summer to me. As I mentioned in this post that you might want to pin for later, I am a huge salad lover. Although I eat them year round, I know a lot of people who crave them more in the summer. You don’t have to turn on the oven, they are refreshing and won’t weigh you down. If any of you have to get into a bathing suit, like me, this is a good thing.
This one combines sweet berries (and make sure they are sweet), bright herbs with a tangy cheese and zesty dressing. Next time I think I would like to make candied walnuts or pecans like these, but I didn’t have time.
Blue cheese is one that is growing on me slowly and slowly. I really prefer goat cheese, but wanted to branch out. Use what tangy cheese you like best!
The real reason I love light salads is so I can make room for other treats like homemade ice cream! What is your favorite summer food?
- 7-8 cups of greens
- ½ cup cut strawberries
- ½ cup raspberries
- ½ cup blackberries
- ½ cup toasted walnuts
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
- ¼ cup packed chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup packed chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup packed chopped fresh basil
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon
- ¼ cup, plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
- pinch of salt and pepper
- For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, dijon. Slowly drizzle in olive oil, continuing to whisk together. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust ingredients as needed.
- In a small skillet, add walnuts and heat on low for ~5 minutes or until fragrant and lightly toasted. Meanwhile, combine salad greens, top with berries, crumbled cheese, fresh herbs and walnuts. Drizzle with dressing and toss together. Serve and enjoy!
Sara @ sarahaasrdn.com says
These are all of my favorite things in one bowl! Lovely!
Kyra @ Vie De La Vegan says
This salad is so inspiring Melanie! I can just imagine the burst of flavours from the combination of berries and herbs <3
EA Stewart says
LOVE this gorgeous salad Melanie! I tend to stick w/ goat cheese {or feta} too, but the blue cheese sounds perfect for this. Happy {almost } summer!!!
Wendy says
This is so beautiful! Exactly the kind of salad I enjoy!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
This salad is so me! love all the fresh herbs in here and of course those berries and cheese. Toasted nuts would be the icing on the cake! I keep trying to like blue cheese more, but I can’t get into it. Goat cheese is my go to for salads like these!
Ami Rose says
What a fab recipe. Thank you for sharing this. I’ll certainly be making it soon.
Ami xxx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
3 weeks??? O goodness! I hope so!!! These 50 degree rainy days are killing me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted..Friday Finisher 4/29/16
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
I adore berries in my salad! This looks perfect for summer!!