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+ servings

California Summer Salad with Berries and Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

A vibrant summer salad with berries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy almonds, tossed in a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Quick Meals, Salad, Summer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 8 cups mixed salad greens such as spring mix or romaine
  • 1 cup strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup raspberries
  • 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pecans toasted for extra flavor
Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 1 cup California extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic minced or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

Make the Salad
  1. Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl.
  2. Remove the stems from the strawberries, then slice them into thirds.
  3. Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to the bowl.
  4. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese over the top.
  5. If using nuts, chop the almonds or pecans and scatter them over the salad.
  6. Drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the balsamic vinaigrette, then toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Make the Vinaigrette
  1. Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar or small bowl.
  2. Seal the jar with a lid and shake vigorously until well emulsified. Alternatively, whisk in a bowl. Use as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 8gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g

Notes

This salad is very flexible: feel free to use just one or two types of berries, or adjust the amounts to your liking.
For the best texture, toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
The vinaigrette recipe makes extra; store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. Shake or whisk before using.
To save time, you can use pre-washed salad greens and pre-crumbled cheese.
Avoid overdressing the salad; start with less vinaigrette and add more if needed to keep the greens crisp.

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