Description
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Blueberry Goat Cheese Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or elegant addition to any meal, it comes together quickly and is endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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6 cups mixed greens (spring mix or baby spinach)
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1 cup fresh blueberries
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¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)
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¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped (or pecans/almonds)
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¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
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¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
For the Honey Balsamic Dressing:
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¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
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Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth and slightly thickened. -
Toast the Walnuts:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 3–5 minutes until fragrant, shaking the pan frequently. Let cool and roughly chop. -
Prep the Salad Ingredients:
Thinly slice the red onion (soak in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness if desired). Rinse and dry blueberries. Crumble the goat cheese. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, layer the greens, blueberries, most of the goat cheese, walnuts, and red onion. Add cranberries if using. -
Dress and Toss:
Drizzle about 2/3 of the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all leaves evenly. -
Finish and Serve:
Top with remaining goat cheese and a few extra walnuts or cranberries for presentation. Serve immediately alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or crusty bread.
Notes
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Make Ahead: Prep all components separately and store in the fridge. Assemble just before serving.
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Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for a complete meal.
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Fruit Swap: Try strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries.
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Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts.
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Vegan: Substitute goat cheese with vegan feta and honey with maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220cal Per Serving
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 5g