Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
I'm head over heels in LOVE with this healthy Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing! This scrumptious Summer salad is fun, fruity, and full of flavor!
I'm head over heels in LOVE with this healthy Cranberry Blueberry Salad with Blueberry Balsamic Dressing! This scrumptious Summer salad is fun, fruity, and full of flavor!
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 english cucumber chopped
- 1 4-5 oz bag spring mixâ salad greens
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
- 2-4 tbsp roasted unsalted sunflower seeds
- 1 tbspâ honey
- 1 tsp salt (i use sea salt)
- 1/2 cup avocado oil (olive oil works too)
- Carbohydrate 39.1181664359842 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.28651500122035 g
- Fiber 4.90012511925989 g
- Protein 2.45609750192705 g
- Saturated Fat 0.115225000075473 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (301g)
- Sodium 183.83834399499 mg
- Sugar 34.2180413167243 g
- Trans Fat 0.249502500055083 g
- Calories 171 calories
Step-by-step
- First make your dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine all dressing ingredients except for the avocado oil. Blend until blueberries are completely pureed, then use the little top cut-out to drizzle in the avocado oil at the end. Once dressing is emulsified you're good to go!
- Wash + dry your greens.
- Combine with cucumber and blueberries, then toss with a drizzle or two of dressing. Add extra as desired.
- Top with mandarin orange segments, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds and serve!
A Burst of Summer Flavors: My Go-To Cranberry Blueberry Salad
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Cranberry Blueberry Salad is a game-changer. It's not only incredibly refreshing and bursting with vibrant flavors, but it's also incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a delightful dessert, this salad has become a staple in my household.
The secret lies in the unbelievably delicious blueberry balsamic dressing. The combination of sweet blueberries, tangy balsamic vinegar, and a touch of Dijon mustard creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. I love how the sweetness of the blueberries complements the tartness of the cranberries, and the slight bitterness of the balsamic vinegar perfectly balances everything out. The addition of sunflower seeds adds a delightful crunch, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft fruits and crisp greens.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Want to add some crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick? Go for it! Prefer a different type of green? Absolutely! The beauty of this salad is its adaptability. It's a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. I've even experimented with adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal, making it a fantastic option for a light yet satisfying dinner.
Beyond the incredible taste, this salad is also a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with antioxidants from the blueberries and cranberries, and vitamins from the greens and mandarin oranges, it's a guilt-free indulgence that fuels my body with goodness. The healthy fats from the avocado oil contribute to overall health, making this salad a win-win in my book.
Beyond my personal enjoyment, this salad has become a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. It's the kind of dish that always disappears quickly, leaving everyone wanting more. The vibrant colors are visually appealing, making it a perfect addition to any summer barbecue or potluck. It's also a great option for meal prepping – the dressing keeps well, and the salad stays fresh for a couple of days, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
This Cranberry Blueberry Salad isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients combined to create something truly extraordinary. It’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a celebration of the bounty of summer, a vibrant dish that nourishes both the body and the soul. And honestly, for a busy mom like me, that's priceless.
So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious salad to add to your repertoire, look no further. This Cranberry Blueberry Salad with its delightful blueberry balsamic dressing is a surefire hit, and I guarantee it will become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
