Summer Salad with Lemon Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

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This Discover Cooking with California Olive Oil Recipe Contest submission comes from Karen MacLaurin of We Olive Paso Robles. Karen says:

“This is a quick easy salad. You can substitute feta cheese for the Gorgonzola and toasted pecans or sesame seeds for the almonds. I have also substituted sliced peaches or nectarines for the blueberries. In Winter, when lovely fresh fruit may be harder to come by, I substitute dried cranberries. Whatever salad I make, I always use this We Olive vinaigrette.”

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 6 cups (or 4 good handfuls) of mesclun or spring mix salad
  • 3 tbsp Gorgonzola or blue cheese crumbles
  • 20 grape tomatoes sliced in half
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries or raspberries
  • 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
  • 4 tbsp We Olive Lemon Olive Oil
  • 2 to 3 tbsp We Olive Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

1. In a dry frying pan over medium heat, toast the almonds on the stove – watching closely that they brown but don’t burn. Set them aside to cool off.
2. In a large salad bowl, toss the mesclun or spring salad mix, the gorgonzola or blue cheese crumbles, the sliced grape tomatoes, the blueberries or raspberries and the cooled toasted almonds.
3. In a resealable jar, combine the oil, vinegar and Dijon mustard. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously. Although the usual ratio for vinaigrette is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar, a higher ratio of vinegar to oil is recommended for this dressing. Taste test as you add the vinegar to see if you agree! I prefer 3 tbsp. of vinegar to 4 tbsp. of oil.
4. When you are ready to eat salad, before, during or after your meal, dress the salad with the vinaigrette.

6 Responses to “Summer Salad with Lemon Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette”

  1. Michael Stang

    The almonds combined with the cheese takes this stand alone salad to another level. Served with a favorite seafood or chicken, the salad is great. Or, for those warm summer evenings, this creative mix has the substance to stand by itself.
    Truly a treat. Highly recommended.

    Reply
  2. Miguel Blanco

    Karen’s salad is delicious. Don’t jestitate to prepart it and enjoy…..

    Reply
  3. Shayla Mindell

    Sounds like a delicious and versatile salad. I will definitely make it.

    Reply
  4. Shayla Mindell

    I will definitely make this salad.

    Reply
  5. Anne D. Bell

    I have had Karen’s salad and it is delicious.

    Reply
  6. Rod Bell

    Great salad

    Reply

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