Berry Arugula Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Berry Arugula Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines peppery greens with sweet, juicy berries. Perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side, it’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
- 1/2 cup nuts (such as walnuts or almonds), roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup vinaigrette dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, mixed berries, and chopped nuts.
- Step 2: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For added richness, sprinkle some crumbled goat cheese or feta over the salad.
- Use balsamic vinaigrette for a sweeter, tangier dressing option.
- Swap nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Storage
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it, keep the vinaigrette separate and toss just before serving. Stored this way, arugula and berries will stay fresh for up to one day in the refrigerator.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries for this salad?
It’s best to use fresh berries because frozen ones can be watery and mushy when thawed, which may affect the salad’s texture and flavor.
What type of nuts work best in this salad?
Walnuts, almonds, and pecans all provide a nice crunch and complement the sweetness of the berries well, but feel free to choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
PrintBerry Arugula Salad Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Berry Arugula Salad combining peppery arugula with sweet mixed berries and crunchy nuts, all lightly dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup nuts (such as sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans), toasted
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Wash and dry the arugula thoroughly. Rinse the mixed berries under cold water and pat dry. If using larger berries like strawberries, slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the nuts for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Let cool.
- Make vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, mixed berries, and toasted nuts. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve fresh: Plate the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- For extra protein, add crumbled goat cheese or feta.
- Use any seasonal berries available for a different flavor profile.
- To make it vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Can be prepared ahead but dress the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Nuts can be omitted or replaced with seeds for nut allergies.
Keywords: Berry Arugula Salad, mixed berries salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, vegetarian salad, summer salad, salad with vinaigrette
