Whip Up this Summer-Inspired Salad with Fresh Berries, Feta Cheese, Crispy Bacon, and Chopped Nuts in 22 Mins

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This summer-inspired salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the juicy flavors of fresh berries, the savory taste of crispy bacon, the creaminess of feta cheese, and the crunch of chopped nuts.

Perfect for warm weather or whenever you’re craving a taste of summer, this salad is both vibrant and satisfying.

Topped with a homemade dressing, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Let’s make this delicious summer salad!

  • Prep Time: 17 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the salad:
  • 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
For the dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing (5 minutes):
    • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the salad ingredients (10 minutes):
    • Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
    • Wash and dry the mixed greens.
    • Wash the blackberries, raspberries, cherries, and cherry tomatoes. Pit and halve the cherries, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
  3. Assemble the salad (5 minutes):
    • In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, and cherry tomatoes.
    • Add the crumbled bacon, feta cheese, and chopped nuts.
  4. Dress the salad (2 minutes):
    • Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the salad immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful, and vibrant summer-inspired dish.

Notes

For added flavor, you can toast the chopped nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

This salad can be customized with your favorite summer fruits and nuts. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add an extra tablespoon of honey.

This summer-inspired salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal on a hot day. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful salad with your family and friends!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Focaccia Bread

Grab 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups warm water, a packet of active dry yeast, 2 tsp sugar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and a tablespoon of salt. Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle in yeast, and wait till it's frothy (5 mins). Mix this with flour, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Once you've got a dough, let it rest until doubled in size (about 1.5 hours). Transfer it to a baking sheet, poke some dimples in with your fingers, drizzle more olive oil, and sprinkle sea salt and herbs (rosemary's a classic!). Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Roasted Red and Yellow Beets

Begin by choosing fresh, firm beets, giving them a good scrub to remove any lingering dirt. Trim off the greens (save them for another dish!), and wrap each beet individually in foil. No need to peel them just yet. Place them on a baking tray and pop them into a preheated oven. As they roast, the beets transform, intensifying in flavor and becoming wonderfully tender. Once they're done, allow them to cool a bit, then use your hands or a paper towel to rub off the skin. It'll slide right off! Slice or dice, and marvel at the vibrant hue. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil, sprinkle some sea salt, and perhaps a dash of balsamic vinegar.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Start by gathering blueberries, kiwi slices, juicy orange segments, ripe strawberries, plump red grapes, sweet mango cubes, or whatever fruit you have on hand! Give everything a gentle mix in a large bowl. For a zesty twist, drizzle with a bit of fresh lime or lemon juice. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh mint or a hint of honey to enhance the natural sweetness of the fruits. Serve chilled.

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