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Merry Berry Salad Recipe: Easy Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans for Summer

Merry Berry Salad - featured image
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This vibrant summer salad features fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries tossed with creamy goat cheese, crunchy homemade candied pecans, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s quick, flexible, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any sunny day gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 oz mixed greens (spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 oz soft goat cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Candy the Pecans: Add pecan halves, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt to a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar melts and coats the pecans (about 5 minutes). Spread onto parchment paper and separate with a fork.
  2. Prep the Salad Greens and Berries: Rinse and dry mixed greens. Hull and slice strawberries, rinse blueberries and raspberries, and pat dry. Transfer greens to a large salad bowl and scatter berries on top.
  3. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Alternatively, shake ingredients in a jar until emulsified.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Top greens and berries with crumbled goat cheese. Break up cooled candied pecans and sprinkle over the salad. Drizzle about two-thirds of the vinaigrette and gently toss to coat.
  5. Finishing Touches: Taste and add more dressing if needed. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper.
  6. Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls and serve right away for best crunch and freshness.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, seasonal berries and dry greens thoroughly before assembling. Dress the salad just before serving to maintain crunch. Pecans can be swapped for walnuts, almonds, or seeds for nut-free or flavor variations. Goat cheese crumbles more easily if chilled briefly in the freezer. Store undressed salad and components separately for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: berry salad, goat cheese, candied pecans, summer salad, picnic, potluck, gluten-free, easy salad, vinaigrette, healthy salad

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/merry-berry-salad-recipe-easy-goat-cheese-and-candied-pecans-for-summer/