Summer Berry Salad with Maple Walnuts

This patriotic berry salad is loaded with fresh berries, crunchy maple walnuts and blue cheese. The red white and blue theme makes it perfect for the 4th of July.

All week I’ve been seeing fun patriotic recipes for the 4th and I couldn’t resist joining in on the fun. I thought about making a healthy flag cake or a berry trifle, but ultimately decided a patriotic salad had to happen. I’ll never turn down a chance to create another salad. Especially one that’s this fun!

Many of you probably already have your 4th of July menu planned, but just in case you don’t have a salad recipe picked out, this recipe is for you!

And the best part is that it’s quick, easy and uses ingredients you likely have on hand.

Blueberry Health Benefits

I love blueberries because they’re available year-round (fresh or frozen) . . . and they taste delicious year round too! They’re also known for being a superfood because they contain some of the highest antioxidant levels compared to most common fruits and veggies. They have also been shown to help improve chronic diseases like heart disease, blood pressure and diabetes.

Ingredients Needed

• baby greens – I love using OrganicGirl Supergreens for the base of this salad. Of course you can switch it up and use only one baby green like spinach, kale, or arugula.
• blueberries – I loved adding blueberries to my salads because they offer so many health benefits like I mentioned above, but they also help boost the flavor.
• strawberries – I love the burst of flavor and sweetness fresh strawberries bring to this recipe!
• blue cheese – feel free to purchase blue cheese crumbles or a log of blue cheese that you crumble yourself. Either option works. If you’re not a blue cheese fan you can always swap for goat cheese or your favorite cheese.
• walnuts – I love adding walnuts to my salads for the added crunch. I highly recommend roasting them with maple syrup, cinnamon, and sea salt. 
• dijon dressing – a super simple dressing made with olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, coconut sugar, sea salt, and ground pepper.

Change it Up!

One of the reasons I love this salad is how customizable it is! Here are some suggestions for variations and substitutions:

• To make this dairy-free and vegan, simply skip the blue cheese (or use a vegan option).
• Dressing – craving a different dressing? This creamy poppyseed dressing or balsamic dressing is also delicious on this salad!
• Add grains – I love adding grains to my salad for some extra volume and nutrients. Toss in cooked quinoa, rice or farro to make this a heartier salad.
• Add protein – want to enjoy this as a meal-sized salad? Add a protein of your choice! I’ve served it up with grilled chicken, but it would be delicious with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas.
• Add red onion – want a little added zip?! Add sliced or diced red onion to the salad.
• Switch up the fruit or add more fruit – I think this would be delicious with blackberries or raspberries.
• Swap the nuts for seeds – if you have a nut allergy or if you just prefer seeds you can swap the pecans for sunflower seeds or pepitas.
• Avocado – I love adding avocado to my salads for the added creaminess and healthy fat.
• Candied walnuts – try my candied walnuts in place of these maple walnuts!

How to Serve

This is a great recipe to bring to a potluck or to serve as a meal. Here are some recipes that would be delicious with it:

• Tempeh veggie burgers or black bean sweet potato burgers – fire up that grill and throw a veggie burger on to pair with this salad.
• Spinach and feta turkey burgers – my go-to turkey burger recipe!
• BBQ jackfruit sandwiches – my vegan take on a pulled pork sandwich. This would be so tasty paired with this salad.
• Make a meal-sized salad by adding shredded chicken, grilled lemon pepper shrimp or blackened Salmon on top of the salad.

Leftover Strawberries? Try These Recipes

• Strawberry Overnight Oats
• Easy Strawberry Chia Jam
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Berry Baked Oatmeal Bars
• Easy Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
• Strawberry Protein Muffins

More Salad Recipes to Try

• Sweet Kale Salad
• Classic Broccoli Salad
• Easy Spinach Salad
• Roasted Tomato Salad
• Beet Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Dressing

Need dessert ideas for the 4th as well? I highly recommend this Greek Yogurt Berry Tart or this Banana Split Chia Pudding. Both are red, white and blue themed and festive for the holiday!

Oh, and if you’re looking for some light reading while relaxing today, I’m sharing my food diary over on Self.com. Check it out here. And happy holiday weekend to all my American peeps out there. Have fun and be safe! <3