This refreshing Blueberry Pistachio Spring Salad is a colorful mix of juicy blueberries, crunchy pistachios, and fresh greens. It’s perfect for a light meal or a fun side dish!
I love how the sweet blueberries and nutty pistachios work together. It’s like a little party in every bite! Toss it with your favorite dressing to make it even better. 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Spring Greens: I love using a mix of arugula, baby spinach, and baby kale for a variety of textures. If you can’t find them, try just one type of leafy green—spinach works well!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are key for sweetness. If they’re out of season or too expensive, you can substitute with strawberries or sliced grapes for a fun twist.
Pistachios: These give a lovely crunch! If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can add a similar satisfying crunch.
Dried Cranberries: They bring a nice tang to the salad. You can swap them for raisins, cherries, or even chopped dates for sweetness.
Cheese: Goat cheese adds creaminess, but feta gives a nice salty contrast too. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Make the Dressing Perfectly Emulsified?
Making a well-emulsified dressing is easy! Start by combining your ingredients in a jar with a lid or a small bowl. The key is to whisk it well to blend oil and vinegar smoothly.
- Mix olive oil, vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Snap the lid on and shake vigorously until well combined.
- If using a bowl, whisk everything together energetically.
Tip: Always taste your dressing before adding it to your salad. You can adjust the sweetness or acidity by modifying the honey or vinegar to suit your preference!
How to Make Blueberry Pistachio Spring Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed spring greens (like arugula, baby spinach, and baby kale)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup goat cheese or crumbled feta (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner side dish, you’ll spend just a few minutes gathering and chopping ingredients, making it a quick and easy choice for any meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed spring greens, fresh blueberries, thinly sliced red onions, sliced radishes, dried cranberries, and chopped pistachios. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.
2. Add Avocado:
Carefully add the avocado slices on top of the salad. Try to distribute them evenly so everyone gets some creamy avocado goodness in each bite!
3. Sprinkle the Cheese (Optional):
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the goat cheese or crumbled feta over the top of the salad. This adds a delicious creamy and tangy flavor.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and slightly thickened—you want it to be nice and emulsified!
5. Dress the Salad:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess!
6. Toss and Serve:
With clean hands or salad tongs, toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients and coat everything evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for a delightful, colorful dish that’s bursting with flavor!
Enjoy your fresh, vibrant blueberry pistachio spring salad—it’s perfect for a sunny day!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries in This Salad?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the salad to avoid excess moisture. Fresh blueberries are ideal for crunch, but frozen can work in a pinch!
What Could I Substitute for Pistachios?
If you have nut allergies or are looking for an alternative, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make great substitutes. They provide a similar crunch without the nuts!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate if possible. Place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but it will still taste good!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the salad ingredients and store them in the fridge, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.