Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Avocado

Concerning the Recipe

Should you’re on the lookout for summer season salad that highlights contemporary berries, it’s important to do that beautiful blueberry spinach salad.

It options child spinach, contemporary blueberries, purple onion, cucumber, basil, avocado and irresistible candied pecans for the right medley of flavours and textures.

You should use blueberry jam within the dressing to amp up the blueberry flavour however maple syrup works simply as effectively for traditional balsamic French dressing.

This salad is fantastic for summer season gatherings, will be paired with a protein to make a whole meal and works effectively for a fast and wholesome addition to lunch or dinner.

For extra summer season salads, don’t miss this peach arugula salad and summer season quinoa salad.

Substances

For the Salad

• Child Spinach: You would substitute one other inexperienced like arugula, combined salad greens and even kale. Should you’re utilizing kale, therapeutic massage with 1 tbsp of the dressing or olive oil earlier than mixing with the remainder of the components.
• Blueberries: You’ll want contemporary blueberries. Different berries would work effectively too – strive sliced strawberries, raspberries, peach or nectarine. Apples would even be good!
• Pink Onion: You would substitute shallot or make pickled purple onion.
• Basil: Use contemporary basil.
• Cucumber: The recipe calls for two mini cucumbers however you need to use 1/2 a big cucumber as effectively.
• Avocado: You’ll want 1 ripe avocado or about 1/4 of an avocado per serving.
• Pecans: You should use pecans or walnuts.
• Maple Syrup: This could possibly be substituted with honey or agave syrup.

For the Dressing

• Blueberry Jam or Maple Syrup: For blueberry-balsamic dressing, use any blueberry jam, in any other case, maple syrup, honey or agave syrup work.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This could possibly be substituted with purple wine vinegar.
• Olive Oil: Use an excellent high quality further virgin olive oil.
• Dijon Mustard: Use any Dijon or complete grain mustard you take pleasure in.
• Garlic: Grate or crush the garlic. You possibly can substitute 1 tsp garlic powder, if wanted.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Make Candied Pecans

Add the chopped pecans to a skillet on the stovetop and warmth over medium warmth for 4-6 minutes till they’re browned and aromatic. Watch out to not burn them!

Take away the pan from the warmth and drizzle them with 1 tbsp maple syrup and season with salt. Stir to coat after which switch to a parchment-paper lined plate or pan to chill. They’ll get crunchy as they cool.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Add all the salad dressing components to a container, season with salt and pepper and whisk to mix.

Step 3: Combine Salad

Add the spinach, blueberries, onion, basil and cucumbers to a big bowl. Add the dressing and toss to mix the whole lot.

Divide between serving bowls and high every with the candied pecans and avocado.

Storing

• The candied pecans will be made prematurely. Cool fully earlier than storing in an hermetic container at room temperature for as much as 1 week.
• The dressing will be made prematurely and saved within the fridge for as much as 1 week.
• Don’t costume the salad or add avocado till serving. The salad doesn’t retailer effectively as soon as dressed because the spinach will get soggy.
• It’s steered to assemble and costume the salad simply earlier than serving.