Name: Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ⅔ cup sliced almonds; 3 tablespoons sugar; 8 cups spring greens (baby spinach or your greens of choice); salt and pepper; 4 baby seedless cucumbers (thinly sliced); 4 green onions (thinly sliced); 1 cup blueberries; ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 1 garlic clove (minced); 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 2 teaspoons dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons honey; pinch of salt and pepper; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh chives

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There’s something truly magical about the summer season, especially when it comes to fresh ingredients and vibrant colors on your plate. One of my all-time favorites is this Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad. The combination of juicy blueberries, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy almonds creates a delightful medley that perfectly embodies the essence of summer. I remember hosting a backyard barbecue last year, and as I prepared this salad, the sun was shining, and laughter filled the air. With every bite, we savored the explosion of flavors, and I knew this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen.

It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of the season. Imagine serving this as a side dish at your next gathering, or even enjoying it as a refreshing lunch on a hot day. The creamy balsamic vinaigrette drizzled on top adds a lovely richness that ties everything together. And the best part? It’s incredibly quick to whip up, making it perfect for those busy summer days when you want something light yet satisfying.

The Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad has a way of bringing people together, sparking conversations, and making summer memories that linger long after the last bite. I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own. You won’t regret adding this bright and beautiful dish to your seasonal repertoire!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Keto, Whole30, Gluten-Free

Fat:
22 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Grater, Skillet, Chef’s Knife

What Makes This Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad Special

Bright and Flavorful Ingredients

One of the reasons I adore the Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad is the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. The combination of blueberries and cucumbers not only offers a feast for the eyes but also delivers a burst of flavor that perfectly complements each other. The sweetness of the berries beautifully balances the crispness of the cucumbers, making every bite refreshing.

Perfectly Balanced Texture

The texture of this salad is simply delightful. The crunchy almonds and tender greens create a satisfying contrast, while the creamy balsamic vinaigrette adds a luscious coating that ties everything together. It’s a textural adventure that makes eating this salad a joy!

Customizable Delight

Another aspect I appreciate about this salad is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Want to add some feta for a salty kick? Go for it! Prefer to toss in some cherry tomatoes? Why not? The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this salad so enjoyable.

Healthy and Nutritious

Health-conscious friends will love this salad. Packed with nutrients from the spring greens, blueberries, and cucumbers, it’s a guilt-free option that fills you up without weighing you down. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more fresh produce into your diet during the summer months.

Time-Saving Recipe

In our busy lives, finding quick recipes is essential, and this Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad delivers. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delicious and healthy dish on the table in no time, perfect for unexpected guests or a quick weekday meal.

Deliciously Satisfying

Lastly, the flavor profile of this salad is simply divine. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes makes it a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, it never fails to impress!

Everything You Need for Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad

When it comes to creating a salad that sings with freshness, every ingredient plays a crucial role. The blueberries bring a natural sweetness, while the cucumbers add a refreshing crunch. Together with the greens, nuts, and a creamy dressing, they harmonize beautifully to create a dish that’s not just good for you, but also a pleasure to eat.

⅔ cup sliced almonds – These nuts add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the salad’s overall texture.
3 tablespoons sugar – Used to caramelize the almonds, it adds a sweet touch that complements the freshness of the salad.
8 cups spring greens, baby spinach or your greens of choice – This forms the base of the salad, bringing essential nutrients and a fresh taste.
Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings that help elevate and enhance all the flavors in the salad.
4 baby seedless cucumbers, thinly sliced – Their crispness and mild flavor provide a refreshing element that pairs perfectly with the blueberries.
4 green onions, thinly sliced – Adds a mild onion flavor and a hint of color to the salad.
1 cup blueberries – Bursting with sweetness, they’re the star of the show in this summer salad.
¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese – Offers a creamy, salty flavor that adds depth to the salad.
¼ cup balsamic vinegar – This tangy dressing ingredient brings a rich flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the blueberries.
1 garlic clove, minced – Adds a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the creamy dressing.
2 tablespoons heavy cream – Provides a rich, velvety texture to the dressing.
2 teaspoons dijon mustard – Adds a tangy kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
2 teaspoons honey – A natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the dressing.
Pinch of salt and pepper – Essential to enhance the flavors in the dressing.
½ cup extra virgin olive oil – Used to create a smooth, rich dressing that ties all the flavors together.
2 tablespoons fresh chives – Finely chopped, they add a fresh herbal note to the dressing.

How to Cook Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad

Making the Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad is almost as enjoyable as eating it! The steps are simple and quick, allowing you to whip up this beauty in no time. Let me guide you through the process so you can impress your family and friends with this delicious summer dish.

Start by placing the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. As the skillet heats, keep an eye on the almonds because they can burn quickly if left unattended. Stir in the sugar, and cook, stirring often, until the sugar melts and coats the almonds in a caramel-like glaze. This should take about six to eight minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the almonds are golden brown and fragrant.
Once the almonds are ready, carefully transfer them to a piece of parchment paper to cool. Be cautious as the almonds will be hot. If they clump together, don’t worry; you can break them apart later.
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the spring greens and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This adds a layer of flavor right from the start. The greens will be the foundation of your salad, so make sure they are well seasoned.
Next, sprinkle on the blueberries, cucumbers, green onions, and parmesan cheese. Each of these ingredients contributes to the vibrant color and fresh taste of the salad. Toss everything gently to combine, being careful not to crush the blueberries.
Now, let’s prepare the dressing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, garlic, heavy cream, dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is what gives the salad its creamy, tangy flavor.
As you whisk, slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil. This will emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Continue whisking until everything is well combined.
After your dressing is ready, it’s time to serve! Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
Finally, crumble the cooled almonds over the top of the salad just before serving. This adds that beautiful crunch we all love. Serve immediately, and watch your guests’ faces light up with joy as they experience the fantastic flavors of your Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad.
If you have any leftover dressing, store it in the fridge. It keeps well and can be used for other salads throughout the week. Just remember to shake or whisk it again before using!

Things Worth Knowing

Salad Greens: Choose fresh, crisp greens for the best flavor and texture. Baby spinach or mixed greens work beautifully.
Caramelizing Nuts: Watch the almonds closely while caramelizing to prevent burning. Stir frequently for even cooking.
Make-Ahead Dressing: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge to save time when serving.
Flavor Boosters: Feel free to add other fruits like strawberries or peaches for an extra flavor twist.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

If you’re looking to make the Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad your own, there are plenty of ways to adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some great tips:

Storage: To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate to prevent sogginess. Store in airtight containers in the fridge.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the ingredients will lose their texture once thawed.
Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also makes a refreshing side for barbecues.
Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the blueberries for your favorite seasonal fruit, like raspberries or blackberries.
Dietary Adjustments: For a vegan version, omit the parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative.
Extra Creaminess: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing for an extra creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving the Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad, the possibilities are deliciously endless! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Perfect for Picnics: This salad is an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings or picnics. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to transport.
BBQ Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats for a delightful contrast of flavors. The sweetness of the blueberries complements smoky dishes perfectly.
Lunch Option: Enjoy it as a light lunch on its own or add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Brunch Delight: This salad also makes for a beautiful brunch dish, especially when paired with mimosas or a fruit platter.
Seasonal Variations: Don’t hesitate to switch up the ingredients based on what’s in season. Each season brings new flavors to explore!
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge to maintain freshness for a couple of days.

FAQ

Yes, you can prepare the Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad ahead of time! However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This ensures that the greens and other ingredients stay fresh and crisp. You can make the dressing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick shake or whisk before pouring it over the salad.

The Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. Add it to a summer brunch spread alongside quiches or other light salads for a delightful meal.

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almonds, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or pecans. You could also use seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly based on your choice!

Yes! The dressing for the Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad is naturally gluten-free. It’s made with balsamic vinegar, heavy cream, and dijon mustard, which do not contain gluten. Just be sure to check the labels of any packaged ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.

Conclusion

The Blueberry Cucumber Summer Salad stands out as a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer with each bite. Bursting with flavor from the juicy blueberries and crisp cucumbers, it’s a delightful option for any occasion. I encourage you to try making this salad and share it with your loved ones; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!