This fresh Berry Salad recipe pairs juicy berries with crunchy maple-vanilla candied nuts! Finished with a sweet and tangy strawberry balsamic dressing, it's flavorful and easy to customize. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)
This vibrant Berry Crunch Salad recipe full of flavor and texture!
Crisp, fresh greens are paired with juicy, sweet berries, and naturally-sweetened candied nuts for a satisfying crunch. Then everything is brought together with a simple, tangy strawberry balsamic dressing that enhances the salad's bright, fruity flavors.
It's great as a refreshing side dish for picnics, potlucks, summer BBQs, or a light, nourishing addition to any meal at home. Easy to make and crowd-pleasing!
Ingredients for Berry Nut Salad
You'll need these ingredients to toss the salad together then drizzle it with dressing:
- Mixed baby greens: Or other salad greens or lettuce of choice such as arugula, baby spinach salad, etc.
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh blueberries
- Clementine: Or mandarins, oranges, etc.
- Maple-Vanilla Candied Nuts: This gives the salad nice crunch, texture, and added protein. You can make these ahead of time if desired.
- Strawberry Balsamic Dressing: You'll combine this in a small blender. It's made with fresh, ripe strawberries, balsamic vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and optional poppy seeds.
Customizing
Fruit: Toss in other fresh berries like fresh raspberries, fresh blackberries, or even pineapple. (You could even substitute raspberries in the dressing to make it a raspberry vinaigrette instead.)
Nuts and seeds: I enjoy this salad with the maple-vanilla candied walnuts, but add any nuts and seeds of your choice such as candied almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, etc.
Dairy-free cheese: Top your bowl with a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese or vegan goat cheese crumbles if desired.
Change up the dressing! For a different berry flavor, try this Blueberry Salad Dressing instead.
Storing
Preparing ahead: If making ahead of time, store salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. We find it keeps for about 2-3 days.
For more inspiration, also browse all vegan salad recipes or walnut recipes.
Berry Crunch Salad with Candied Nuts
Ingredients
- 5 oz. mixed baby greens
- 5 oz. fresh strawberries*
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 2-3 clementines/mandarins (or 1 large orange)
- 1 cup Maple-Vanilla Candied Nuts
- 1 batch Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Instructions
- Make the candied nuts. Then make the strawberry balsamic dressing.
- Prepare your salad: Add mixed greens to a plate/bowl. Remove stems from strawberries and slice. Peel clementine and break into single segments. Top salad greens with strawberries, blueberries, and clementine.
- Add candied walnuts, and top with desired amount of dressing.
- If saving leftovers or preparing for later, store salad and dressing separately in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
Sodium content: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.
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Lynn says
We all enjoyed this as a side dish with our dinner... the candied nuts are really yummy!
Kaitlin says
Wonderful, Lynn! Thanks for sharing.
HC says
I made this beautiful salad last weekend. Even the pickiest eaters enjoyed it! Thank you for a much needed inspiration for eating healthier!
Kaitlin says
So great to hear you all enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing your kind feedback.