It’s time to get back into the {salad} swing of things!
I’m seriously creeped by how long it’s been since I’ve shared one. I’ve had so much going on (just got off the phone with ABC again, NBD) that I’ve been pretty lazy about it. This one‘s been my go-to, because I can toss in a can of tuna and white beans and literally have dinner ready in 5 minutes.
But suddenly, I had a craving for something bigger and better. I’ve been obsessing over blackberries lately, because I’ve had some seriously good batches of them – as opposed to the blueberries I’ve been buying, which have for whatever reason been sour and lame. What’s up with that? For a blueberry-fiend like me, it’s pretty much the worst!
The idea of combining blackberry and mango in a salad just took me over, and from there the avocado was a natural addition. And then, pistachios! My new favorite addition to salads. If you buy them already roasted, shelled, and salted, they’re so easy – and they add the most savory flavor. I especially love them with avocados. Plus, they’re one of the lowest-calorie nuts (they are the lowest, actually, until you get into the roasted/salted world) and they’re super-high in potassium. Love, love, love.
Things didn’t really get good, however, until I decided to turn my happy little carton of berries into a vinaigrette.
At first, I was thinking about just tossing them whole right into the salad, but when I got to thinking about what dressing I wanted to use, it hit me. Blackberry vinaigrette! How had I not thought of this before? You’ve seen raspberry vinaigrette on every menu and I’m pretty sure they even sell it bottled, but never blackberry – not for me, at least. Puréed with a little lemon juice, and then combined with honey, Dijon, shallots, and a touch of balsamic and oil … heaven!
The color is spectacular – I advise you don’t wear white if you’re half as messy as I am – and the best part is that the flavor is so good and adds enough liquid to the dressing that you need barely any oil!
Making it quite bikini season-friendly, if I do say so myself.
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 – 3 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 10 ounces mixed greens
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large chicken breasts, grilled
- 2 mangos, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 2 avocados, halved, pitted, and sliced
- ⅓ cup shelled pistachios {I like roasted/salted}
- To make the vinaigrette, combine blackberries and lemon in a small food processor and purée. Strain liquid into a jar and add honey (start with 2 teaspoons and taste for more later), mustard, shallot, vinegar, and oil. Shake to combine; season to taste.
- Arrange greens on a platter or large salad bowl. Add onion, chicken breast, mangoes, avocados, and pistachios. Serve with the blackberry vinaigrette.
Just a perfect perfect salad. Wonderful combination of creamy richness and tart flavours.
Kathryn recently posted..market day
What a beautiful salad, love the pistachios! will try that for certain!
You’re right, why do you see raspberry vinaigrette but not blackberry vinaigrette? Love the combo of fruits in your salad and your idea of using pistachios. Somehow I tend to use walnuts a lot in salads but never pistachios. An oversight for sure.
Mary @ Fit and Fed recently posted..Truly Free Range Eggs: Healthy, Nutritious, Anti-Inflammatory
I love everything about this salad! I did a blackberry vinaigrette recently for a Kale Salad that I made. Loved it on that too!
Lori @ RecipeGirl recently posted..How to Grill Clams
I just got into your site and it’s absolutely amazing. I found you on YouTube and I really love your videos. Reading post after post makes me feel like I know. I feel inspired by your site and I hope you get a chance to go to culinary school, I’ll be going in the fall. Lastly keep up the awesome work!
Thank you so much! YOU are absolutely amazing. THANK YOU.
I love the way fruit tastes in my salad. And this one, my dear, looks absolutely perfect to me!
Eliana recently posted..Latin Flair – Pollo Asado (Latin Roast Chicken)
This looks delicious and so easy! That’s my favorite combination. The kids will just love it! Thank you