Blueberry Cucumber Salad

This Blueberry Cucumber Salad is the perfect summer dish, bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. It combines crunchy cucumbers, sweet blueberries, and savory parmesan, all drizzled with a creamy balsamic dressing. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or light weeknight dinners, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Its unique blend of textures and tastes makes it a standout dish that will impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of blueberries and cucumbers brings a light and zesty flavor that’s perfect for summer.
• Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, this salad is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with vitamins from fresh greens and antioxidants from blueberries, this salad is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing, perfect for serving at any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make preparing your Blueberry Cucumber Salad much easier. Here are the key items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Prevents almonds from sticking and burning while caramelizing.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to toss all ingredients without spillage.
• Whisk: Ensures your dressing emulsifies properly, creating a smooth texture.

Ingredients

This blueberry summer salad is loaded with cucumbers, scallions, parmesan and sugared almonds. Topped with a creamy balsamic for tons of flavor!

For the Salad Base

• 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

For the Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

• 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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Blueberry Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Almonds

1. Place the almonds in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar and cook while stirring often until the sugar melts into a caramel coating on the almonds—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
4. Once done, transfer the almonds onto parchment paper to cool. If they clump together, break them apart once cool.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the spring greens with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Add in the blueberries, thinly sliced cucumbers, green onions, and parmesan cheese.
3. Top everything off with the cooled sugared almonds.
4. Serve immediately with your freshly made balsamic dressing!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

1. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, heavy cream, dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. While whisking continuously, gradually stream in olive oil until fully emulsified.
3. Gently stir in chopped chives before serving over your salad.

Now you have an amazing Blueberry Cucumber Salad ready to delight everyone at your next meal! Enjoy!

How to Serve Blueberry Cucumber Salad

This delicious Blueberry Cucumber Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
• Enjoy it on its own for a refreshing midday snack.

At a Barbecue

• Serve alongside grilled meats to balance flavors.
• Offer as a side dish for outdoor gatherings, perfect for warm weather.

As an Appetizer

• Present in small bowls before the main course to excite the palate.
• Garnish with extra chives for visual appeal and added flavor.

With Bread

• Accompany with crusty bread or pita chips for a satisfying crunch.
• Use as a topping on toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer.

How to Perfect Blueberry Cucumber Salad

Creating the ultimate Blueberry Cucumber Salad is easy with these simple tips. Follow them to elevate your dish!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Opt for ripe blueberries and crisp cucumbers to enhance flavor and texture.
• Adjust sweetness: Modify the sugar in the sugared almonds based on your taste preference or dietary needs.
• Use quality olive oil: A good extra virgin olive oil will enrich the dressing’s flavor, making it more robust.
• Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to meld flavors together beautifully.
• Add variety: Experiment with other nuts like walnuts or pecans for different textures and tastes.
• Don’t skip the dressing: The creamy balsamic vinaigrette is essential; it ties all ingredients together seamlessly.

Best Side Dishes for Blueberry Cucumber Salad

This salad pairs well with various side dishes, making it perfect for any meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender pieces of marinated chicken grilled to perfection complement the freshness of the salad.
2. Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad adds protein and fiber while keeping your meal light and nutritious.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is delightful in summer, adding a juicy crunch that contrasts well with the salad’s textures.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a vibrant side that pairs beautifully with blueberries.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring warmth and depth, balancing out the coolness of the cucumber salad.
6. Whole Grain Rolls: Soft rolls or whole grain bread are perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from your plate.

With these serving suggestions and side dishes, your Blueberry Cucumber Salad will shine at every meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Blueberry Cucumber Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the dish’s flavor and presentation.

• Using stale nuts: Freshness is crucial. Always use fresh almonds for the sugared topping to ensure a delightful crunch.
• Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season your greens with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the overall taste of your salad.
• Chopping ingredients unevenly: Cutting cucumbers, onions, and other ingredients in similar sizes ensures even distribution and a better presentation.
• Overdressing the salad: Use just enough dressing to coat the salad lightly. Too much dressing can make it soggy and overwhelming in flavor.
• Neglecting the balsamic vinaigrette: Allow time for the flavors in the dressing to meld together. Whisking it well before serving makes a big difference.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Blueberry Cucumber Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for best freshness.

Freezing Blueberry Cucumber Salad

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture of fresh ingredients like cucumbers and greens.
• If you must freeze, consider storing only the sugared almonds separately.

Reheating Blueberry Cucumber Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm gently in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently so it doesn’t get too warm.
• Stovetop: Use low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until warmed through without cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some variations for Blueberry Cucumber Salad?

You can add other fruits like strawberries or mangoes, or swap out cheese types based on your preference.

Can I make Blueberry Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare all components separately and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

How can I customize the dressing for Blueberry Cucumber Salad?

Feel free to add herbs or citrus zest to the balsamic vinaigrette for extra flavor depth!

Is this Blueberry Cucumber Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep components separate until ready to enjoy for optimal taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Cucumber Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile, making it perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal. Customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings to suit your taste! Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Blueberry Cucumber Salad

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Blueberry Cucumber Salad is a refreshing summer dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. This colorful salad features crunchy cucumbers, plump blueberries, and rich parmesan cheese, all drizzled with a creamy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes that are sure to impress your guests. With its quick preparation time and nutritious ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also a healthy option for any meal.

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Ingredients

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• ⅔ cup sliced almonds
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 8 cups spring greens or baby spinach
• 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare Sugared Almonds: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt sugar with almonds until caramelized (approx. 6-8 minutes). Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
2. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, toss greens with salt and pepper. Add cucumbers, blueberries, green onions, parmesan cheese, and cooled almonds.
3. Make Dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, garlic, cream, mustard, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Stir in chives before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg