Wednesday, June 12, 2013

blackberry & walnut salad



This salad can be summed up in just a few words . . .

    . . . a refreshing, sweet and savory salad. It's perfect for 
                                              Spring and Summer.

I served it alongside Roast Chicken Provencal and a fresh French baguette . . . and it was delicious.

It was such an easy meal to prepare . . . with a wonderful play on flavors!


Ingredients for Blackberry dressing
1 1/2 cups fresh (or frozen, thawed) blackberries
2 teaspoons minced shallots
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons blackberry vinegar (or substitute raspberry or regular balsamic vinegar)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation
Combine 1/2 cup of the blackberries, the shallots, garlic, honey, mustard, and vinegars in a blender and process on high for 10 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides before continuing. With the machine running, slowly drizzle the oil into the blender until the mixture is slightly thickened and smooth. Adjust the seasonings with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Strain the dressing through a fine-meshed sieve into a clean container. Set aside until ready to serve, or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes about 1 cup.

 

Ingredients for Blackberry Salad
1 lb Baby Spinach Leaves, washed and fully dried
1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced
2 eggs, hard boiled and sliced
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, reserve fat
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped *optional
1/4 cup fresh raspberries for garnish
1/4 cup fresh blackberries for garnish

Preparation
In a large bowl, gently toss spinach, onion, and egg together. Keep refrigerated while preparing dressing. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine reserved bacon fat and Blackberry dressing. Heat through for 10 minutes. Pour hot dressing over spinach mixture. Garnish with walnuts and fresh berries. 
Serve immediately.


bon appetit!

For another amazing salad,
be sure and try this one!











10 comments:

  1. This looks and sounds delicious. Blackberries will be in season in August here - I'm definitely pinning this for then. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Anonymous11:25 PM

    This looks so good! I love the idea of blackberry vinegar, I've never seen it over here but I'll look out for it! Sadly, it's not berry season over here (as it's winter now) but I will bookmark this recipe for when I can find some fresh berries. Thanks Suzanne!

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  3. That is a delicious looking salad! I love the flavor combinations :) I just found your blog at Six Sisters Stuff, and I am so glad that I did!!!

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  4. They say we eat first with our eyes. This looks wonderful.

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  5. Beautiful as I am sure it is tasty. I love berries in salads. This is a 'try' for sure! Thanks for sharing the recipe with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  6. Hi Jann!
    Yes, it's a pretty and tasty salad! Something fun to enjoy with a few of your girl-friends :o)
    Suzanne

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  7. Oh wow, this is so pretty and sounds sooooooooooooooo good. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me and the recipe. Hugs, Marty

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  8. Hi Marty!
    So happy you stopped by!
    This salad screams Summer :0), and it's quite tasty too!
    I hope you try it.
    Suzanne

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  9. Dear Suzanne, Your site is so beautiful. I just adore it! ...now following via FB. I saw your salad on Foodie Friday and thought how pretty and refreshing! I love the blackberry dressing too. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Blessings, Catherine

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    Replies
    1. Hi Catherine,
      So happy you stopped by!
      I really do love hearty salads, and this is one of them.
      And welcome, new FB follower. I hope you find inspiration here :0)
      Have a beautiful week,
      Suzanne

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