My Favorite summer salad
Back when I was living in Chicago, I spent a year working for an incredible local pizza chain called Billy Bricks. I loved that job - it introduced me to food marketing, catering event planning, and gave me my first real taste of how food connects people.
It also introduced me to this salad. I used to hate blue cheese with a burning passion, but this cran-apple salad salad changed my mind. Bright, balanced, and packed with flavor, it offers the most refreshing, crisp bite that is perfect for the summer.
Summer Salad with Cranberry Apple Vinaigrette
Serves: 4-6
Salad Ingredients:
6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped toasted walnuts
½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese)
1 small apple, thinly sliced (optional)
Homemade Cranberry Apple Vinaigrette:
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp honey or maple syrup
½ cup olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp cranberry juice for a fruitier twist
Instructions:
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Slowly stream in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity.
Toss salad ingredients together in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
Quick Store-Bought Swap
No time to make vinaigrette? A good quality bottled raspberry vinaigrette makes a great substitute. Look for one with real fruit juice and minimal added sugar.
This salad hits all the right notes: sweet, salty, creamy, and crisp. It’s a go-to dish for summer picnics, dinners on the patio, or anytime you need something fresh and beautiful on the table.
