Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad

If there’s one stereotype I’m on a mission to debunk, it’s the notion that salads are the poster child for boring and sad meals. We’ve all had that sad iceberg lettuce salad with a few shredded carrots and a tomato. It’s not really satisfying and it definitely doesn’t make you HAPPY. So, I’d like to welcome you to my “NOT Sad Salad Series!” And welcome to this recipe: Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad. This salad has a symphony of textures and nutritional benefits.

I want to shake up the salad world with creations that make you smile, and happy! I like to combine a variety of flavors and textures, making salads fun and always dressed with a homemade dressing. In this salad series you can always expect a salad that is easy to make that incorporates many nutritional elements that work together. You’ll be getting a hefty serving of veggies (some fruits and nuts likely as well!), plant-based protein, and a tasty homemade dressing.

Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad

This berry balsamic vinaigrette salad is bursting with flavor, color, and textures! The vinaigrette comes together quickly in a blender and has the most beautiful color I've seen on a salad dressing. And that's saying a lot because I consume a ton of salads!

For the dressing all you need to do is blend together raspberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and pepper! The consistency is perfectly thick while still being runny and pourable.

Textures in this Salad

The crispy air fryer chickpeas as well as almond slices provide a crunch. This balances the leafy spring mix and refreshing bites of juicy strawberries.

In order to get every flavor in every bite, chop your bell peppers finely. The avocado adds a creaminess as well as healthy fats.

And finally, you cannot taste the hemp seeds but there're here to add some nutrients. They are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad

This NOT a Sad Salad has a berry balsamic vinaigrette to coat the bursts of strawberries, crispy chickpeas, and creamy avocado.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• Spring Mix
• 12-15 strawberries
• 1 avocado
• ⅓ cup hemp seeds
• 1-2 bell peppers finely diced
• ⅓ cup almonds sliced
• 1 15 oz can chickpeas
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Berry Balsamic Dressing

• 1 ⅓ cup raspberries if frozen, thaw before
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoon maple syrup
• ½ lemon juiced
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Rinse and drain your chickpeas then coat in avocado oil and salt and pepper and stick in the air fryer 400F for 15 minutes (shaking ½ way through).
• Meanwhile, cut your strawberries, peppers, and avocado and chop your almonds.
• Combine all of your dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Once you chickpeas are done, assemble your salad and coat with your dressing.
• Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed this recipe. Don't forget to rate and review below! And if you're looking for another salad recipe, check out my lemon tahini poppy seed salad!