Berry Brilliant

After last week's popular Mandarin Chicken Salad for Derby Day, I'm back with another unexpected combination that's sure to become a staple in your spring and summer rotation. This Broccoli & Blueberry Salad marries the earthy crunch of fresh broccoli with the sweet-tart pop of plump blueberries for a nutritional powerhouse that doesn't sacrifice flavor.

Why Broccoli and Blueberries Belong Together

At first glance, these ingredients might seem like unlikely companions. But trust me, the contrast between the crisp broccoli and juicy blueberries creates a textural playground in your mouth, while the colors create a visual feast that's Instagram-worthy.

Beyond aesthetics, this dynamic duo packs a serious nutritional punch: broccoli delivers fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. Blueberries contribute antioxidants, more vitamin C, and natural sweetness without the sugar crash. When these superfoods join forces with the other fresh ingredients and my almond butter balsamic dressing, the result is nothing short of magical.

Broccoli & Blueberry Salad Recipe

For the Dressing:

3 tbsp avocado oil

1 tsp dijon mustard

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp almond butter

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp balsamic glaze

For the Salad:

1 (or 2) head romaine lettuce, chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, finely minced

1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced

1 head of broccoli, cut into florets

1 pint of blueberries

1 cucumber, thinly sliced

1 large Haas avocado, sliced

4 oz sliced almonds, roasted (roasting really brings out the flavor of the almonds, so don’t skip this step!)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, almond butter, and honey until smooth and emulsified. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.

2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, yellow bell pepper, green onions, and prepared broccoli.

3. Just before serving: Gently fold in the blueberries and roasted sliced almonds. Drizzle with the prepared dressing, toss lightly to coat, and finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze across the top.

I'd love to hear what you think of this unexpected combination! Have you ever tried blueberries in a savory salad before? Drop a comment below with your thoughts or other surprising salad combinations you enjoy, and if you tested my Mandarin Chicken Salad recipe from last week, be sure to post to Instagram and tag @rclinteriors!