Nuts About Berries Salad Zupas Copycat

My daughter and I tried a similar Nuts About Berries Salad at one of our favorite lunch spots — Cafe Zupas (locations in Arizona, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, and Utah). We thought we would give it a try at home and it turned out great. I made a few changes and swapped out the almonds for pecans, added a sprinkle of feta cheese, and made a raspberry vinaigrette dressing instead of serving it with poppy seed dressing. The raspberry vinaigrette has a lighter berry taste and uses less oil. I think it really brings out the flavor of the berries. Either way, you have the makings of a delicious summer berry salad.

Ingredients in Nuts About Berries Salad

Mix and match fresh berries to create your perfect summer salad. You can also substitute candied almonds or walnuts for the cinnamon pecans, or goat cheese or blue cheese for the Feta cheese.

Mixed greens, spring mix, or spinach leaves Fresh berries – For a mixed berry salad, use strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and even blackberries. Cinnamon pecans Feta cheese

Health Benefits of Eating Greens and Berries

There are many healthy benefits to eating leafy greens and fresh berries. The combination of the two in this salad tastes great, and will make you feel great too!

Benefits of eating fresh greens

Vitamins A, C, and K1 High in iron and calcium Contains antioxidants Reduce risk of heart disease

Benefits of eating berries

Helps manage cholesterol Improves skin health Reduces inflammation Improves digestion

Where can I find fresh berries?

My sister, Elise, used to live in Alaska and could literally stop her car and pick fresh berries on the side of the road. If you are fortunate enough to live in a place where you can do this, or grow your own, you are so lucky! If not, local farmer’s markets usually carry fresh picked berries in the spring and early summer. I can also usually get good berries at Costco. If I splurge and buy them at Costco, it’s a treat because I don’t need to use them all for this salad.

Ways to use leftover berries

We have berries over ice cream, frozen yogurt or sherbet for dessert, or I use what’s left to make our Grab and Go Breakfast Parfaits. You can also use the remaining berries in our Strawberries and Cream Cake. Or, use the fruit to dip in our delicious Easy Cream Cheese Fruit Dip. So many possibilities with fresh berries!

Turn this Berry Salad Recipe into a Main Dish

Take this gorgeous side salad and turn it into a healthy and light lunch by adding grilled chicken breast, lean steak or even grilled pork chop to the top of the berry spinach salad. Or add a cup of cooked quinoa for extra bulk.