Spring Berry Romaine Salad

Romaine calm, spring is right around the corner! No need to wait until it’s officially spring to enjoy this Spring Berry Romaine Salad though.

So simple to make it, great as a main dish or side for dinner, extras for lunch, and perfect for Easter dinner or brunch! Just a few simple ingredients and it comes together in minutes which makes it perfect for me to bring to Easter this year since I’ll be a little tight on time making other things like sourdough and hopefully some treats.

We’re back home and hoping to get back to “normal” life today. It’s been a crazy two weeks, I forgot how exhausting vacation can be but I did manage to get some relaxing in. We’ll have to ease back into things though, luckily it warmed up while we were gone so that wasn’t too rough but there’s still snow on the ground. We were very active with lots of walking at Expo and Disneyland but it’s been over 2 weeks since my last “workout” so barre is on the list today and hoping my back holds up. Food well while we did have many healthy options at Disneyland (with the club level) there was a lot of eating at Expo and lots of wine and desserts at Disneyland. We came back home after 8 days and were only home just over 48 hours before leaving again. No guilt, I believe in balance and enjoying life, but I’m craving routine and healthy whole foods. Oh and toast, we made fresh sourdough and I’m trying to figure out what combo to make first.

Right after we got back we had to take about a 6 hour car trip to take the girls to my parents for the weekend and while we were up there the girls and I got to check out a hydroponic green house. I shared a little on Instagram Stories. It was pretty amazing and if I had the time, money, and space to start one it would be fun to have one.

So I’ll just count the days until we can plant our traditional garden and have my dad bring me down greens when he’s in town or grab some when we’re up there. I did get a few heads and I used them to whip up this Spring Berry Romaine Salad. I’ll be picking up more Easter weekend to make this salad again for Easter dinner with my family and to bring to Easter lunch/dinner with the in-laws.

This wasn’t what I had planned to share today for Meatless Monday but it was so simple and delicious I decided to when the kimchi soup I made didn’t photograph well. I could eat simple delicious salads every day! I then realized I hadn’t shared the recipe for the Matcha Coconut Cups and the ones with marshmallows I hoped to get up before Expo but I’ll get that up this week and I’ve pretty much already shared it on Instagram and sent it to those who have asked.

I’m also debating on getting a post up about Expo. There was a lot this year, it was the largest year to date, and I’m not sure what I want to share yet. If there is something you’re looking for let me know. There were a lot of dairy alternatives this year, probiotics (including bars I really liked), and a lot of new flavors and products from some of my favorite companies.

I hope you all have a great week. If you’re here for Meatless Monday, I look forward to seeing what’s happening in your kitchen and hope you link up with me and my co-host Deborah. I also hope you’re inspired by the recipes linked up below.

Print Recipe

Spring Berry Romaine Salad

Simple and delicious salad packed with fresh sweet berries on a bed of romaine, carrots, and red onion dressed with a basic balsamic vinaigrette and topped with nuts. Great for lunch, dinner as a main or side, or your next get together for sharing. Naturally gluten free and vegan.

Course

Dinner, Lunch

Prep Time

15 minutes

Servings

main dish, 16+ side dish or party servings

Ingredients

• 2 large hearts of romaine, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 5 oz matchstick carrots
• 1 lb strawberries, halved
• 1 c blueberries
• 1 c cashews or waluts (Navitas Organics Maca Maple Cashews)
• 1/2 c Simple (Blueberry) Balsamic Vinaigrette, plus more to pass recipe below
• Simple (Blueberry) Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Makes 1 cup
• 3/4 c extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 c balsamic vinegar (used Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar from Oh Olive)
• sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
• 1 clove garlic, grated

Course Dinner, Lunch Prep Time 15 minutes Servings main dish, 16+ side dish or party servings Ingredients 2 large hearts of romaine, chopped 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 5 oz matchstick carrots 1 lb strawberries, halved 1 c blueberries 1 c cashews or waluts (Navitas Organics Maca Maple Cashews) 1/2 c Simple (Blueberry) Balsamic Vinaigrette, plus more to pass recipe below Simple (Blueberry) Balsamic Vinaigrette Makes 1 cup 3/4 c extra virgin olive oil 1/3 c balsamic vinegar (used Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar from Oh Olive) sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste 1 clove garlic, grated

Instructions

1. In a glass jar with a tight lid shake together the dressing ingredients. If making ahead place in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
2. In a large bowl toss chopped romaine, sliced onion, and carrots.
3. Shake vinaigrette and drizzle just enough to lightly coat the lettuce and veggies.
4. Add berries and gentle toss.
5. Top with nuts and serve with additional dressing on the side.
6. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Notes If making ahead you can add dressing and nuts just before serving.

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