Blackberry, Goats Cheese, Pistachio & Rocket Salad

Say hello to my summery, fresh and flavoursome blackberry, goat's cheese, pistachio and rocket salad, all tossed in a subtle honey mustard dressing!

This delicious salad can be assembled and ready in just 5 minutes and blends a combination of big, bold flavours and textures... creamy, crunchy, fruity and sweet!

This delicious blackberry salad has bursts of summer's sweet, juicy blackberries, the little crunch of nutty, salty pistachios with fresh, peppery arugula, and oh-so-creamy goat cheese; all drizzled in a light honey mustard dressing! This salad really packs a flavour punch!

Sweet berries with cheeses and other savoury accompaniments complement each other so well, and summer salads give us the opportunity to be a little adventurous and play with a combination of sweet and savoury flavours.

Try my beetroot salad with feta, walnuts and mint leaves, quinoa salad, or Greek-style risoni salad with feta, lemon and olives. Of course, if you know me, you'll know that one of my all-time favourite salads is my Cypriot grain salad, which is loaded with grains, nuts and seeds, a layer of spiced Greek yoghurt dressing, and sweet bursts of pomegranate seeds on top - the mix of texture and flavours are truly sensational!

Jump to:

• Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
• What You Need
• Equipment Required
• Step By Step Instructions
• Expert Tips
• FAQs
• Related Recipes
• Blackberry, Goat's Cheese, Pistachio & Rocket Salad

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

This fresh blackberry salad recipe takes literally minutes to assemble and certainly makes an eye-catching dish!

• Ready in 5 minutes - no preparation required, just layer your salad ingredients in a serving platter or bowl, shake the dressing ingredients together, and it's done!
• Flavours and textures - what a deliciously fresh and flavourful combo this salad is! It's not just a good salad... it's the BEST salad!
• Versatile - serve it as a simple side salad or bulk it up by topping it with grilled chicken or salmon for a main meal!
• It is so simple yet looks exquisite - the salad ingredients are all fresh, and there's no preparation or pre-cooking required. This simple salad manages to look incredibly impressive!

What You Need

Fresh blackberries give bursts of sweetness against the peppery rocket leaves, and soft, creamy goat cheese matches so well with crunchy, salty pistachios!

Add these tasty ingredients to your grocery shopping list or pop down to your local farmers market for the best seasonal produce.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

For The Salad

• Rocket - also known as arugula or rucola. These peppery leaves work well with the creamy feta and mustard honey dressing. You could substitute the rocket with baby spinach leaves or any leafy greens, though, if you prefer.
• Blackberries - fresh, plump, moist & delicious, full of sweet summer flavour!
• Feta cheese or goat's cheese - there are many different types of feta cheese, ranging from crumbly and salty to smooth and creamy. Use a soft, creamy feta or goat's cheese, such as Meredith's Dairy goat cheese, with this salad, as it balances out perfectly with the peppery rocket and sweet blackberries.
• Pistachios - shelled and roughly chopped. You can shell and chop whole pistachios yourself, but even easier, purchase packaged ones all ready to use!

For The Honey Mustard Dressing

• Dijon mustard - a traditional French mustard. Dijon mustard is made from crushed mustard seeds and has a creamy texture, spicy taste and a smooth finish.
• Honey - use any type of liquid honey you have on hand.
• Apple cider vinegar - or you can substitute it with white wine vinegar.
• Olive oil - I use extra virgin olive oil in this dressing as it's cold-pressed, it doesn't overpower the mustard, honey, and apple cider, and it is less processed than other types of olive oil.
• Salt and pepper - to season.

Equipment Required

The salad is assembled on the serving platter; how easy is that!?

• Serving platter, large salad bowl or large bowl.
• A small jar, small bowl or container with a lid is used to combine the dressing ingredients. Alternatively, you could use a food processor or a Thermomix to make the dressing.

Step By Step Instructions

Blackberry, feta, pistachio and rocket salad is a winner, with zero preparation required yet maximum flavour! Ready in just two easy steps.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 - Assemble The Salad Ingredients

Spread the rocket (arugula) leaves directly onto a serving platter or bowl.

Toss fresh blackberries over the top and crumble the soft feta (or goat's cheese) into the bowl, too.

Top with the roughly chopped pistachios.

Step 2 - Make The Dressing

Place all of the dressing ingredients into a small jar or container with a lid.

Shake the jar until the dressing ingredients are well combined.

To serve, pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat it, and serve immediately.

Note: Alternatively, the dressing can be left off, and individuals can drizzle their own dressing over the salad once it is served.

Expert Tips

With just four salad ingredients tossed in a light dressing, blackberry, goats cheese, pistachio, and rocket salad makes a simple yet colourful side dish to any meal.

• Use fresh (not frozen) blackberries - to hold their shape and give their 'just picked' summery flavour.
• Pistachios can be substituted for toasted pecans if preferred - or omitted entirely for a nut-free salad.
• For extra flavour and texture, try adding finely sliced red onions or sliced fennel.
• Use a soft, creamy feta or goat's cheese - rather than a firm, crumbly or salty feta.
• If you don't have time to make your own honey mustard dressing, this blackberry salad also pairs perfectly with a store-bought balsamic vinaigrette (or make your own using balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper).
• Do not add the salad dressing until you are ready to serve, or it will wilt the rocket. Leave the salad dressing off, and allow your guests to drizzle their own over the top of their salad once served.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days if the dressing has not been added.

FAQs

Related Recipes

Impress your family or guests with any of these stunning salads - all fresh, healthy, and so full of flavours!

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