SUMMER BERRY SALAD

Some anniversary gifts are flowers. Some are jewelry. Mine? A salad. (JK also gifts & flowers lets be for real). However, this dreamy summer berry salad was inspired by one I had on a dinner date with my husband, celebrating another year around the sun together. It showed up at our table like a little burst of sunshine: peppery greens, sweet berries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy candied walnuts — and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

Naturally, I came home determined to recreate it (as I do), and after a little kitchen tinkering, this version tastes nearly identical — maybe even better, because now I can make it in my cozy kitchen, barefoot, with my kids stealing bites of berries while I plate.

With a base of arugula and kale, a mix of fresh summer berries, creamy goat cheese, and sweet candied walnuts, it’s the perfect balance of bold, bright, tangy, and sweet. The dressing is a simple lemon-honey-Dijon vinaigrette that brings it all together like a warm hug in salad form.

It’s the kind of salad that feels fancy enough for a date night but easy enough for lunch on the porch — and every bite still tastes like love.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl or platter, layer arugula, kale, berries, goat cheese, and candied walnuts.

2. In a small jar or blender, combine all dressing ingredients and shake or blend until emulsified.

3. Drizzle desired amount of dressing over the salad just before serving.