raspberry california salad;

April 2, 2021Katie

A simple, delicious salad tossed with leafy greens, candied nuts, blue cheese, and a delicate raspberry dressing.

I’ve been jammin’ on this salad lately. I don’t even know what sparked the thought, but I was craving it. But I randomly thought about my favorite salad of all time, the raspberry California salad at The Melting Pot. I am not generally a salad person, at least when it comes to making my own salads at home. Salads are one of those things that I find so uninspired in my own kitchen. They always taste better when someone else has made them.

But I looked up the ingredients for this salad and realized–it’s really super simple. As simple as can be. So why have I never thought to make it at home before? Well, duh. And especially when I made my own slow cooker candied cinnamon nuts…there’s no excuse! These slow cooker candied cinnamon nuts are just heavenly, and it’s a great recipe to make ahead. It makes a huge batch, so if you’re looking for some ways to use these delicious little suckers, than a salad is a great option! Healthful too.

This salad really is pretty basic, but it has a ton of flavor. It only has five ingredients, including the dressing. I’m usually a savory salad person. What makes this raspberry california salad the exception? Blue cheese. The tart, sharp flavor really cuts through the raspberry vinaigrette and sweet candied nuts. Plus the texture and sweetness of the nuts makes them little nuggets of gold as you find them in your salad.

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I’ve used romaine lettuce here for this raspberry california salad because I like keeping it on hand in my fridge. I find that it holds up longer in storage. I tend to hold on to my leafy greens a bit. I make salads only on occasion, but like having greens around as garnish, to toss on burgers and sandwiches, etc. So romaine is a great choice for me because it doesn’t go to waste.

But this salad is versatile, since the lettuce is a backdrop to the other star ingredients. I believe the melting pot serves the original california salad with mixed greens, but I think spinach would also do plenty well here. You just need a nice green and healthy, leafy base for this raspberry california salad.

If you’re not a blue cheese fan, try swapping in gorgonzola as a substitute. Gorgonzola is a blue cheese so it will still have that tart tang. But it’s generally a milder, slightly sweeter version of blue cheese. So if you think blue cheese is too strong, try a gorgonzola! It’s still delicious, and will give you that bite, but not as much. If you’re really opposed to blue cheese in its entirety, try a sharp cheddar. (And I mean sharp.) But if you have blue cheese I strongly recommend it. It holds up well in the raspberry california salad against the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Secrets to Success;

Make your own candied nuts! You’ll have a ton lying around for this recipe and others, or just to snack on. Of course if that’s too much effort and you’re in a hurry, there’s no shame in grabbing some at the store.
I prefer walnuts and/or pecans in this salad. I feel like they give the best snap and crunch, but go with your favorite nut.
Blue cheese is by far the recommendation here. The sharpness cuts through the sweetness of the raspberry dressing and the candied nuts. If you’re not a fan of strong blue cheese, try gorgonzola for a milder version. If you’re adverse to blue cheese in general, try a sharp, good quality cheddar. Did I mention sharp? The intense flavors will help cut those sweet notes.

Looking for other healthful recipes?

Healthful greek yogurt pancakes are a hearty way to start your day.
Need a dessert that you can feel good about? These heathful twix bars are delicious and guilt free!
When in need of another quick weeknight meal, it’s eggroll in a bowl to the rescue!