This is my very favorite, family friendly summer salad recipe. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it to achieve what I believe is ‘perfection.’ However, feel free to add some avocado or walnuts, to kick it up a notch.

I recommend that you pack this berry salad in a container for a romantic picnic. Use a straw basket to carry the salad, bottle of wine, fresh loaf of bread and a throw blanket for an effortless day date. Or, take this healthy salad to your next potluck or summer gathering.

Ingredients for Susie’s Summer Salad

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 lb sliced strawberries
• 2 tbsp shallots
• 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola or bleu cheese, divided
• 1 5 oz pkg of greens or spinach
• 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp grated lemon rind
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 2 tsp salt

Instructions for Susie’s Summer Salad

Are you familiar with blanching? When you blanch vegetables, you create a crunchier texture, brighter colors and achieve delicious flavor. I believe it’s the best way to prepare asparagus and it makes an incredible salad. Simply add asparagus to boiling water for 2 minutes and then immediately transfer them, with a slotted spoon, to an ice bath. This shocks the vegetable so it does not overcook in its own steam. You can leave them in the ice bath until you have finished preparing the salad. 

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1. Cook asparagus and 1 3/4 teaspoons of salt in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately submerge in an ice bath. Set aside. 

2. To make the dressing, combine the shallots, vinegar, oil, lemon rind, pepper and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl. Whisk together and stir in 1/4 cup of cheese. 

3. Next, in a large bowl, combine asparagus, strawberries, and salad greens. Drizzle with dressing; toss gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. 

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If you are looking for another summer favorite, my sangria recipe is one that I often get asked to make for girls’ weekends or adult pool parties. Click for Susie’s Summer Sangria recipe. Plus, you can find a variety of our ‘Made in Texas’ cutting boards in our shop, From: Susie. Or our blue and white Talavera bowls!

Thanks for stopping by the blog, today! I hope you try my summer salad recipe! But first, save this recipe to your Pinterest board or follow my Pinterest board, for more inspiration.