Ladies and gentlemen, today I am honored to present my Banana Blueberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts.
I appreciate your resounding applause.
In fact, it’s still ringing in my ears, unless of course that’s the voices. These prescription meds have been known to have some quirky little side effects. Thankfully, my GI tract is still intact and ready for action, which might have something to do with my exuberant consumption of greens these days. Popeye ain’t got nothing on me.
Case in point, this intriguing and intoxicating bowl of green goodness, which is buried underneath the mountain of scrumdiddlyumptious toppings. I’m talking fresh bananas slices, bountiful blueberries, beauteous blue cheese and sweet candied walnuts. That’s it, along with your lettuce of choice of course; just five simple ingredients. Top it off with a poppy seed dressing, and I swear you’ll be singing happy, fantastical show tunes before your bowl is gone.
I recognize this is a strange combination of flavors, yet somehow, someway these ingredients mysteriously work together. Think Ren and Stimpy, Beavis and Butthead, Tom and Jerry, Cheech and Chong. All the best pairings in history had something a little odd about them, yet together they created a symbiotic ethos of joy with a side of singing. Alright maybe none of them were musical performers per say, but that’s only because they didn’t have this powerhouse bowl packed with nutritional goodness.
My salad works in much the same way as these odd, yet delightful pairings, and I’m not just saying that because I’m cocky. Granted, my cojones are large; there’s no doubt about that or this salad because it’s a beast in the kitchen. The sweet blueberries coupled with the tangy blue cheese, the crunchy walnuts (candied or otherwise) and the soft and supple banana slices make magic happen. Topped with a dollop of poppy seed dressing, and it’s flavor perfection.
Give it a whirl, take it out for a spin, and you’ll see exactly why I’m singing the praises of this Banana Blueberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Candied Walnuts. So grab your greens, your blues and your bananas, and get crack-a-lacking on this summertime salad. I promise you’re gonna love it.
- 1 head of Lettuce or giant bundle of Spinach
- 3/4 cup Blueberries
- 1 to 2 small Bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup Blue Cheese
- 1/3 cup Walnuts (Candied - Optional)*
- Poppy Seed Dressing
- Wash and rinse your lettuce of choice. Add blueberries, banana slices, blue cheese and walnuts, and top with poppy seed dressing.
- I like to use Candied Walnuts for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch, although regular walnuts would be fine too. My recipe for Candied Roasted Walnuts can be found in the adapted link directly below and here: http://cleaneatsfastfeets.com/2015/11/11/must-have-oven-roasted-candied-walnuts/
Have you ever had bananas in your salad? Would you be willing to give it a try? What are your favorite historical pairings?
I am definitely down to try this, I love sweet and salty and have never tried banana in a salad. Interesting!! I can just imagine the flavors and I’m excited.
I think I ate my weight in kale salad the last two weeks so I’m moving on to something else, and will probably not want kale salad for a very long time. This salad sounds like a good first adventure.
Danielle recently posted…WIR – baby room & catching up
I think this salad is a great first adventure. Have you reintroduced dairy yet?
Two weeks worth of kale…your insides must be squeaky clean. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Banana Blueberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
Mag, three posts in one week! You’re killing it 🙂
This salad screams summer. I love it! Odd sounding combinations are always the best! I want to add Pinky and Brain and of course the Scoby Doo Crew 😉
Juli@1000lovelythings recently posted…How I prep for a trip
I know. Three posts. Can you believe it? I am feeling super proud of myself today. 🙂
How could I forget Pinky and the Brain? Great additions.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Blueberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
And it’s so pretty, too! Starsky and Hutch!
Suzy recently posted…Body Swap Meet
Yes, another great pairing!
Meghan recently posted…Banana Blueberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
Before I read your questions, I was like… I’ve never tried rest bananas in a salad, but you better believe I’d be willing to give it a shot. The blue cheese though? Not so much. Sorry, boo… but I have this thing against eating anything that smells like feet. Although I’m intrigued by the whole sweet & salty combo.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…you guys surprised me & my newest obsession (ToL#192)
You have no idea what you’re missing when it comes to blue cheese. So. Much. Amazingness.
Meghan recently posted…Banana Blueberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
Peas and carrots. Best paring, Jenny. 😉
I’ve never thought of bananas in a salad, but I’d totally eat it. You win #strangebutgood… if I still did that thing. HA
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Middle Eastern Spiced Chicken Skewers with Herbed Tahini Sauce
I would have linked with strange but good too if you were still doing it. When did I miss that? D’oh!
Meghan recently posted…Banana Blueberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
LaVerne and Shirley, Thelma and Louise, Mary Kate and Ashley, Simon and Garfunkel, The Captain and Tenille . . .
I’d try this if and only if the bananas were just barely ripe. I like a nice firm banana (please, go ahead, insert your public banana jokes here . . . I’ll wait while you get it out of your system) unless it’s going in a smoothie. In that case it can be ripe as shit.
Good on ya, mate, for 3 posts in a week!
Kirsten recently posted…Salsa Verde with Roasted Hatch Chiles (Canning recipe)
Of course you prefer your bananas hard; I think most women do. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. You knew it was coming. TWSS.
I think this totally works! I have put bananas in my salads before, when I crave the combination. and some of my favorite sushi places use fried banana in their rolls! bananas for every meal!
meredith @ cookie chrunicles recently posted…Pure Barre Anniversary & Workout Recap
Yes! We need to start a banana revolution!
Meghan recently posted…Banana Blueberry Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
I believe you 100% that blue cheese and banana works – then adding in blueberries and walnuts! Hello! I will be making this for sure, well maybe leaving out the blueberries for a wee while until they are in season again.
I usually go for blue cheese, pear/ Apple and pecans but am glad to see walnuts getting a little loving – it’s such a forgotten nut!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…Currently – July 2016
Blue cheese, fruit and some nuts is a magical pairing.
You may have to come stateside to get your blueberries. 🙂
These candied walnuts of yours are like edible pimps. The pimp themselves and are featured in several delicious recipes on here and I love it! (Maybe because I am bias and tried them).
Okay this pairing is deliciously odd and it’s actually a taste + texture lovers dream. I mean, the sweet and salty…
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Getting Owned By London in 24 hours