Raspberry Walnut Salad
by Jodi Danen, RD
This light, simple, and refreshing salad combines tender salad greens, fresh raspberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, topped off with a simple homemade raspberry vinaigrette.
Fruit on salads can be a hot topic. I’m firmly in the “yes” camp. Tomatoes count as fruit and no one questions those. A little natural sweetness from fruit can completely change the vibe of a salad and make it something people actually want to eat.
This Raspberry Walnut Salad hits that sweet spot. It’s fresh, balanced, and easy enough for a busy weeknight but pretty enough to serve when company’s over.
Why We Love California Walnuts in This Salad
Let’s talk about the walnuts for a second. Not just any walnuts, but California walnuts. They bring that satisfying crunch that makes a salad feel finished, but they’re also doing a lot behind the scenes nutritionally.
California walnuts are one of those ingredients that make eating well feel simple. A small handful goes a long way, both in flavor and benefits.
A Small Ingredient With Big Benefits
California walnuts are a good source of plant-based omega-3 fats, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA¹⁻³). These healthy fats are associated with heart health when enjoyed as part of a balanced eating pattern that’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol²⁻³.
They also provide 4g of protein, 2g fiber, 45mg magnesium, and antioxidants. In real life terms, that means they help you feel more satisfied after eating, support digestion, and add important nutrients without turning a salad into something complicated.
Heart-Healthy and Family-Friendly
California walnuts carry the American Heart Association Heart-Check mark, which means they meet criteria for heart-healthy foods². That’s a win for families trying to make everyday meals a little more intentional without making food stressful.
Another bonus worth mentioning? Research suggests the calories in walnuts may be 21% lower than previously thought, making them an easy add to meals and snacks you already love⁴.
Easy to Use, Easy to Love
You don’t need much. Just a small sprinkle of California walnuts adds texture, richness, and a nutrient boost that pulls this salad together. They pair perfectly with juicy raspberries and creamy goat cheese, giving you that sweet and savory balance that keeps people going back for seconds.
If you’re looking for a simple way to level up a salad while adding heart-healthy fats²⁻³, California walnuts are an easy yes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salad Greens – Go with a tender green like spinach, baby kale or spring mix for this salad.
- Raspberries – Fresh raspberries add a juicy pop of sweetness. You can also swap in strawberries, cherries, apples, or pears if that’s what you have on hand.
- Goat Cheese -Plain or honey goat cheese both work beautifully. Feta, shredded Parmesan, or fresh mozzarella are great alternatives.
- California Walnuts – Chopped for crunch and flavor. Other nuts work too, but California walnuts bring a unique texture and nutrient profile.
- Vinaigrette – A simple mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar and raspberry jam.
Raspberry Walnut Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2½ Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. raspberry jam
- 1 5 oz. package baby kale
- ¾ cup raspberries
- ⅓ cup chopped California walnuts
- 2 oz. crumbled goat cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and raspberry jam. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine salad greens, raspberries, California walnuts, and goat cheese.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What greens work best for this salad?
A: Tender greens like baby kale, spinach, or a spring mix work best and won’t overpower the other ingredients.
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes. The vinaigrette can be made up to a few days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick shake before using.
Q: What can I substitute for goat cheese?
A: Feta, Parmesan, or fresh mozzarella all work well depending on what you prefer.
Q: How should I store walnuts? A:You can maintain the fresh taste of California walnuts by keeping them cold. The best place to store walnuts is in your refrigerator or freezer.
References
¹ U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central. 2019. Available at: fdc.nal.usda.gov
² Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.
³ A one-ounce serving provides 18g of total fat, including 2.5g of monounsaturated fat and 13g of polyunsaturated fat (of which 2.5g is plant-based omega-3 ALA), as well as 1.5g of saturated fat.
⁴ Baer DJ, Gebauer SK, Novotny JA. Walnuts consumed by healthy adults provide less available energy than predicted by the Atwater factors. J Nutr. 2016 Jan;146(1):9-13. doi:10.3945/jn.115.217372. Epub 2015 Nov 18. PMID: 26581681.
