Main Dish Salad With Turkey, Blackberries and Parmesan Cheese

Looking for a fresh and healthy meal? This Main Dish Turkey Salad with Blackberries and Parmesan offers a wonderful mix of flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of blackberries with the rich, savory taste of turkey and Parmesan.

Why You’ll Love Main Dish Salad With Turkey, Blackberries, and Parmesan Cheese

• Quick and easy: This salad comes together in just 5 minutes, making it perfect for busy lunches or quick dinners.
• Sweet and savory: The combination of savory turkey, tangy Parmesan cheese, and sweet blackberries offers a balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Nutritious and filling: With lean protein from the turkey, fiber from the greens, and antioxidants from the blackberries, this salad is both healthy and filling.
• Light yet satisfying: It’s a perfect main dish when you’re craving something light but still want to feel full and energized after your meal.
• Versatile: You can easily swap in different fruits, greens, or proteins to customize this salad to your taste.

Ingredients For Main Dish Salad With Turkey, Blackberries, and Parmesan Cheese

• Salad greens – Fresh greens like baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens serve as the nutritious base of the salad.
• Deli turkey slices – Adds a lean, protein-packed element that makes the salad filling and satisfying.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese – Provides a rich, savory flavor that complements the sweet blackberries.
• Blackberries – These juicy, slightly tart berries add a burst of freshness and sweetness to the salad.
• Extra virgin olive oil – Used for the light and flavorful dressing.
• Balsamic vinegar – Adds a tangy, slightly sweet touch to balance the flavors of the salad.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Main Dish Salad With Turkey, Blackberries, and Parmesan Cheese

• Salad bowls or plates – For serving individual portions of the salad.
• Measuring spoons – To measure the olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
• Fork – For whisking the dressing and tossing the salad.
• Knife and cutting board – For slicing the turkey, if necessary.

How To Make Main Dish Salad With Turkey, Blackberries, and Parmesan Cheese

• Make the dressing: In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until combined.
• Assemble the salad: Divide the salad greens evenly onto four plates or bowls as the base of your salad.
• Add the dressing: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic dressing over the salad greens, tossing gently to coat the leaves.
• Top with cheese and turkey: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the dressed greens, then add the sliced turkey on top.
• Finish with blackberries: Scatter the blackberries over the salad for a burst of sweetness.
• Serve and enjoy: Your salad is ready to be enjoyed immediately as a fresh and nutritious main dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this salad with a side of cheesy garlic bread or breadstick for a more complete meal.
• Add a side of soup, such as tomato or egg drop, to make this meal even heartier.
• If you prefer extra crunch, top the salad with toasted nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds.
• Serve with a light, refreshing drink like strawberry lemonade or mango pineapple smoothie for a perfect lunch.
• This salad is also great for meal prep, simply store the dressing separately and assemble right before eating to keep the greens fresh.

Tips For Success

• Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh salad greens, ripe blackberries, and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in this simple salad.
• Customize the dressing: If you like your salad with a bit more tang, feel free to adjust the balsamic vinegar to taste or add a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
• Make it your own: You can easily customize this salad by adding other fruits like blueberries or strawberries, or even tossing in some roasted nuts for extra texture.
• Prep ahead: To save time, you can prepare the turkey slices and salad ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Wait to add the dressing and blackberries until just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
• Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the greens may wilt if dressed too far in advance. Keep the dressing separate if you’re making it ahead of time.

Variations And Substitutions

• Change up the fruit: You can swap blackberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries for a different flavor profile.
• Try different greens: Substitute the salad greens with arugula, kale, or mixed greens for a new twist on the base of the salad.
• Protein alternatives: Instead of deli turkey, try grilled chicken, smoked turkey, or even leftover roasted turkey for a heartier option.
• Cheese options: If you don’t have Parmesan, feel free to use feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese to add a different, but equally delicious, flavor to the salad.
• Add some crunch: Toss in a handful of nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the berries and turkey.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent the greens from becoming soggy. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating the turkey: If you prefer warm turkey slices on your salad, you can gently reheat the turkey in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before adding it to the salad.
• Make ahead tips: To prepare this salad in advance, chop the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble and dress the salad right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for a different flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

What other fruits can I use in place of blackberries?

You can easily swap the blackberries for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries.

Can I use grilled turkey instead of deli turkey?

Absolutely! Grilled or roasted turkey works just as well and can add a nice, smoky flavor to the salad.

What can I add to make this salad more filling?

To make the salad more substantial, you can add cooked quinoa, farro, or even a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra protein and texture.

Here’s a very yummy main dish salad recipe that uses lettuce leaves, deli turkey slices, parmesan cheese and blackberries.  If you never used blackberries in a salad, give it a try!  Blackberries are not too sweet and have a unique taste that goes really well with savory foods.  Blackberries make this salad pretty, tasty and memorable.

Turkey and parmesan cheese make this salad filling enough to be served as a main dish.  This main dish salad makes an excellent healthy lunch!

For the best tasting Parmesan cheese, buy the cheese labeled Parmigiano Reggiano (for the difference, see Parmesan cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano).