Discovering Even Stevens: A Restaurant with a Heart

Even Stevens isn’t just another sandwich shop; it’s a vibrant and welcoming eatery with a unique mission. Since its inception, the brand has distinguished itself as “a sandwich shop with a cause,” making a tangible difference in communities by donating a sandwich to a local charity for every sandwich sold. This incredible model not only makes you feel good about your meal choice but also fosters a positive atmosphere within their establishments.

With locations scattered across Utah, including one conveniently situated near my home in Sugarhouse, Even Stevens consistently offers a delightful dining experience. Each restaurant boasts a cute, modern aesthetic, often featuring live music that adds to its cool, inviting vibe. Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, their diverse menu provides a plethora of choices, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. My personal favorite order is the Half Sandwich Half Salad combination, often pairing the savory Sprang Chicken Sandwich with the heavenly Blue(berry) Steel Salad. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Even Stevens, I urge you to find a location near you – you’ll undoubtedly thank me later!

Unpacking the Irresistible Blue(berry) Steel Salad

What makes the Blue(berry) Steel Salad so incredibly special? It’s a symphony of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a truly unique flavor profile. Unlike any other salad I’ve encountered, it balances sweetness, tang, and crunch in a way that’s both surprising and deeply satisfying. This salad defies the ordinary, turning simple components into an extraordinary culinary experience.

The Magic of Homemade Granola: A Crunchy Revelation

The true genius of this salad lies in its topping: a generous sprinkle of delicious homemade granola. As a massive granola fan myself, I instantly recognized the familiar comfort and quality. The first time I tried it, I thought, “This tastes remarkably similar to my own granola recipe!” Both are delightfully chewy, bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, and incredibly delicious. While I don’t have Even Stevens’ exact recipe, my homemade granola recipe perfectly complements the salad’s flavors and textures. These crunchy granola chunks act almost like gourmet croutons, offering a satisfying bite and a burst of spiced sweetness that elevates the entire dish. They add an unexpected layer of complexity that transforms a simple fruit and cheese salad into something truly special.

A Dressing That Transforms: The Zesty Blueberry Vinaigrette

Complementing the fresh ingredients and the savory granola is a vibrant blueberry dressing that ties everything together. This dressing is not just an afterthought; it’s a key player, delivering a perfect balance of tartness from fresh lemon juice and sweetness from blueberries and honey. Its smooth, emulsified texture coats every leaf and berry without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the salad. A truly good dressing should enhance, not mask, and this one does exactly that, adding a refreshing burst of flavor with every bite.

Craft Your Own: Even Stevens Blue(berry) Steel Salad Copycat Recipe

Ready to bring the magic of Even Stevens’ Blue(berry) Steel Salad into your home? This copycat recipe captures the essence of the original, allowing you to enjoy its unique flavors whenever you desire. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in its overall impact. I even brought this salad to an Easter party, and it received rave reviews!

Essential Tool: The Blendtec Blender

For achieving the perfectly smooth, chunk-free dressing that this recipe demands, I highly recommend using a high-powered blender like a Blendtec. Its ability to thoroughly emulsify ingredients ensures a silky texture that coats the salad beautifully, making every forkful a delight. If you’re serious about your dressings and smoothies, a good quality blender is an invaluable kitchen tool. (Note: The original content included a placeholder for an Amazon link to a Blendtec, which would go here).

Even Stevens Blue(berry) Steel Salad Copycat Recipe

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen blueberries (frozen mixed berry works as well)
• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 box (approx. 5-6 oz) fresh spring mix
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 cups crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cups homemade granola (find my recipe here!)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing: Add frozen blueberries, fresh squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, and honey (or agave) into your Blendtec or high-speed blender.
2. Blend until Smooth: Blend on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks.
3. Incorporate Chia Seeds: Stir in the chia seeds. Let the dressing sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to slightly thicken it.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spring mix, 2 cups of fresh blueberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Add Granola: Gently toss in the homemade granola.
6. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the blueberry dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
7. Garnish (Optional): Top with a few extra fresh blueberries, a sprinkle of feta, and a little more homemade granola for added visual appeal and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

For the star ingredient, head over to my favorite homemade granola recipe to get started!

Why This Salad Will Be Your New Favorite

The simplicity of the Blue(berry) Steel Salad is precisely what makes it so unique and impactful. There aren’t dozens of ingredients competing for attention; instead, each component is carefully selected for its powerful flavor and textural contribution. The fresh, crisp spring mix provides a light base, while the sweet burst of blueberries perfectly contrasts with the salty tang of feta cheese. The homemade granola, with its chewy texture and cinnamon warmth, adds an unexpected layer of depth and satisfaction, making the salad feel hearty and complete. It’s a testament to how well-chosen ingredients can create a harmonious and unforgettable dish.

This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It makes for a perfect light lunch, a stunning side dish for gatherings (like my Easter party success!), or even a refreshing dinner when paired with a simple protein like grilled chicken. Its vibrant colors and unique flavor profile are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.

Pro Tips for Salad Perfection

To ensure your Blue(berry) Steel Salad is as amazing as possible, consider these tips:

• Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest spring mix and blueberries you can find. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste.
• Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually and toss. You want the ingredients coated, not swimming. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Granola Timing: For maximum crunch, add the granola right before serving. If added too early, it might soften from the dressing.
• Experiment: While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to try other berries in the dressing or salad, or different types of nuts in your homemade granola.