This vibrant and refreshing Mixed Green Salad with Berries is my go-to summer recipe that never fails to wow a crowd! Bursting with juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, and sweet raspberries, all nestled on a bed of crisp mixed greens and topped with candied pecans and creamy feta cheese. The homemade poppyseed dressing ties everything together with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Trust me, this isn’t just any ordinary salad – it’s a showstopper that’s both beautiful and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Mixed Berry Salad
- Quick and easy – ready in just 20 minutes!
- Perfectly balanced flavors and textures in every bite
- Make-ahead friendly dressing (stays fresh for 2 weeks)
- Customizable with your favorite greens and berries
- Restaurant-quality taste made right at home
- Show-stopping presentation with minimal effort
- Fresh, healthy, and absolutely crave-worthy
- Perfect for both casual lunches and special occasions
What I absolutely adore about this salad is how the sweet, juicy berries play off the salty feta and crunchy candied pecans. And that poppyseed dressing? It’s my secret weapon! The creamy, slightly sweet dressing with tiny poppy seed specks brings everything together in the most magical way. I’ve been making this salad for years, and it never fails to get rave reviews at summer parties and holiday gatherings alike.
The best part? While it looks totally fancy and impressive, it’s actually one of the easiest salads you’ll ever make. Just layer, toss, and serve! Pro tip: Save a few toppings to sprinkle on right before serving – it makes the presentation absolutely gorgeous!
Essential Ingredients for Berry Bliss
Let me walk you through the stars of this gorgeous summer salad – each ingredient brings something special to create that perfect harmony of flavors and textures!
- Mixed Greens: I love using a blend of butter lettuce, baby spinach, and arugula for the perfect mix of tender and peppery notes. The variety gives wonderful texture and a beautiful color palette as your base.
- Fresh Berries: The jewels of our salad! Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries when they’re in peak season. If berries aren’t at their best, you can substitute with dried cranberries in winter months.
- Candied Pecans: These are non-negotiable in my kitchen! The sweet crunch against the tender greens is pure magic. Make a double batch – trust me, you’ll want extra for snacking!
- Feta Cheese: That salty, creamy bite is everything here. You can swap with goat cheese if you prefer, but the feta’s briny punch is my favorite match with sweet berries.
- Poppyseed Dressing: My version combines creamy mayo, tangy yogurt, and a touch of honey for the perfect balance. The tiny poppy seeds add such pretty speckles and a subtle nutty crunch.
Success Tips for the Perfect Berry Salad
Over years of making this salad for countless summer gatherings, I’ve learned a few key tricks that make all the difference:
- Prep Berries Properly: Wash berries just before using and pat completely dry. Wet berries will make your greens soggy and dilute that gorgeous dressing.
- Layer Like a Pro: Start with your greens, add half your toppings and toss gently, then crown with remaining berries, nuts, and feta. This ensures every bite has the perfect mix of ingredients.
- Dress for Success: Always start with less dressing than you think you need – you can always add more! Toss gently with clean hands to coat evenly without bruising those beautiful berries.
- Timing is Everything: While you can prep components ahead, wait to assemble until just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the berries from weeping into your greens.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Berry Salad
Let me walk you through exactly how to create this stunning summer salad. I’ve made this hundreds of times, and these steps guarantee the most beautiful presentation and freshest flavors!
Make the Poppyseed Dressing First:
- Add yogurt, mayo, onion, milk, sugar, and vinegar to your blender
- Blend until silky smooth – about 30 seconds
- Taste and adjust – I sometimes add an extra splash of vinegar for tang
- Stir in those pretty poppy seeds by hand
- Pop it in the fridge while you prep the rest!
Prep Your Fresh Ingredients:
Here’s my tried-and-true assembly method:
- Rinse berries gently and let them air dry completely
- Hull and slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces
- Dice apple into small, uniform cubes
- Finely dice red onion – a little goes a long way!
- Give your greens a quick spin in the salad spinner
The Perfect Assembly Method:
Here’s my secret to getting those gorgeous, Instagram-worthy layers:
- Start with a wide, shallow bowl for the prettiest presentation
- Layer your greens as the foundation
- Sprinkle half your berries, apple, and onion
- Add a layer of candied pecans
- Crown with remaining berries and a generous sprinkle of feta
Creative Variations & Serving Ideas
This salad is wonderfully versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up:
Seasonal Adaptations:
- Spring: Add fresh mint leaves and swap feta for goat cheese
- Summer: Include fresh peach slices and candied walnuts
- Fall: Try pears instead of apples, add dried cranberries
- Winter: Use pomegranate seeds and mandarin oranges
Make It a Meal:
- Add grilled chicken breast for a protein-packed lunch
- Top with seared salmon for an elegant dinner
- Mix in quinoa for a heartier vegetarian option
- Serve alongside grilled sourdough for a light summer supper
Baker’s Tip: For entertaining, prep all components separately up to 4 hours ahead. Store berries and greens in the fridge, but keep nuts at room temperature to maintain their crunch. Assemble just before serving for the freshest presentation!
FAQs & Final Thoughts
Yes! The dressing keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a good shake before using. If it thickens too much, thin it with a splash of milk.
The key is making sure your berries and greens are completely dry before assembling. I like to wash berries early in the day and let them air dry on paper towels. For the greens, a salad spinner is your best friend! Add dressing just before serving.
While candied pecans add amazing flavor and crunch, you can swap them for toasted walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. The key is having something crunchy to contrast with the tender berries and greens.
I like to toss my diced apple pieces in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This prevents browning and adds a lovely hint of brightness to the flavor!
Final Thoughts
You know what makes me smile? Watching people’s faces light up when they try this berry salad for the first time! There’s something magical about the combination of sweet berries, crunchy pecans, and that creamy poppyseed dressing that just makes everyone happy.
Whether you’re making this for a quiet lunch at home or bringing it to your next summer gathering, I promise it’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection. Remember to have fun with the toppings – sometimes the prettiest salads happen when you let your creativity shine!
I’d absolutely love to hear how your salad turns out! Drop a comment below or tag me in your photos – seeing your kitchen successes brings me so much joy. Happy salad making, friends! 💕
Baker’s Tip: Double the dressing recipe and keep extra in a mason jar – you’ll thank yourself later when you’re craving this salad again (trust me, you will)!
Mixed Green Salad with Berries
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 10 cups mixed greens lettuce (red lettuce, romaine, spinach, or whatever you like)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1 sweet apple chopped
- 1 cup candied pecans
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 5.3 ounces strawberry yogurt container
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 small piece red onion
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Add all of the dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste. Add additional vinegar if you want it tangier, more sugar if you like it sweeter, or a dab more mayo and splash of milk if you want it creamier.
- Stir in poppy seeds. Store dressing in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Make candied pecans
- Prepare, wash and dry berries, and chop the apple and onion. Add greens to a large mixing bowl. Add toppings (I like to set aside a spoonful of each topping to add at the end, for aesthetics.)
- Toss the mixture in desired amount of dressing. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use ½ cup chopped raw pecans, 10 ½ cups mixed greens lettuce, Olive oil mayonnaise, Add 2 lbs raw boneless skinless chicken breasts.
MACROS PER SERVING: 3.4 oz. cooked chicken, 56.5 grams dressing, 17.6 grams apple, 14.7 grams blueberries, 13.3 grams strawberries, 12 grams raspberries, 4.5 grams red onion, 7.8 grams feta cheese, 9 grams raw pecans.
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