Save to Pinterest This dish combines a medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with crisp baby greens to create a colorful and nutritious salad. A creamy poppy seed dressing, made with olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard, adds a luscious touch. Toasted pecans or walnuts and crumbled feta or goat cheese enhance the texture and flavor. Perfect for light meals or festive gatherings, this easy-to-make salad suits vegetarian and gluten-free preferences. Variations include vegan adjustments or adding grilled protein.
The first time I made this salad was actually by accident. I had berries from a farmers market run that were about to turn and just threw everything on a platter before friends came over. Someone took one bite and asked for the recipe, and honestly, I hadnt even measured anything yet. Now its my go-to when I want something that looks impressive but takes almost zero effort.
Last Valentine's Day, I made this for dinner instead of the usual heavy pasta thing. My partner kept saying how refreshing it was to have something light and bright after a long winter. The berries were so juicy they practically burst in your mouth, and that little bit of crunch from the nuts made everything feel special. Sometimes the simplest meals end up being the ones people talk about most.
Ingredients
- Mixed baby greens: I love using a spring mix with some arugula for peppery bites, but spinach works beautifully too
- Strawberries: Pick ones that smell fragrant since thats where all the flavor lives
- Blueberries: These add these little explosions of sweetness throughout every forkful
- Raspberries: Gently rinse them last so they dont fall apart or get waterlogged
- Toasted pecans: Toasting them in a dry pan for three minutes brings out this incredible nutty aroma
- Crumbled feta: The salty creaminess cuts through all that fruit sweetness perfectly
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good one since it really carries the dressing
- Honey: This balances the tangy vinegar and makes the dressing feel luxurious
- Apple cider vinegar: Gives just enough brightness without overpowering everything
- Greek yogurt: Makes the dressing creamy without being too heavy like mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard: This is what keeps the dressing emulsified so it doesnt separate
- Poppy seeds: They add this tiny crunch that makes the whole salad feel more elegant
Instructions
- Make the dressing first:
- Whisk everything together in a small jar until it looks silky smooth
- Prep your berries:
- Slice those strawberries and give everything a gentle rinse, then pat them completely dry
- Build your base:
- Pile those greens into your biggest salad bowl so you have room to toss everything later
- Layer in the fruit:
- Scatter all those beautiful red and blue berries over the greens like youre painting something
- Add the crunch:
- Sprinkle the toasted nuts and crumbled cheese right on top
- Dress it up:
- Drizzle about half the dressing over everything and toss gently with your hands
Save to Pinterest My mom started making this for her book club meetings, and now everyone requests it every single time. Theres something about the combination of sweet berries and tangy dressing that just makes people happy. I've seen skeptics who dont like salad go back for seconds, which feels like a pretty big win.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I swap in whatever fruit looks best at the market, especially when stone fruit comes into season. Peaches or cherries work beautifully here, and once I even used pomegranate seeds for a dinner party in December. The base formula stays the same, but you can really play with it based on what you love.
Getting Ahead
The dressing can be made up to a week in advance, which honestly makes life so much easier when hosting. I'll wash and dry the berries a day ahead and keep them in separate containers lined with paper towels. Just dont combine everything until the last minute, or you'll lose that fresh crisp texture that makes this salad so special.
Perfect Pairings
This salad shines alongside something grilled, whether that's salmon, chicken, or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option. The sweetness of the berries plays so nicely with those char, smoky flavors from the grill. I've also served it as part of a brunch spread alongside quiche and fresh fruit, and it holds its own perfectly.
- Keep the berries cold until serving for maximum freshness
- Toast the nuts right before assembling for the best aroma
- Taste the dressing first and adjust the honey based on how sweet your berries are
Save to Pinterest Hope this salad brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine over the years. Sometimes the most beautiful things are also the simplest.
Recipe FAQs
- → What berries work best in this salad?
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Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries create a balanced sweetness and vibrant appearance.
- → How is the poppy seed dressing prepared?
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Whisk olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in this dish?
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Yes, toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and flavor, but you can use other toasted tree nuts if preferred.
- → Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
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Replace honey with maple syrup and omit or substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- → What are good beverage pairings for this salad?
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Serve alongside chilled rosé or sparkling wine for a refreshing complement.
