Summer Berry Salad

Name: Summer Berry Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, or mixed baby greens); 1 cup strawberries, sliced; 1 cup blueberries; 1 cup raspberries or blackberries; 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese; Optional: fresh mint leaves, for garnish; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp poppy seeds

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Jump to Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate guide to making a vibrant and delicious Summer Berry Salad. Packed with fresh berries, mixed greens, and a zesty lemon poppy seed dressing, this salad is perfect for hot summer days when I crave something light and refreshing. Whether I’m hosting a barbecue, enjoying a picnic, or looking for a healthy lunch option, this Summer Berry Salad always impresses.

Why I Love This Recipe

Refreshing and Light – The combination of juicy berries, crisp greens, and tangy dressing makes every bite deliciously refreshing.

Easy to Make – With just a few simple steps, I can put this salad together in minutes.

Nutritious and Healthy – Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, this salad is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal.

Customizable – I can easily switch up the ingredients to fit my preferences or what I have on hand.

Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a casual lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a fancy dinner party, this salad always fits the occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

Mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, or mixed baby greens)

1 cup strawberries, sliced

1 cup blueberries

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1 cup raspberries or blackberries

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese

Optional: fresh mint leaves, for garnish

For the Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp poppy seeds

Directions

Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. I let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large salad bowl, I combine the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries (or blackberries), and toasted sliced almonds.

Dress the Salad:

I drizzle the Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to ensure even coating.

Add the Finishing Touches:

I sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.

Serve and Enjoy!

I serve the salad immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add Protein – I sometimes add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal.

Swap the Nuts – Instead of almonds, I like using pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.

Try Different Cheese – Goat cheese adds creaminess, but I also enjoy using blue cheese or fresh mozzarella.

Mix Up the Dressing – A balsamic vinaigrette or a raspberry vinaigrette can add a different yet delicious flavor.

Add More Fruits – Sliced peaches, mangoes, or pomegranate seeds make great additions.

Storage/Reheating

Keep Components Separate – If I’m making this salad ahead of time, I store the greens, berries, and dressing separately and mix them just before serving.

Store Greens Properly – I keep my mixed greens in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, keeping them fresh longer.

Keep Berries Fresh – I store the berries in an airtight container and avoid washing them until just before use.

Dressing Storage – The Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. I always shake or whisk it before using.

Leftovers – If the salad is already dressed, I store it in an airtight container and eat it within 1-2 days for the best taste.

Avoid Freezing – Due to the high water content of the berries and greens, this salad doesn’t freeze well and is best enjoyed fresh.

Related Recipes:

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! I prepare the dressing and chop the berries in advance but store everything separately. I assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

What proteins pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even salmon make great protein additions for a more filling meal.

Can I use frozen berries?

Fresh berries are best, but if I only have frozen, I let them thaw and drain well before adding them to the salad to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make this salad dairy-free?

I simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like vegan feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What can I use instead of poppy seeds in the dressing?

If I don’t have poppy seeds, I use sesame seeds or chia seeds for a similar texture and slight crunch.

Conclusion

This Summer Berry Salad is the perfect way to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors in a light and healthy dish. Whether I serve it as a side, a main course with added protein, or a beautiful addition to a summer gathering, it always delivers on taste and presentation. With so many ways to customize it, I never get tired of making this refreshing salad all season long.

📖 Recipe: