Pin This This vibrant salad blends mixed baby greens with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of freshness. The creamy poppy seed dressing, made from olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds, adds a subtle sweetness and tang. Toasted pecans or walnuts and crumbled feta cheese provide crunch and creaminess. Quick to prepare and perfect for light meals or gatherings, this salad offers a refreshing balance of textures and flavors.
The first time I made this salad was actually by accident—I had leftover berries from a brunch gathering and just started tossing things into a bowl. My dinner guests went quiet for a full minute after the first bite, which I’ve learned is the highest compliment you can get in my kitchen.
Last Valentine’s Day, I made this for a cozy dinner at home instead of fighting restaurant crowds. The colors were so beautiful against candlelight that my partner actually took a photo before we even picked up our forks—and neither of us are food photographers by any stretch.
Ingredients
- Mixed baby greens: I love spring mix for the variety of textures, but spinach and arugula together work beautifully too
- Fresh berries: Strawberries bring sweetness while raspberries add that lovely tart edge—don’t skip either
- Toasted nuts: Toasting them yourself makes such a difference, just 3-4 minutes in a dry pan until fragrant
- Feta or goat cheese: The creamy saltiness cuts through all that fresh sweetness perfectly
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a decent one here since the dressing is so simple
- Honey: Warm it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds if it’s crystallized
- Apple cider vinegar: This gives the dressing its backbone and brightness
- Greek yogurt: Makes the dressing velvety and creamy without being heavy
- Dijon mustard: Just a tiny bit helps everything emulsify together
- Poppy seeds: They add this delightful little crunch in every bite
Instructions
- Make the dressing first:
- Whisk everything together in a small jar until it looks silky and smooth, then let it hang out while you prep the berries
- Prep your beautiful berries:
- Hull and slice the strawberries, then give all the berries a gentle but thorough rinse
- Build the base:
- Pile those greens into your biggest salad bowl—trust me, you will need the room
- Arrange the fruit:
- Scatter the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries over the greens like you’re painting something
- Add the crunch:
- Sprinkle your toasted nuts and crumbled cheese right over the top
- Dress and serve:
- Drizzle that gorgeous dressing over everything right before eating and toss gently with your hands
Pin This My friend Sarah requested this salad for her baby shower last summer, and watching pregnant women happily devour bowl after bowl was all the validation I needed. There’s something about fresh berries that just makes people feel good.
Making It Your Own
I have played around with adding sliced avocado when strawberries aren’t quite in season, and the creaminess is honestly divine. Sometimes I throw in thinly sliced red onion for a little bite, but only when I know my guests appreciate that sharp contrast.
The Perfect Pairings
This salad has become my go-to brunch centerpiece because it feels fancy but comes together so quickly. I have found it pairs surprisingly well with quiche, or you can serve it alongside grilled chicken for a light dinner.
Seasonal Swaps
When berry season ends, I have successfully used sliced peaches and fresh cherries with equally delicious results. The dressing works beautifully with almost any fruit, which is why I keep the recipe memorized.
- Try toasted pecans in fall and walnuts in spring
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top is absolutely gorgeous
- If you are feeding a crowd, double the dressing but not the salad
Pin This Every time I serve this salad, someone asks for the recipe, which is really the only review that matters to me anymore. Hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different type of greens?
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Yes, baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix all work well and complement the berries nicely.
- → How do I make it vegan-friendly?
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Replace honey with maple syrup and omit the cheese or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- → What nuts work best for this salad?
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Toasted pecans or walnuts add a pleasant crunch and enhance the flavor profile.
- → Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
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Yes, the poppy seed dressing can be whisked together and refrigerated for up to two days.
- → What proteins pair well with this dish?
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Grilled chicken or shrimp complement the fresh berries and creamy dressing for a heartier option.
