This vibrant Mixed Green Salad with Berries is a perfect harmony of fresh, crisp greens and sweet, juicy fruits. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a nutrient-packed blend that brings color and vitality to your table. The combination delivers a wholesome 257 calories per serving while offering essential vitamins A and C, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious food lovers. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or seeking a refreshing lunch option, this beautiful salad promises both nourishment and satisfaction.
Fresh Berry Mixed Green Salad
- Mixed Greens: 10 cups fresh lettuce blend (combine red lettuce, romaine, and spinach for varied textures)
- Fresh Berries: 1/2 cup each of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries (washed and dried)
- Crunchy Elements: 1 sweet apple (chopped), 1 cup candied pecans
- Flavor Enhancers: 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles
Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
- Base: 5.3 oz strawberry yogurt, 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Seasonings: 2 Tbsp sugar, 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
- Texture Adjusters: 2 Tbsp milk, small piece red onion
Preparation Steps
- Dressing Prep: Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth, adjust seasoning to taste, then stir in poppy seeds
- Topping Prep: Prepare candied pecans, wash berries, and chop apple and onion
- Assembly: Place greens in large bowl, add prepared toppings (reserve some for garnish)
- Finishing Touch: Toss with desired amount of dressing, garnish with reserved toppings
- Serve: Present immediately while ingredients are fresh and crisp
Storage Tips
Keep your dressing fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you want to prep this salad ahead, wash and dry your greens, then store them with a paper towel in a sealed container. Cut fruits and berries right before serving to keep them at their best. The candied pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Mix and Match Ideas
This salad loves substitutions! Switch up the greens with what you have – baby spinach, arugula, or butter lettuce all work beautifully. No berries? Pears or mandarin oranges are wonderful alternatives. For the cheese, try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta. Can’t find pecans? Walnuts or almonds make great candy-coated alternatives. The dressing works well with plain yogurt too – just add an extra spoonful of sugar if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This colorful salad shines as a light lunch or pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish for dinner. For a beautiful presentation, layer your ingredients instead of tossing them – start with the greens, then add your fruits in sections, and sprinkle the nuts, cheese, and onions on top. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp. Bringing this to a party? Pack the dressing separately and toss it right before eating.
Mixed Green Salad with Berries
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
Salad
- 10 cups mixed greens lettuce red lettuce, romaine, spinach, or whatever you like
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries sliced
Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
- 5.3 ounces strawberry yogurt
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.
