bowl of berry salad with bowl of dressing

This summer Berry Salad combines mixed greens and assorted berries, plus candied pecans with a tangy poppy seed dressing

Nothing says summer like fresh berries. This perfect summer salad is an ideal light lunch, a colorful side dish for dinner, or served in a large bowl at summer BBQs.

Like our Strawberry Spinach Salad, it’s a great way to use up leftover berries!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our Affiliate Disclosure Policy for more details.

Ingredients Needed

One of our favorite things about this fresh summer salad is its simple ingredients and its flexibility. So feel free to mix and match your favorite add-ins!

Mixed Greens – We think spring mix plus arugula is the perfect combination. You could also use fresh baby spinach leaves, romaine lettuce, arugula, or a combination of any/all of these
Fresh Berries – Choose your favorite summer berries. Any combo of raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries works! Look for plump juicy berries
Poppy Seed Dressing – Or use a classic Lemon Vinaigrette. We have easy recipes for both but store-bought versions work too! Or use a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing
Candied Pecans – Or candied walnuts. Make your own or use store-bought. Any type of nuts work well with berries
OPTIONAL: crumbled blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta cheese

How to make Berry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

If you’re making homemade candied pecans make them first and set them aside to cool before using
If mixing up our Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing or Lemon Vinaigrette gather the dressing ingredients, mix, and set aside (or make ahead and store in the refrigerator in a mason jar)
Wash berries and gently pat dry. Stem and cut fresh strawberries in half if they are large
Add lettuce to 4 medium sized shallow bowls
Top with fresh delicious berries and then scatter the pecans on top
If using, add a sprinkle of feta cheese, blue cheese, or goat cheese on top of each salad
Drizzle liberally with dressing. Toss if desired. You can also serve the dressing on the side and let everyone add the amount they want
If desired, for a crowd, mix everything in one big bowl instead of individual bowls and let everyone serve themselves
Serve and savor!

Make Ahead Tips

Make dressing up to 3 days ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake well or whisk before serving.
Candied or roasted nuts can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored at room temperature.
Clean and pat dry the berries up to 1 day ahead and store in the refrigerator
This salad should be assembled right before serving, so if you need to transport it the best way to do this is to bring the ingredients separately and toss everything with the green salad mix just before serving.

a bowl of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and mixed greens

Helpful tips for making the best berry fruit salad

Start with cold ingredients. This will help reduce the chance of your salad wilting.
Don’t add the dressing to salads until you’re ready to serve.
If making candied or toasted nuts be sure to allow time for them to cool before adding to the salad.
If you want to toss the salad before serving we recommend tossing just the lettuce with the dressing and then adding the toppings. Berries are tender and fragile and can get crushed with extra tossing.

Storing Leftovers

REFRIGERATE: Store in an airtight container for one day.

Variations

Berry Salad is super adaptable so use anything that appeals to you. Here are some ideas:

Add a Protein – for a heartier main dish salad try adding shredded chicken, shrimp, sliced steak, or salmon
Add more Veggies – sliced red onions, zucchini, or cucumbers
Add a Grain – Add cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cous cous for a full meal
Healthy Add-Ins – avocado, olives, and roasted garbanzo beans
Salad Dressings – use any type that you love!

one salad with dressing bowl and 3 strawberries

What to serve with this Fresh Berry Salad Recipe

Serve as the perfect side dish with any protein! Great for outdoor summer dining. Try it with any of these great recipes.

Cedar Plank Salmon has a smoky flavor that pairs well with bright berries
This light salad is a good match for Garlic Steak Bites
Pairing with Air Fryer Pork Chops or Pan Seared Scallops makes this a true 15-minute meal

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & We’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Art of Food and Wine.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote