Sweet, juicy berries meet crunchy greens and creamy cheese in this utterly irresistible Summer Berry Salad—a true celebration of all things fresh and vibrant. This colorful dish is as gorgeous to look at as it is fun to eat, with a perfect balance of flavors that will instantly brighten up any table. Whether you need a healthy lunch, a show-stopping side, or a crowd-pleasing potluck offering, this Summer Berry Salad delivers big flavor in just minutes, no cooking required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad is proof that you only need a handful of essential, quality ingredients to create pure magic. Each component contributes something unique, from burst-in-your-mouth berries to salty cheese, nutty crunch, and a tangy finish. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for making every bite memorable.
- Mixed Salad Greens: Go for a blend of arugula, spinach, or spring mix to build a crisp, tender base that holds everything together.
- Sliced Strawberries: Their juicy sweetness brings unbeatable flavor and a pop of cheery red color.
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add tiny pops of tartness and an extra layer of blue beauty.
- Raspberries: Delicate and perfectly sweet-tart, they melt in your mouth and elevate the berry trio.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy feta cheese pairs delightfully with sweet fruit and adds a salty zing.
- Red Onion (thinly sliced): Just a few slivers offer mild sharpness, balancing the salad and making flavors come alive.
- Candied Pecans or Walnuts: The sweet crunch takes this salad from simple to spectacular—use your favorite or mix both for extra texture.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: A drizzle of this robust, slightly sweet dressing ties everything together and accentuates the natural berry flavors.
How to Make Summer Berry Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by placing your mixed salad greens in a large salad bowl. This is your canvas, so don’t be shy—fluff them up and make sure there’s enough airflow to keep the greens crisp and light.
Step 2: Add the Berries
Layer on the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, spreading them generously to get an even distribution. You want each forkful to capture a mix of sweet, juicy berries with every bite.
Step 3: Sprinkle Feta and Red Onion
Scatter the crumbled feta cheese over the salad, followed by a delicate handful of thinly sliced red onion. The feta melts softly into the berries while the onion offers a gentle kick—don’t worry, it’s subtle and uplifting, not overpowering.
Step 4: Add the Crunch
Top it all off with candied pecans or walnuts. Their caramelized crunch adds a playful twist and ties in brilliantly with the fresh fruit.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, slowly drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, making sure to hit every corner. Give everything a gentle toss, being careful not to squish the delicate berries. That’s it—your Summer Berry Salad is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Summer Berry Salad
Garnishes
This salad shines with just a little extra flair. Garnish with a handful of microgreens, a sprig of mint, or a dusting of lemon zest for added color and a fresh, aromatic note. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a few edible flowers will make it absolutely stunning for special occasions.
Side Dishes
The Summer Berry Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or even a light pasta if you’re aiming for a full meal. It’s also a fantastic companion to quiches, flaky tarts, or simple crusty bread—anything that lets the salad’s flavors pop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cocktail party, serve the salad in individual cups or on endive leaves for a bite-sized treat. At a summer gathering, arrange the ingredients on a big platter for a “deconstructed” look, letting guests assemble their own. You can even bed the berries and nuts on skewers for a picnic-ready twist—the possibilities are endless for making Summer Berry Salad the conversation piece on your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the salad (minus the dressing, if possible) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The greens may soften over time, but the flavors will still be bright and lovely.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the fresh berries and greens don’t hold up well to cold temperatures. Berry textures will suffer, and the greens will wilt, so it’s best to enjoy Summer Berry Salad fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
Reheating doesn’t apply to this salad—it’s meant to be savored cold and crisp! If you’d like to refresh the flavors, simply toss with a little extra vinaigrette and add a handful of fresh greens and berries just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Fresh berries really shine here, giving you the best texture and flavor. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain them well first, but keep in mind their texture will be a bit softer and juicier.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or creamy ricotta are delicious alternatives, offering a similar tang and creamy bite. If you prefer a dairy-free version, try a plant-based feta or simply omit the cheese entirely.
Is Summer Berry Salad suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Layer the greens and toppings in a jar (keeping the vinaigrette separate) and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh. This works perfectly for packed lunches or picnics.
How can I make this salad heartier?
For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa for a protein boost. These extras pair beautifully with the sweet-tart berry profile and crunchy nuts.
What other dressings work well with this salad?
A homemade poppy seed dressing or light honey-lemon vinaigrette are both fantastic options if you want to switch up the flavor. Both will highlight the bright berry flavors and complement the creamy cheese.
Final Thoughts
Bright, fresh, and bursting with summer flavor, this Summer Berry Salad is pure happiness in a bowl. It’s a simple yet dazzling way to celebrate peak berry season and impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re new to salads or a seasoned pro, give this one a try—you won’t be able to stop after just one bite!
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Summer Berry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Summer Berry Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that’s perfect for hot days. It combines mixed greens with juicy strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, tangy feta cheese, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Mixed Salad Greens:
6 cups
Sliced Strawberries:
1 cup
Blueberries:
1 cup
Raspberries:
1 cup
Crumbled Feta Cheese:
1/2 cup
Red Onion, thinly sliced:
1/4 cup
Candied Pecans or Walnuts:
1/2 cup
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:
1/4 cup
Instructions
- Place salad greens: In a large serving bowl.
- Drizzle with dressing: Pour balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
- Serve: Immediately.
Top with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, feta cheese, red onion, and candied pecans.
Toss gently to combine.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta or use almonds instead of pecans.
- For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken.
- A homemade balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing also pairs well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
