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Summer Berry Salad

Summer Berry Salad - Fresh, Bright, and Perfect for Warm Days

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Greens: 5 cups mixed greens (spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula)
  • Summer berries: 1 cup strawberries (hulled and sliced)
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup raspberries or blackberries
  • Cheese: 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • Nuts: 1/3 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans, toasted
  • Fresh herbs (optional but great): 2 tablespoons chopped mint or basil
  • Red onion: 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced (optional)
  • Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or raspberry vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of sea salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Toast the nuts. Add almonds or pecans to a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, then transfer to a plate to cool. This adds crunch and a toasty flavor.
  • Whisk the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, balsamic, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
  • Prep the produce. Rinse and pat the berries dry so they don’t water down the salad. Slice strawberries and onion thin, and cube the avocado last to keep it from browning.
  • Build the base. Place greens in a large bowl. Drizzle with about half the dressing and toss gently to coat. Lightly dressing the greens first helps distribute flavor.
  • Add the toppings. Scatter the berries, red onion, herbs, and avocado over the greens. Sprinkle on the cheese and cooled toasted nuts.
  • Finish and serve. Drizzle with the remaining dressing just before serving. Toss lightly or leave arranged for a pretty presentation. Serve right away for the best texture.