Balsamic Berry Salad Recipe
The Balsamic Berry Salad is the kind of dish that makes you want to linger at the table just a little bit longer. With vibrant berries, crisp greens, creamy cheese, and a sweet balsamic glaze, each forkful explodes with color and flavor. Whether you’re throwing together a quick weekday lunch or bringing something fresh to a summer potluck, this tossed salad is pure sunshine in a bowl and impossibly easy to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Balsamic Berry Salad comes together quickly with just a handful of bright, seasonal ingredients that balance sweetness, tang, and texture to perfection. Every piece plays a key role in making this salad such an irresistible showstopper.
- Mixed Spring Greens: The mild, tender base that lets the berries and dressing shine without overpowering their delicate flavors.
- Strawberries: Sliced fresh for juicy bursts of sweetness that add a pretty pop of red and just the right amount of summery zing.
- Blueberries: Plump and sweet, these blueberries offer a satisfying bite and classic berry flavor in every forkful.
- Raspberries: Tart, vivid raspberries bring richness and vibrancy that contrast beautifully with the creamy cheese.
- Goat Cheese or Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and savory; the cheese crumbles melt into the dressing, adding depth and luxurious texture.
- Candied Pecans or Walnuts: Crunchy with a hint of sweetness, these nuts provide a delightful bite and nutty complexity to the salad.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a hint of sharpness that cuts through the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Balsamic Glaze: Thick, syrupy, and pleasantly tangy, this drizzle ties everything together with a glossy finish.
- Olive Oil: A generous splash adds richness and helps the glaze coat every ingredient.
- Salt and Pepper: To season and highlight all the other flavors — don’t skip this simple finishing touch!
How to Make Balsamic Berry Salad
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by giving your greens and berries a gentle wash and a quick pat dry. Slice your strawberries, thinly slice the red onion, and crumble your cheese of choice. Prepping everything first means you’ll be ready to build your Balsamic Berry Salad in just minutes.
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
Grab your largest salad bowl (trust me, you want the space!) and add in the mixed spring greens. Scatter the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and candied pecans evenly over the greens to make every bite a little bit different and completely delicious.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle the balsamic glaze and olive oil over the top of your colorful heap. It might seem like a drizzle isn’t enough, but trust that the glaze and oil will coat every leaf and berry with a sweet, tangy, and savory richness once tossed.
Step 4: Toss and Season
Using gentle hands or salad tongs, toss everything together just until the berries and cheese are lightly coated and distributed throughout. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste — a pinch of both brings all the flavors into perfect balance.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
For the best texture and vibrant colors, serve your Balsamic Berry Salad right away. The greens stay crisp, the berries fresh, and the cheese creamy when enjoyed freshly tossed.
How to Serve Balsamic Berry Salad
Garnishes
To make your Balsamic Berry Salad pop even more, finish with an extra crumble of goat cheese, a handful of whole berries, or a light scatter of microgreens. A final swirl of balsamic glaze over the top adds a pretty, glossy finish that’s just begging to be devoured.
Side Dishes
Pair this salad with herby grilled chicken, a hunk of crusty bread, or a refreshing cold soup. Its sweet-savory profile makes it a twist on classic sides and complements everything from picnic feasts to celebratory brunch spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating your Balsamic Berry Salad on individual plates for an elegant starter, or pile it high on a large platter for family-style serving. For a fun twist, serve in mason jars for picnics or pack into bento boxes for a berry-bright lunch on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Balsamic Berry Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain the greens’ freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This isn’t a salad to freeze — the berries and greens will lose their signature texture after thawing. Instead, simply prep ingredients ahead and assemble fresh when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Balsamic Berry Salad is all about cool, crisp freshness, so there’s no need to reheat. Just serve chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit out a few minutes before serving to bring out the flavors.
FAQs
Can I swap the mixed greens for another leafy base?
Absolutely! Baby spinach or arugula make fantastic substitutes, adding a peppery note that works beautifully with the berries and cheese. Mix and match for your favorite combination.
What’s the difference between balsamic glaze and regular balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic glaze is a reduction of balsamic vinegar with a syrupy, slightly sweet finish, while regular vinegar is thinner and tangier. If you only have vinegar on hand, you can simmer it on low until thickened with a little honey for a quick homemade glaze.
Can I add protein to make this salad a main course?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, seared steak, or even crispy chickpeas are all delicious additions to make Balsamic Berry Salad hearty enough for lunch or dinner. Just toss your protein of choice right in.
How do I keep the berries from getting mushy?
Use the freshest berries you can find and wash them gently right before assembling the salad. Toss everything together just before serving so the berries maintain their firm, juicy bite and intense color.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
The Balsamic Berry Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the components ahead: slice onions, wash berries, crumble cheese, and store each separately. Toss together and dress right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving something that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, Balsamic Berry Salad is your answer. With every sunny, fruity bite, it brings people around the table and sparks a little extra joy. I hope you give this colorful salad a spot in your meal rotation — you’re going to fall in love with it!
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Balsamic Berry Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the refreshing flavors of summer with this delightful Balsamic Berry Salad. A colorful mix of spring greens, juicy berries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy candied nuts, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Spring Greens Mix:
4 cups mixed spring greens
Berries:
1 cup sliced strawberries, 1 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup raspberries
Cheese and Nuts:
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped candied pecans or walnuts
Additional:
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix the spring greens, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, red onion, goat cheese, and candied nuts.
- Drizzle: Add balsamic glaze and olive oil. Toss gently to coat everything.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can swap mixed greens with baby spinach or arugula for a different flavor.
- For added protein, include grilled chicken in the salad.
- Try a homemade balsamic reduction for a more intense flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
