Prepare to fall in love with every vibrant, tangy, and sweet bite of this Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe! Imagine a forkful of crisp greens, juicy berries, creamy goat cheese, and the irresistible crunch of candied nuts all lightly dressed in a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. It’s as gorgeous as it is delicious—perfect for a quick light lunch, an impressive side for dinner guests, or simply as a celebration on your plate. This dish does more than brighten your table; it brings together color and nutrition in a fresh, easy, and truly mouthwatering way.

Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad comes together with a handful of simple but oh-so-essential ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen for its unique flavor, texture, or pop of color, making the Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe an absolute standout. Here’s what you’ll need and why every ingredient matters:

Mixed salad greens (6 cups): A blend of spinach, arugula, and romaine sets a crisp, varied base — feel free to mix your favorites for extra personality.
Sliced strawberries (1 cup): Their natural sweetness and brilliant red hue are a treat for the palate and the eyes.
Blueberries (1/2 cup): Plump and juicy, these berries add little bursts of flavor in every bite.
Raspberries (1/2 cup): Tart and delicate, they bring a rosy pop and an irresistible tanginess.
Thinly sliced red onion (1/4 cup): A hint of sharpness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit.
Crumbled goat cheese or feta (1/2 cup): Creamy and tangy, this cheese pairs beautifully with both the greens and the fruit — opt for plant-based cheese for a dairy-free twist.
Chopped candied pecans or walnuts (1/4 cup): For an irresistible crunch and a caramelized finish that elevates every mouthful.
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing (1/4 cup): Its sweet tang pulls all the flavors together — use your favorite store-bought or make your own for extra flair.

How to Make Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Greens and Fruit

Begin by thoroughly washing and drying all your salad greens and berries. The Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe truly shines when everything is fresh and crisp. Slice the strawberries and red onion thinly for the most delicate texture.

Step 2: Layer the Salad Base

In your largest salad bowl, add the mixed greens first to create a generous, verdant foundation. Scatter the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries evenly over the greens, followed by the red onion. This ensures that each forkful is bursting with all those tantalizing flavors and textures.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts

Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese (or feta) over the fruit and greens, distributing it gently so you get creamy bursts throughout. Next, toss on the candied pecans or walnuts — they add delightful crunch and a whisper of sweet warmth.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Right before you’re ready to serve, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. With clean hands or salad tongs, toss everything gently so the dressing coats each ingredient lightly without crushing the delicate berries. Serve immediately to capture that perfect balance of freshness and flavor.

How to Serve Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe

Garnishes

A little extra flourish goes a long way! Top your Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe with an extra sprinkle of berries, a few fresh mint leaves, or a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper for a restaurant-quality finish. It looks absolutely stunning and tastes even better.

Side Dishes

This salad loves company! Pair it with crusty artisan bread, a bowl of chilled soup on a summer day, or even a warm quinoa pilaf for something heartier. If you’re making it a main course, toss in sliced grilled chicken or salmon — the flavors marry beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your salad the star of a party? Serve it in individual mini-mason jars for picnics or as a composed salad on a platter, layering each ingredient in sections for an Instagram-worthy centerpiece. You can even build the Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe in a hollowed watermelon half for extra wow factor at a brunch or summer gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers of the Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe, transfer the undressed salad to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. The greens and berries stay fresh for up to one day. If you’ve already added dressing, eat as soon as possible — dressed greens wilt quickly!

Freezing

This salad isn’t a good candidate for freezing, since fresh greens and berries don’t hold up to ice and thaw. The best way to enjoy this salad is when it’s freshly assembled, with all its textures and flavors at their peak.

Reheating

No reheating required! The Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe is served cold and crisp, straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you want to freshen up leftovers, toss them with a few new greens or berries before serving.

FAQs

Can I use different berries in this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in blackberries, cherries, or whatever fresh berries you have on hand. Each brings its own unique color and taste, ensuring your Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe is always a delightful surprise.

What’s the best cheese substitute for a dairy-free version?

There are fantastic plant-based cheeses available these days. Choose a cashew-based feta or almond-based goat cheese for similar creaminess and tang. Or, simply omit the cheese for a light and refreshing dairy-free salad.

How far in advance can I assemble this salad?

You can prep all the ingredients a few hours ahead, but wait to add the dressing until right before serving to keep the greens from wilting. Store prepped components separately for maximum freshness.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, the Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your dressing and candied nuts to ensure there are no sneaky gluten-containing additives.

What protein can I add to make this a full meal?

Grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp turn this salad into a show-stopping entrée. For a vegetarian boost, toss in some chickpeas, quinoa, or even roasted tofu — the options are endless and all delicious!

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend this gorgeous Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe enough! It’s colorful, fresh, and astonishingly simple, inviting you to savor the very best flavors of the season. Give it a try — your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.

Mixed Green Salad with Berries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Mixed Green Salad with Berries is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for summer. A delightful mix of mixed salad greens, juicy berries, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Mixed Green Salad:

6 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)

Berries:

1 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries

Additional Ingredients:

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
1/4 cup chopped candied pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

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Instructions

Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and red onion. Gently toss to mix.
Add Cheese and Nuts: Add the crumbled goat cheese and candied nuts on top.
Drizzle Dressing: Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette just before serving and toss lightly to coat.
Serve: Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.