If you are searching for a vibrant and refreshing dish that dances with a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess, look no further than this Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. Bursting with fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, crisp apples, and the delightful crunch of candied pecans, this salad is a celebration of textures and flavors. The creamy poppy seed dressing, with its subtle tang and hint of sweetness, ties everything together beautifully—making it a salad you’ll want to share with friends, family, or simply savor on your own. It’s not just a salad; it’s an experience of freshness you can make any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this salad is thoughtfully chosen to bring a unique flavor, texture, or color, making the final dish both delightful and balanced. The freshness of the berries, combined with crunchy pecans and creamy feta, creates a feel-good meal that’s as good for your eyes as it is for your palate.
- Mixed greens lettuce (10 cups): A vibrant base with a mix of red lettuce, romaine, and spinach offers varied texture and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, sliced): Their sweet-tartness adds a juicy burst and beautiful red color.
- Fresh blueberries (1/2 cup): Tiny pockets of bold sweetness that complement the other berries perfectly.
- Fresh raspberries (1/2 cup): Soft and slightly tangy, raspberries contribute a lovely tart balance.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, diced): Adds a mild sharpness and crunch, waking up the palate.
- Sweet apple (1, chopped): A crisp and juicy counterpoint to the creaminess and sweetness elsewhere.
- Candied pecans (1 cup): Offers a buttery, sugary crunch that elevates the salad to a new level of indulgence.
- Feta cheese crumbles (1/3 cup): Salty, creamy, and crumbly for an irresistible contrast to the fruit.
- Strawberry yogurt (5.3 ounces): Forms the base of the dressing with a fruity creaminess.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Adds a smooth richness to the dressing.
- Red onion (1 small piece): For blending into the dressing to impart subtle savory notes.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps thin out the dressing to a perfect pourable consistency.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the dressing gently to harmonize with the berries.
- Apple cider vinegar (3 tablespoons): Brings a crisp acidity that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Poppy seeds (1 tablespoon): Adds a mild nutty flavor and delightful speckled appearance to the dressing.
How to Make Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining the strawberry yogurt, mayonnaise, a small piece of red onion, milk, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a blender. Blend everything until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the recipe, marrying sweet, tangy, and creamy elements that will elevate every bite.
Step 2: Adjust the Flavor
Take a moment to taste your dressing—it should sing with brightness and just the right hint of sweetness. If it needs a tad more tang, add a splash more apple cider vinegar. For extra sweetness, sprinkle in a bit more sugar, or adjust creaminess by adding more mayonnaise or milk. Stir in the poppy seeds last, giving the dressing a wonderfully speckled, inviting look. Chill the dressing if preparing ahead—it keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks!
Step 3: Make Candied Pecans
If you haven’t picked up candied pecans from the store, take a little time to make your own by coating pecans in sugar and toasting them lightly. The result is a buttery, sweet crunch that everyone will rave about. Allow them to cool completely before adding them to the salad.
Step 4: Prepare the Produce
Wash all your berries gently and pat them dry to avoid sogginess. Slice the strawberries, dice the red onion, and chop the apple into bite-sized pieces. Prepping your produce carefully ensures that the salad’s freshness shines through in every mouthful.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your vibrant mixed greens. Layer on the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, diced red onion, chopped apple, candied pecans, and sprinkle feta cheese crumbles on top. For an added touch of presentation magic, reserve a small amount of each topping to sprinkle over the salad just before serving. This final sprinkle adds a dash of artistry and keeps it looking as appetizing as it tastes.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Drizzle your creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad, starting with a little and adding more to taste. Gently toss everything together so each morsel is lightly coated. Top with the reserved toppings for that extra wow factor. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and most flavorful.
How to Serve Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To make this Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe even more special, consider adding fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color and a delicate aroma. A light dusting of cracked black pepper on the feta also adds a surprising depth that complements both the sweetness and tang.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or a rustic loaf of crusty bread. For a vegetarian spread, try serving it alongside a warm quinoa pilaf or hearty vegetable tart. The versatility of this salad makes it a perfect companion to so many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl when serving this salad. Try layering it in clear glass jars for a charming picnic presentation or build individual salad cups for easy portioning at parties. You can also serve it on a large platter with the toppings artfully arranged for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they tend to disappear fast!), store the salad components separately from the dressing to prevent sogginess. Keep the greens, berries, apple, pecans, and cheese in airtight containers. The dressing should be refrigerated in a sealed jar. When ready to enjoy again, toss them together freshly for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe because fresh berries and mixed greens do not hold up well to freezing and will lose their texture, becoming mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or cold. It isn’t suited for reheating since the dressing, greens, and fruit are all meant to be crisp and fresh. Trust me, the freshness is what makes this recipe shine!
FAQs
Can I use other types of berries in this Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in blackberries, cherries, or even pomegranate seeds to add an interesting twist. Just make sure whichever berries you use are fresh and ripe for the best flavor.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the poppy seed dressing?
Yes, you can substitute the strawberry yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free versions, such as coconut yogurt and vegan mayo. The dressing will still be creamy and delicious but suitable for those avoiding dairy.
How long does this salad stay fresh after assembling?
To keep it vibrant and crisp, it’s best to enjoy the salad right after tossing. If needed, store it in the refrigerator and consume within a few hours, but fresh is always best for this recipe.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as the poppy seeds tend to settle at the bottom.
What are some good protein options to add to this salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or baked tofu work wonderfully as protein add-ins. They complement the sweet and tangy flavors while making the salad a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe has quickly become a go-to favorite for those moments when you want something fresh, flavorful, and a little special without a lot of fuss. Its lively combination of textures and tastes can brighten up any table, making your healthy eating a true pleasure. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’re going to love every vibrant bite!
Print
Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if making candied pecans from scratch)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful Mixed Green Salad with Berries, featuring a creamy strawberry poppy seed dressing. This salad combines fresh mixed greens with sweet berries, crisp apple, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy candied pecans for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect as a light lunch or elegant side dish, it comes together quickly with a homemade dressing that can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 10 cups mixed greens lettuce (red lettuce, romaine, spinach, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 sweet apple, chopped
- 1 cup candied pecans
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles
Dressing Ingredients
- 5.3 ounces strawberry yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 small piece red onion
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Add strawberry yogurt, mayonnaise, red onion, milk, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar to a blender. Blend until completely smooth to create a creamy and flavorful base for the dressing.
- Adjust the Flavor: Taste the dressing and adjust by adding more vinegar for tanginess, extra sugar for sweetness, or additional mayonnaise and milk for creaminess as desired. Stir in the poppy seeds to finish. Refrigerate the dressing for up to 2 weeks if making ahead.
- Make Candied Pecans: If you do not have store-bought candied pecans, prepare them according to your preferred method and allow them to cool completely before adding to the salad.
- Prepare the Produce: Wash and dry all berries thoroughly. Slice the strawberries, dice the red onion, and chop the apple into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens. Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, diced red onion, chopped apple, candied pecans, and feta cheese crumbles. For a professional presentation, reserve a little of each topping to sprinkle on at the end.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the desired amount of creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly until well combined. Add reserved toppings on top if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
Notes
- The candied pecans can be made ahead or substituted with store-bought to save time.
- The dressing can be refrigerated for up to two weeks, making it convenient for meal prep.
- Feel free to swap or add other fruits, such as blackberries or pears, for variety.
- To make the salad vegan, substitute the strawberry yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives and omit the feta cheese.
- For a nut-free version, omit the candied pecans or replace them with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
