Pin it This vibrant salad combines a colorful medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with crisp mixed greens. Toasted almonds add a pleasant crunch while a tangy poppy seed dressing, made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, balances sweetness and zest. Optional feta cheese enriches the salad with a creamy touch. Perfect for warm days or light meals, this easy-to-prepare dish can be customized with nuts or protein additions for varied texture and taste.
My neighbor brought over a basket of berries from her garden last summer, and this salad was born from that spontaneous abundance. The colors were so stunning I almost didnt want to toss them together, but one bite convinced me otherwise. Now its my go-to when I need something that feels special but takes almost no effort at all.
I made this for a Fourth of July barbecue last year and watched three different people ask for the recipe. The poppy seeds add this tiny crunch that makes people pause and smile. My cousin who claims to hate salad went back for thirds.
Ingredients
- Mixed salad greens: Baby spinach adds tenderness while arugula brings a peppery bite that cuts through the sweet berries
- Fresh strawberries: Look for berries that are deep red and fragrant, they carry the most sweetness
- Fresh blueberries: These little gems burst when you bite into them, creating tiny pockets of juice throughout
- Fresh raspberries: Handle them gently and theyll hold their shape beautifully in the final bowl
- Fresh blackberries: These add a deep, wine-like flavor that balances the lighter berries
- Toasted sliced almonds: Toast them in a dry pan until fragrant, about 3 minutes, and watch closely so they dont burn
- Poppy seed dressing: The honey emulsifies everything into a silky coating that clings perfectly to each leaf
Instructions
- Whisk the dressing:
- Combine olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a small jar. Shake vigorously until the mixture thickens and turns cloudy, about 30 seconds.
- Build the base:
- Pile the mixed greens into your largest salad bowl, leaving plenty of room for all those beautiful berries to shine on top.
- Arrange the fruit:
- Scatter strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries across the greens like youre painting something pretty.
- Add the crunch:
- Sprinkle toasted almonds and crumbled feta over the top, letting some fall into the nooks between berries.
- Dress and serve:
- Drizzle half the dressing over the salad and toss gently with your hands. Add more dressing if needed, but remember you can always add more, you cant take it back.
Pin it My daughter started requesting this for her birthday lunch every year. She says it tastes like celebration in a bowl, and honestly, I think shes right.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I swap the feta for goat cheese when Im feeling fancy, or add thin slices of ripe avocado when I want something more substantial. The beauty here is in the flexibility.
Perfect Pairings
This salad shines alongside grilled fish or roasted chicken, but it holds its own as a light main course too. A chilled glass of rosé makes everything feel complete.
Planning Ahead
The dressing can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the fridge. Wash and dry your berries the morning you plan to serve them, then keep them layered between paper towels so they stay fresh.
- Wait to toast the almonds until youre ready to serve
- Leftovers rarely happen but if they do, eat them within a day
- The dressing doubles easily if youre feeding a crowd
Pin it Theres something about eating with your hands, building your own perfect bite, that makes this salad feel like an experience instead of just food.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What berries work best in this salad?
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Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries provide a balanced mix of sweetness and tartness that complements the greens and dressing.
- → Can I substitute the almonds in the salad?
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Yes, walnuts or pecans are great alternatives to toasted almonds and provide a similar crunchy texture.
- → How is the poppy seed dressing made?
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The dressing blends olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper whisked until emulsified for a tangy-sweet flavor.
- → Is the salad suitable for a vegan diet?
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To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative and replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this dish?
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This fresh salad pairs wonderfully with chilled rosé or sparkling water infused with citrus for a light, refreshing meal.
