Discover the perfect blend of fresh flavors and vibrant colors with this incredibly simple Mixed Green Salad with Berries, complemented by a luscious Homemade Strawberry Balsamic Dressing. Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal chopping, this versatile salad is an ideal side dish for any meal or can be transformed into a satisfying main course with the addition of grilled chicken or salmon. Experience the taste of summer in every delightful bite!
This recipe was originally published in April 2015. Photos and text were updated in July 2020 to enhance the content and user experience.
There’s a special kind of joy that comes with fresh, seasonal berries. While my little one often claims the lion’s share, I always manage to squirrel away enough to create some truly exceptional dishes, and this Mixed Green Salad with Berries is a consistent favorite. Paired with a handful of Mixed Berry Oat Bars, it’s a wholesome treat that our family adores.
The beauty of incorporating berries into a grand salad is undeniable. This recipe, in particular, stands out for its simplicity. Forget lengthy chopping sessions; here, your most significant task will be slicing a few strawberries and perhaps an avocado. The rest is a delightful toss-and-serve affair, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute potlucks.
This vibrant salad makes an exquisite companion to virtually any simple dinner recipe, especially those hot off the grill during warmer months. Envision it alongside a perfectly cooked steak or some tender grilled lemon pepper chicken. The combination of creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, crisp greens, and an abundance of sweet berries creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more. It’s more than just a salad; it’s an experience worth repeating!
Why This Mixed Green Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing Will Become Your New Favorite
This isn’t just another salad recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh produce and effortless culinary joy. Here’s why you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again:
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor. In a world where time is a precious commodity, this salad truly shines. Unlike many salads that demand extensive chopping and dicing, this recipe keeps things simple. You’ll only need to quickly slice your strawberries and avocado, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. This streamlined preparation means you can whip up a healthy, gourmet-tasting salad even on the busiest of days.
- Fresh, Wholesome Ingredients. The magic of this salad lies in its reliance on naturally vibrant and readily available ingredients. During peak berry season, these fresh components are not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to find at your local market. Utilizing seasonal produce ensures that your salad is at its freshest, most nutritious, and most delicious peak.
- The Irresistible Strawberry Balsamic Dressing. Prepare to be enchanted by this homemade dressing. It’s not just a condiment; it’s the heart and soul of this salad. The sweet, tangy essence of fresh strawberries beautifully balanced with rich balsamic vinegar creates a dressing that is both refreshing and surprisingly complex. It elevates every leaf of green and every berry, transforming even the most basic salad into a gourmet delight. This dressing is so good, you might just find yourself drizzling it over everything!
What Our Readers Are Raving About
We love hearing from you! Here’s what some happy home cooks have shared about this delightful berry salad:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I prepared this salad for my girlfriends today, and it was an absolute sensation, especially the strawberry balsamic dressing! I opted to add 2 tablespoons of Splenda for an extra touch of sweetness, which was perfect. I set it up as a salad bar with various greens and ‘mix-ins,’ allowing everyone to customize their plate. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful recipe!” (Polly M.)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This salad was a huge hit when I served it to our volleyball team for dinner. Both the parents and teens couldn’t get enough! I experimented by using raspberries instead of strawberries in the dressing and added a half-clove of minced garlic for an extra kick. It was not only beautiful to look at but incredibly delicious.” (May)
Deep Dive into the Ingredients: Flavor & Function
A simple list of ingredients doesn’t tell the whole story. Let’s explore each component and how it contributes to the overall masterpiece, along with some fantastic customization ideas. You can find the full, precise measurements in the recipe card below.
- Goat Cheese: The Creamy Tang. I have a particular fondness for goat cheese in this mixed green salad with berries. Its distinctive tangy, creamy texture beautifully complements the sweetness of the fruit and the crispness of the greens. However, don’t limit yourself! Crumbled feta cheese offers a saltier, sharper contrast, while a touch of blue cheese can introduce a surprisingly robust and different flavor profile. For those seeking a dairy-free option, there are excellent plant-based cheese crumbles available that mimic the texture and tang.
- Mixed Greens: Your Canvas. The base of any great salad is its greens. While a 10 oz container of baby spring mix is my go-to for its delicate texture and varied flavor, feel free to adjust the quantity. Some days I crave more substantial greens to balance the berries, and adding up to half of another container works wonderfully. The beauty of this salad is its adaptability. Your favorite leafy greens will undoubtedly shine! Consider a peppery arugula for a zesty kick, tender baby spinach for a milder taste, or even finely chopped kale for added texture and nutrients. A combination of several types of greens can also create a more complex and visually appealing salad.
- Berries: Nature’s Candy. This salad celebrates the bounty of fresh berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries bring a delightful burst of sweetness, tartness, and antioxidants. Ensure they are ripe and fresh for the best flavor.
- Pecans: The Crunch Factor. Pecans add a wonderful buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft berries and greens. To truly elevate their flavor, I highly recommend toasting them lightly in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. This simple step brings out their inherent nuttiness. If pecans aren’t your preference, don’t fret! Sliced almonds offer a delicate crispness, walnuts provide a richer, more earthy taste, and pistachios add a unique color and flavor dimension. For an extra special touch, consider candied pecans for a sweet and salty crunch.
- Avocado: Creaminess and Healthy Fats. A ripe avocado adds a luxurious creaminess and a dose of healthy fats, making the salad more satisfying. Cube it just before serving to prevent browning.
- The Dressing: Beyond Basic Balsamic. While the star of this recipe is the homemade strawberry balsamic dressing, it’s good to know you have options. If you’re short on time, a quality plain balsamic vinaigrette like this one can also be quite delicious with this salad. Both options perfectly complement the fresh ingredients.
- Strawberry Versatility for the Dressing. Don’t have fresh strawberries on hand for the dressing? No problem! Thawed frozen strawberries work just as well and are a convenient alternative, ensuring you can enjoy this dressing year-round.
- Sweetness Adjustment for the Dressing. Strawberries can vary in sweetness. If you find your dressing a bit too tart for your liking, feel free to add a small amount of honey or maple syrup, a quarter to half a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired balance. This simple adjustment allows you to perfectly tailor the dressing to your palate.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Berry Salad
Creating this stunning Mixed Green Salad with Berries and its flavorful Strawberry Balsamic Dressing is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful meal:
- Prepare the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing: Gather all the dressing ingredients: fresh or thawed frozen strawberries, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ground mustard, cracked pepper, and sea salt. Combine them in a high-speed blender or a food processor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Process or blend the dressing ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor a couple of times to ensure everything is incorporated. If the dressing appears too thick for your preference, gradually add a little extra olive oil or a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a touch of sweetener if desired.
3. Assemble the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all of your salad components: the mixed baby greens, fresh blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries, cubed avocado, pecans, and crumbled goat cheese. Ensure the bowl is large enough to allow for easy tossing without spilling.
4. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle your desired amount of the freshly made Strawberry Balsamic Dressing over the salad ingredients. Start with half the dressing and add more if needed, as it’s easier to add than to remove. Gently toss the salad until all the greens and toppings are evenly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the greens and the vibrant flavors. It truly couldn’t be simpler!
Expert Tips & Clever Customizations for Your Berry Salad
Elevate your Mixed Green Salad with Berries with these helpful tips and creative additions:
- Transform It into a Complete Meal: This salad is wonderfully versatile. While excellent as a side, it truly shines when you add a protein to make it a hearty and healthy main course. Consider topping it with savory pan-seared white wine chicken, grilled steak, or flaky butter herb salmon. For a vegetarian option, roasted chickpeas, lentils, or grilled halloumi cheese also make fantastic additions.
- Timing is Key for Dressing: To ensure your salad remains crisp and vibrant, always dress it just before you plan to serve it. If you’re prepping the salad ahead of time for an event or future meal, store the dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, start by adding about half of the dressing and toss gently. You can always add more to taste, preventing your greens from becoming soggy. Alternatively, offer the dressing on the side, allowing each person to add their preferred amount.
- Boost Your Salad with Exciting Add-Ins: This salad is a blank canvas for customization. Get creative with these delicious additions to enhance flavor and texture:
- Crunchy Delights: These homemade sourdough croutons are absolutely AMAZING and add incredible texture. Alternatively, consider chopped bacon (for a savory, smoky kick), extra sliced almonds, or even candied pecans for a gourmet touch.
- Sweet & Tangy Accents: Golden raisins or dried cranberries can introduce another layer of sweetness and chewiness. Fresh orange segments or thinly sliced apples also pair beautifully with the berries.
- Hearty Grains: For a more substantial salad, stir in a cooked grain like fluffy quinoa, farro, or couscous. They add healthy carbohydrates and a pleasant chew.
- Vegetable Variety: While not everyone’s favorite, a small amount of thinly sliced red onion can add a sharp, pungent contrast that I personally enjoy. Other great vegetable additions include thinly sliced cucumber, colorful bell peppers, or halved cherry tomatoes.
- Herbal Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh mint or basil leaves, finely chopped, can add a refreshing aromatic note that complements the berries beautifully.
Explore More Delicious Berry-Infused Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors of berries in this salad, you’ll adore these other delightful recipes that celebrate the sweetness and versatility of these incredible fruits:
- Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad: A fantastic way to use leftover chicken, offering a blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
- Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Pretzel Crusted Chicken: Another delightful salad combining the tangy goat cheese with a unique pretzel-crusted chicken.
- Blueberry Lemon Mug Cake: A quick and easy dessert for one, bursting with juicy blueberries and zesty lemon.
- Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert, packed with the goodness of mixed berries and oats.
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal: A comforting and hearty breakfast that tastes just like a blueberry muffin.
- Strawberry Muffins with Crumble Topping: Soft, moist muffins crowned with a delightful streusel topping, showcasing fresh strawberries.
- Strawberry Summer Quinoa Salad: A light and refreshing grain salad that combines sweet strawberries with salty feta and nutritious quinoa.
Mixed Green Salad with Berries & Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Lorie Yarro
Print Recipe
20 minutes
20 minutes
6
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 10 oz. baby spring mix
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 1 cup pecans (lightly toasted for best flavor)
- 1 c goat cheese, crumbled (or feta, blue cheese)
For the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
- 7-8 fresh strawberries (or thawed frozen)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 T balsamic vinegar
- ¼ c extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- Sea salt to taste (adjust based on preference)
Instructions
-
In a large salad bowl, gently combine all of the salad ingredients: mixed greens, blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries, cubed avocado, pecans, and goat cheese.
-
To prepare the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients (strawberries, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ground mustard, cracked pepper, and sea salt) in a high-speed blender or food processor. Process until the mixture is completely smooth. If the dressing is thicker than your desired consistency, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or a little extra olive oil, blending until well combined.
-
Just before serving, drizzle your desired amount of strawberry balsamic dressing over the prepared salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!
Notes
- Make it a complete meal by topping this green salad with berries with your choice of protein, such as grilled chicken, pan-seared steak, or baked salmon.
- For optimal freshness, dress the salad just before serving. When adding dressing, start with half the amount and gradually add more to avoid oversaturating the greens. You can also serve the dressing on the side, allowing guests to customize their portion.
- Enhance your salad with additional delightful add-ins: Consider adding these amazing sourdough croutons for extra crunch, savory chopped bacon, extra sliced almonds, sweet golden raisins, or a wholesome grain like quinoa for a more substantial meal. A small amount of thinly sliced red onion can also add a pleasant, zesty bite for those who enjoy it!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 397kcal,
Carbohydrates: 17g,
Protein: 11g,
Fat: 34g,
Saturated Fat: 9g,
Cholesterol: 17mg,
Sodium: 156mg,
Potassium: 435mg,
Fiber: 7g,
Sugar: 7g,
Vitamin A: 999IU,
Vitamin C: 44mg,
Calcium: 86mg,
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question?
Leave a comment below!