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If you’re on the hunt for a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a delightful mix of textures, the Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad combines crisp mixed greens with a medley of juicy berries, crunchy candied pecans, and creamy feta, all tied together with a luscious, homemade poppy seed dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and irresistibly smooth. It’s a perfect harmony of freshness and richness that makes every bite a celebration of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role in creating this perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the refreshing berries to the crunchy pecans and creamy dressing, every element contributes to making this salad truly unforgettable.
- Mixed greens (10 cups): A colorful combination of red lettuce, romaine, spinach, or your favorite leafy greens for a crisp, fresh base.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, sliced): Adds sweet juiciness and beautiful red pops of color.
- Fresh blueberries (1/2 cup): Small bursts of sweetness with a touch of tartness that brighten the salad.
- Fresh raspberries (1/2 cup): Tangy and delicate, they lift the salad’s flavor profile.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, diced): Offers a mild sharpness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet fruit.
- Sweet apple (1, chopped): Adds crunch and a mellow sweetness for extra texture and flavor depth.
- Candied pecans (1 cup): Crunchy, sweet, and nutty—these elevate the salad’s indulgence factor.
- Feta cheese crumbles (1/3 cup): Creamy and slightly salty to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
- Strawberry yogurt (5.3 ounces): The base for the dressing, lending a fruity creaminess.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Adds richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
- Red onion (small piece): Blended into the dressing for subtle zing.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Thins the dressing to just the right pourable consistency.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the dressing and balances acidity.
- Apple cider vinegar (3 tablespoons): Brings brightness and a delicious tang.
- Poppy seeds (1 tablespoon): Adds a nutty crunch and a signature touch to the dressing.
How to Make Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by placing the strawberry yogurt, mayonnaise, a small piece of red onion, milk, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar into a blender. Blend everything until the mixture is completely smooth, creating a beautifully creamy base for your dressing.
Step 2: Adjust the Flavor
Give your dressing a taste and tweak it to your liking. More apple cider vinegar means more tang, a little extra sugar amplifies the sweetness, and adding more mayo or milk creates a richer, creamier texture. When you’re happy with the flavor, stir in the poppy seeds—they add a bit of delightful crunch. If you want, refrigerate the dressing for up to two weeks; it keeps wonderfully well.
Step 3: Make Candied Pecans
If you prefer homemade candied pecans and don’t have store-bought on hand, prepare them now with your favorite recipe. Let them cool completely so they’re perfectly crunchy when added to your salad.
Step 4: Prepare the Produce
Thoroughly wash and dry all berries so they are fresh and crisp. Slice the strawberries, dice the red onion finely, and chop the sweet apple into bite-sized pieces. This prep work ensures each bite offers variety and freshness.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the mixed greens. Then, add the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, diced red onion, chopped apple, candied pecans, and feta cheese crumbles. For a professional touch, reserve a bit of each topping to sprinkle on the salad just before serving, giving it that stunning finish.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Drizzle your creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad—use as much or as little as you prefer. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly without bruising the delicate berries. Finish by adding the reserved toppings on top and serve immediately to enjoy the freshest, most vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a subtle kick, or a few edible flowers for an elegant presentation. A light dusting of lemon zest can also amplify the brightness and tie the flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, summery mains like grilled chicken breast, seared salmon, or roasted vegetables. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside a warm grain bowl or a hearty quiche to provide a satisfying balance to the fresh salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond a bowl—try layering the salad and dressing in clear glass parfait cups for charming individual servings, perfect for brunch or a garden party. You can also serve it on large platter-style plates to showcase the beautiful colors and textures, making it the star of the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate to prevent the greens from becoming soggy. Store the salad components in an airtight container in the fridge, and the dressing in a sealed jar. This keeps everything fresh and ready for another tasty meal within two days.
Freezing
This Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended. Freezing can compromise the texture of the berries and greens, as well as the creamy dressing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating isn’t applicable. Simply toss any leftover salad gently with fresh dressing before serving again for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of berries?
Absolutely! While strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are ideal for their flavor contrast and texture, you can also experiment with blackberries, cherries, or even diced peaches depending on the season. Just keep them fresh and firm for the best salad experience.
Is there a vegan alternative for the dressing?
Yes! Substitute the strawberry yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, use vegan mayonnaise, and add a splash of plant-based milk instead of regular milk. This way, you keep the creamy, fruity flavor while making the salad entirely vegan-friendly.
How far ahead can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare the dressing up to two weeks in advance, which is great for quick assembly later. The other ingredients are best prepped a few hours before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
What’s the best way to get crunchy candied pecans?
The key is patience when making them at home: cook the sugar and butter mixture until it’s golden and coats the pecans evenly, then spread them on parchment to cool completely. Store in an airtight container to keep that perfect crunch.
Can the dressing be used with other salads?
Definitely! This poppy seed dressing is delightfully versatile. It pairs beautifully with various green salads, fruit-based salads, or even as a dip for fresh veggies, making it a great staple recipe to keep on hand.
Final Thoughts
Give this Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe a try the next time you want something fresh, colorful, and full of contrasting flavors and textures. It’s a fantastic way to brighten up any meal or to serve as a show-stopping dish when entertaining friends and family. Once you’ve tasted that creamy, sweet-tangy dressing combined with juicy berries and crunchy pecans, I’m confident it will become one of your favorite go-to salads.
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Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if making candied pecans at home)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mixed Green Salad with Berries, featuring a medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, crisp apples, red onions, candied pecans, and tangy feta cheese. This salad is complemented by a creamy, homemade strawberry poppy seed dressing that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it an ideal light meal or side dish suitable for spring and summer gatherings.
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 (for blending)
- 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, creating a creamy base for your dressing.
- Adjust the Flavor: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning by adding more vinegar for tanginess, extra sugar for sweetness, or additional mayo and milk for creaminess as desired. Stir in 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 using 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 to ensure fresh and crisp salad components.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens. Layer the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, diced red onion, chopped apple, candied pecans, and feta cheese crumbles on top. Reserve a small amount of each topping to sprinkle on at the end for a professional and attractive presentation.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the desired amount of creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently until all ingredients are well combined. Garnish with the reserved toppings and serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness and flavor.
Notes
- The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks for convenience.
- If making candied pecans at home, allow them to cool fully to maintain the salad’s texture.
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and presentation.
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess of the dressing to your personal taste.
- For a nut-free version, omit the candied pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
