Looking for a refreshing dish that screams summer? This Summer Berry Salad is your answer! It’s vibrant, light, and bursting with fresh, juicy berries that are as delicious as they are nutritious. With a tangy dressing that ties everything together and a crunchy topping of nuts, this salad is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Whether it’s for a light lunch, a BBQ side, or just a refreshing snack, this salad will make you feel like you’re dining under the sun. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with how easy and delightful this one is.

Why You’ll Love Summer Berry Salad

This salad isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about capturing the essence of summer in a bowl. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries creates a burst of fruity goodness in every bite. It’s like summer in a salad!
Light and Refreshing: Perfect for those hot days when you want something light but satisfying. The sweetness of the berries paired with the tangy dressing makes this the ultimate refreshing dish.
Quick and Easy: No cooking required! Simply toss together some fresh ingredients and drizzle with a quick homemade dressing. It’s the easiest way to enjoy a flavorful dish without much effort.
Customizable: Want to add some extra flavor? Toss in some feta or goat cheese, or switch up the nuts. The beauty of this salad is that you can tweak it to your liking!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic, a family dinner, or a casual lunch, this salad fits any occasion. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

This Summer Berry Salad is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you need:

Strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries are the base of this salad, adding sweetness and color.
Blueberries: These little bursts of blue are not only pretty but also full of antioxidants.
Blackberries: Slightly tart, they balance out the sweetness of the other berries perfectly.
Spinach or Mixed Greens: The greens add a lovely base and light, earthy flavor to the salad.
Almonds or Walnuts: For a crunchy texture that complements the soft berries. You can toast them for an added depth of flavor.
Feta or Goat Cheese (optional): Adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the fruit. Totally optional, but it’s a game-changer.

For the dressing:

Olive Oil: A light, fresh oil that makes the perfect base for the dressing.
Honey: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tang of the vinegar.
Lemon Juice: The zing from lemon juice brightens the whole dish and gives the salad a refreshing kick.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.
Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and pepper to tie everything together and enhance the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on creating this delicious, summer-inspired salad:

Prepare the Berries: Wash the strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries thoroughly. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Greens: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach or mixed greens. You can mix and match depending on what you have available or your preferences.
Add the Berries: Toss the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries into the bowl with the greens. The bright colors are going to make this salad look so inviting!
Add Crunch and Cream: Sprinkle the almonds or walnuts on top for crunch. If you’re using cheese, crumble some feta or goat cheese over the salad.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—more honey if you like it sweeter, more lemon if you like a tangier dressing.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, making sure everything is coated in that lovely, tangy-sweet dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Summer Berry Salad

This salad is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to make it a more substantial meal or serve it with something else, here are a few ideas:

Grilled Chicken: Top with some grilled chicken breast for a satisfying protein boost.
Grilled Shrimp: Add grilled shrimp for a light, summery twist.
Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to make the meal more filling.
Avocado: Add slices of creamy avocado to enhance the richness of the salad.
Balsamic Glaze: For a touch of sweetness and elegance, drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top before serving.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to elevate your Summer Berry Salad:

Prep Ahead: If you’re making this for a party or meal prep, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time and store them separately. Just toss everything together before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Vegan Option: To make it vegan, skip the cheese and swap the honey for maple syrup in the dressing.
Add More Fruit: Feel free to add other summer fruits like peaches, raspberries, or grapes to the mix for even more variety and flavor.
Make it Sweet or Savory: If you prefer a sweeter salad, add some sliced peaches or a handful of granola. For a savory version, throw in some red onion or cucumber for extra crunch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen berries?
A1: Fresh berries are best for this salad, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen berries. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture to prevent sogginess.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: The salad itself can be prepped ahead, but I recommend adding the dressing right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The berries will start to release juice, so it’s best to enjoy it within a day or two.

Q4: Can I make this salad without balsamic vinegar?
A4: Yes, you can swap the balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar for a different tangy flavor.

Q5: Can I make this a full meal?
A5: Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make this salad a more substantial meal.

Q6: How long will this salad last in the fridge?
A6: The salad will last about 1-2 days in the fridge, but it’s best eaten fresh to preserve the crunch of the greens and the flavor of the berries.

Q7: Can I add nuts to this salad?
A7: Yes! Adding toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans gives this salad an extra crunch and flavor boost.

Q8: Can I use another type of cheese?
A8: Definitely! Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious in this salad.

Q9: How can I make the dressing vegan?
A9: Simply swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a completely vegan dressing.

Q10: Can I add other fruits to the salad?
A10: Yes! You can add peaches, grapes, or raspberries to mix things up and add even more sweetness.

Conclusion

This Summer Berry Salad is the ultimate way to enjoy the season’s freshest flavors! It’s easy to make, refreshing, and totally customizable. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ or enjoying it for a light lunch, this salad is sure to brighten up your day. So grab your favorite berries and start tossing—it’s time for a summer feast!

Summer Berry Salad

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

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Description

This refreshing summer berry salad is packed with juicy strawberries, blueberries, grilled chicken, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans, all tossed with a tangy balsamic dressing. A perfect low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free meal!

Ingredients

Scale

10 oz spring lettuce mix (283g)
1 lb grilled chicken breast (454g), chopped
2 cups strawberries, sliced
2 cups blueberries
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled (113g)
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/2 cup balsamic dressing

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Quarter the strawberries and halve the pecans.
Chop the grilled chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Divide the spring mix and blueberries evenly into 4 bowls.
Add the grilled chicken and strawberries on top.
Sprinkle each bowl with feta cheese and pecans.

Step 3: Add Dressing & Serve

Drizzle with balsamic dressing right before serving.
Enjoy your fresh and flavorful summer salad!

Notes

Make It Dairy-Free: Swap feta for avocado slices or dairy-free cheese.
Protein Swap: Use grilled salmon, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.
Storage: Store undressed salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add dressing just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 524
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 23
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 43g
Cholesterol: 105mg