Berry Salad with Poppy Seed

The first time I made this berry salad was for a 4th of July party, and I literally had to stop people from eating it all before I could take a photo. There is something about the way jewel-toned berries look against dark greens that makes everyone reach for their phone before their fork.

Last summer my neighbor brought over a bowl of berries from her garden, and this salad was born from that overflow of fresh fruit. Now every time I see those little cartons of berries at the farmers market, I grab twice as many as I need just so I can make this again.

Ingredients

• Mixed salad greens: Baby spinach adds nice body, arugula brings pepperiness, and mesclun offers delicate tender leaves that do not get soggy
• Fresh strawberries: Hull them right before serving so they do not weep and water down your beautiful salad
• Fresh blueberries: Look for ones with a dusty bloom which means they are fresh and have not been handled too much
• Fresh raspberries: Handle these gently as they are the most fragile berry in the mix
• Fresh blackberries: Pick ones that are fully deep black with no red drupelets for sweetness
• Toastedsliced almonds: Toast them in a dry pan for 3 minutes until fragrant and let them cool completely
• Crumbled feta cheese: The salty creaminess cuts through all that sweet berry brightness
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use a mild one that will not overpower delicate berry flavors
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides just enough tang without being harsh like white vinegar
• Honey: Use a mild clover or wildflower honey rather than something assertive like buckwheat
• Dijon mustard: This emulsifies the dressing and adds a subtle depth
• Poppy seeds: These add tiny crunch bursts throughout every bite
• Fine sea salt: Essential for making all those berry flavors pop
• Ground black pepper: Just a pinch adds a subtle warmth that complements the berries

Instructions

Make the dressing first:

Whisk everything in a small jar until it looks thick and creamy rather than separated

Prep your berry canvas:

Pile those greens into your biggest bowl so you have room to toss without making a mess

Arrange the jewels:

Scatter strawberries first then tuck blueberries and raspberries in the pockets between leaves

Add the crunch:

Sprinkle toasted almonds and feta over the top like you are finishing a painting

The moment of truth:

Drizzle that dressing right before serving or pass it on the side if you are worried about wilted greens

Save

My mom now texts me every summer asking when I am bringing the berry salad to family gatherings. It has become this thing I am known for which is funny because I literally fell into it by accident with surplus berries one afternoon.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in walnuts or pecans when I want a more autumnal vibe or add sliced avocado when I need something more substantial. The beauty is that the formula works with whatever berries look best at the market.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is the perfect starter for grilled fish or chicken because it is light but memorable. I have also served it alongside quiche for brunch and as a palate cleanser between heavy courses at dinner parties.

Timing Is Everything

The trick to this salad is assembling it as close to serving time as possible while having your dressing ready to go. You can wash and dry greens and hull berries hours ahead but keep everything separate until the last 10 minutes.

• Set out all ingredients on a large tray for a gorgeous selfserve station
• Leftovers with dressing on will keep for one day in the fridge though the berries will soften
• Double the dressing recipe and keep the extra in a jar for impromptu salads all week

Save

Every time I serve this someone asks for the recipe which is the ultimate compliment for something so simple and fresh.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What berries work best for this salad?

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries provide a balanced mix of sweet and tart flavors ideal for this dish.

→ Can I substitute the dressing ingredients?

Yes, you can replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option or adjust vinegar and mustard amounts to taste.

→ How can I add protein to this salad?

Incorporate grilled chicken slices or avocado to make the salad more filling and nutritionally balanced.

→ Are there nut alternatives for the almonds?

Walnuts or pecans can be used instead of almonds to add different textures and flavors.

→ Is this salad suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, provided all ingredients, including dressings and additions, are certified gluten-free.