Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mixed Green Salad with Berries, combining fresh mixed greens, assorted berries, crisp apple, candied pecans, and creamy feta cheese topped with a luscious homemade creamy poppy seed dressing. This salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures, making it ideal for a light lunch or elegant side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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 to create a creamy and flavorful poppy seed dressing base.
- Adjust and Finish Dressing: Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors as desired by adding more vinegar for tanginess, extra sugar for sweetness, or additional mayo and milk for creaminess. Stir in poppy seeds to finish. Refrigerate the dressing for up to 2 weeks if making ahead.
- Prepare Candied Pecans: If not using store-bought, prepare candied pecans according to your preferred method and allow them to cool completely before assembling the salad.
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: Wash and dry all the berries carefully. Slice the strawberries, dice the red onion, and chop the sweet apple into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens as the base. Top with the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, diced red onion, chopped apple, candied pecans, and feta cheese crumbles. For a professional presentation, reserve a little of each topping to sprinkle on at the end.
- Add Dressing and Toss: Drizzle the desired amount of creamy poppy seed dressing over the salad. Gently toss until all ingredients are well combined. Add the reserved toppings on top for extra color and texture. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe berries and crisp greens to enhance the flavor and texture.
- The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Candied pecans can be store-bought to save time or made at home for fresher taste.
- This salad is best served immediately after tossing to maintain crispness and freshness.
- To make it vegan, substitute yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives and omit feta cheese.
