Berry Salad with Lemon Dressing

This vibrant superfood berry salad transforms ordinary greens into a nutrient-packed feast that brightens any table. The combination of mixed super greens with sweet berries and crunchy nuts creates perfect balance, while the creamy lemon herb dressing ties everything together with fresh, zesty flavor.

I first created this salad when my garden herbs were overflowing last summer. What started as a way to use excess mint and parsley quickly became my most requested dish at family gatherings. The vibrant colors always draw compliments, but it's the surprising flavor combination that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• Super greens mix: Delivers multiple nutrients in one convenient package. Look for boxes with a variety of baby greens for best flavor.
• Kale: Adds extra heartiness and nutrition. Remove tough stems before chopping for better texture.
• Strawberries: Bring natural sweetness and vitamin C. Choose bright red berries with no white shoulders for ripest flavor.
• Blackberries: Offer juicy bursts of flavor. Select plump berries with deep color.
• Blueberries: Provide antioxidant power with subtle sweetness. Fresh seasonal berries will have the most flavor.
• Pistachios: Contribute healthy fats and satisfying crunch. The green color adds visual interest to the salad.
• Pepitas: Offer another texture dimension and zinc benefits. Toast lightly for enhanced flavor.
• Blueberry goat cheese: Adds creamy tanginess that balances the berries perfectly. Regular goat cheese works great too.

For the Dressing

• Greek yogurt: Creates creaminess without heaviness. Full-fat version works too for richer texture.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens all flavors. Always use freshly squeezed for best taste.
• Mustard: Works as an emulsifier while adding subtle tang. Dijon offers best flavor profile.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides healthy fat and smooth texture. Use high quality for best flavor.
• Fresh mint leaves: Bring cooling freshness that complements berries beautifully. Look for bright green leaves.
• Fresh parsley: Adds herbal notes without overpowering. Flat-leaf variety offers stronger flavor than curly.
• Fresh oregano: Contributes earthiness that grounds the dressing. Growing your own ensures freshest flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Finish the dressing. Sea salt or kosher salt works best.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dressing:

Add greek yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, mint, parsley, and oregano to blender or food processor. Pulse until completely smooth, about 30 seconds. The herbs should be fully incorporated with no large pieces remaining. Season with salt and pepper, starting with 1/4 teaspoon salt and adjusting to taste. The dressing should be creamy but pourable. If too thick, add a teaspoon of water.

Prepare the Greens:

Wash all greens thoroughly and spin dry completely. Excess water will dilute dressing flavor. Tear kale into bite-sized pieces, removing tough center stems. Place super greens mix and kale in large serving bowl, creating a bed for other ingredients.

Prepare the Berries:

Wash all berries gently and allow to dry on paper towels. Hull and dice strawberries into roughly 1/2-inch pieces for perfect bites. Leave blackberries and blueberries whole. Sprinkle berries evenly over greens mixture.

Add Finishing Touches:

Sprinkle pistachios and pepitas evenly across salad. Their crunch provides textural contrast to the soft berries and greens. Crumble goat cheese over top just before serving so it maintains its shape and creamy texture.

Dress and Serve:

Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving, using about 3/4 of prepared amount. Toss gently with wooden spoons to coat ingredients without bruising delicate berries. Serve remaining dressing on the side for those who prefer more. Finish with fresh black pepper for added complexity.

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The fresh herbs truly make this dressing special. I grow mint, parsley, and oregano in pots on my kitchen windowsill year-round specifically for this recipe. My grandmother always said that fresh herbs were the secret to making ordinary food extraordinary, and this dressing proves her right every time. The combination creates a green goddess-style flavor that elevates simple ingredients to something truly memorable.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad can be partially prepped in advance for quicker assembly. Wash and dry greens up to two days ahead, storing with a paper towel in an airtight container. The dressing can be made up to three days in advance and kept refrigerated. For best results, bring dressing to room temperature before using, and add berries, nuts, and cheese just before serving to maintain optimal texture and appearance.

Seasonal Adaptations

While summer berries create the most vibrant version of this salad, you can enjoy it year-round by adjusting fruits seasonally. In fall, substitute pears and pomegranate seeds for the berries. Winter versions work beautifully with citrus segments and dried cranberries. Spring allows for strawberries paired with fresh peas and asparagus tips. The versatile dressing complements all these variations wonderfully.

Serving Suggestions

This superfood salad pairs beautifully with simple proteins like grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal. For entertaining, serve alongside crusty whole grain bread and a selection of artisanal cheeses for an elegant lunch. The vibrant colors make this dish perfect for bridal showers, Mother's Day celebrations, or any spring gathering where visual appeal matters as much as flavor.

Nutrition Benefits

The combination of ingredients creates a nutritional powerhouse. Berries deliver essential antioxidants that fight inflammation, while mixed greens provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The nuts and seeds contribute healthy fats and protein, making this salad more satisfying than typical green salads. Even the dressing offers benefits, with probiotics from yogurt and heart-healthy fats from olive oil. This makes the salad not just delicious but genuinely nourishing.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the super greens mix with something else?

Absolutely! You can use any leafy greens you prefer or have on hand. Baby spinach, mixed spring greens, or romaine lettuce would all work well as alternatives to the super greens mix.

→ How long does the lemon herb dressing keep?

The dressing will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The fresh herbs may darken slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious. Just give it a good shake before using.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it's best to assemble just before serving. Store the greens, berries, and nuts separately, and keep the dressing in a separate container. Combine everything when you're ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

→ What can I use instead of goat cheese?

If you're not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute with feta, blue cheese, or even a mild brie. For a dairy-free alternative, try avocado slices or a plant-based cheese substitute.

→ Is there a way to make this salad more filling as a main dish?

To make this a heartier main course, add a protein like grilled chicken, salmon, or hard-boiled eggs. You could also add quinoa, farro, or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in the dressing?

While fresh herbs provide the best flavor for this dressing, you can substitute with dried herbs if necessary. Use about 1/3 the amount called for (1 tablespoon fresh = 1 teaspoon dried). The flavor profile will be different but still tasty.