Mixed Berry Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette
Bring on the fresh berries and make this fully loaded mixed berry salad with goat cheese, candied pecans, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
One of my favorite things about summer is that it’s the season of berries and I try and take full advantage of this great opportunity. From homemade raspberry iced tea, to blueberry pie bars, to something fresh and tangy like this salad.
The varying textures make this salad fun and delicious because it combines the fresh juicy bursts of berries with the soft, creamy goat cheese, and the sweet crunch of candied pecans. It might as well be called the quintessential salad of summer!
This post is about how to make a mixed berry salad.
Mixed Berry Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette
What do I need to make this berry salad?
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Spinach or Spring Mix: This sets the leafy base for the salad. Both spinach or spring mix will work or a combination of the two.
- Strawberries: Adds color and juicy flavor.
- Blueberries: Adds color and sweetness.
- Blackberries: Adds color, juiciness, and varying texture.
- Goat Cheese: Adds a creamy, savory component that pairs very well with berries.
- Candied Pecans: This adds a crunchy texture and a sweet component that’s addictive. You can use candied walnuts instead or even slivered almonds. If you decide to use slivered almonds, though, consider tossing in dried cranberries or dried blueberries to make up for the sweetness that is lost without the candied nuts.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: You can use your favorite bottled balsamic vinaigrette or make your own (p.s. it’s easy)!
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt
- Sugar
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Black Pepper
How do I make this salad with berries?
If you are making your own homemade Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil Dressing, start there by combining all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a jar and shaking it. Set it aside. If you prefer a thicker balsamic vinaigrette, try this recipe: The Best Thick Balsamic Dressing.
Once you wash the berries, the rest is easy. Grab a medium to large salad bowl and add a couple handfuls of spinach or spring mix.
Sprinkle on the berries, goat cheese, and candied pecans.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Serve right away as the dressing will wilt the salad pretty quickly!
If you enjoyed this salad, you may also enjoy these other salad favorites:
- Refreshing Watermelon Lime Salad
- My Go-To Spring Mix Salad Recipe
- Crisp Greek Salad With Lettuce
- Chicken Harvest Salad
- Middle Eastern Cucumber Salad
- Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Slivered Almonds and Dates
🖤 Let me know in the comments if you plan on making this or if you did. I love hearing from you!
🖤 Sharing is caring! Please pin or share this so others can enjoy the recipe too 😀
🖤 Thank you for visiting and happy making! 🙂
This post was about how to make a delicious mixed berry salad.
Mixed Berry Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 2 big handfuls spinach or spring mix
- 10 strawberries quartered
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup blackberries
- ⅓ cup goat cheese
- ¼ cup candied pecans or walnuts
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Put all of the ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake the jar vigorously to combine the ingredients.
- Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Make the Salad
- Add the spinach/spring mix to a medium to large salad bowl.
- Sprinkle on the berries, goat cheese, and pecans.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Sprink