The Juiciest Summer Berry Salad Recipe

Whipping up a delightful summer berry salad can turn an ordinary meal into a vibrant celebration of seasonal flavors.

Ripe strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries dance together in a light, refreshing composition.

Sweet and tangy notes blend perfectly with crisp greens and a zesty vinaigrette.

Each colorful bite promises a burst of natural goodness that energizes your palate.

Crisp ingredients create a symphony of textures that feel both elegant and playful.

Simple yet sophisticated, this salad brings sunshine to your plate with minimal effort.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this delectable medley of fresh, juicy berries.

Summer Berry Salad That’s Light And Colorful

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Assemble this vibrant salad in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunch preparations.
• Family-Friendly Nutrition Boost: Packed with lean protein from grilled chicken, fresh berries, and nutrient-rich spring mix, this salad offers a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Celebrate summer's bounty with a colorful salad that can be easily customized by swapping ingredients or adjusting portions to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive and tastes incredible, without requiring advanced cooking skills or hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Toss in a Summer Berry Salad

• Spring Mix: Fresh, tender salad greens that provide a light and crisp base for the salad, perfect for summer meals.
• Grilled Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the salad, best when seasoned and freshly grilled.

• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy berries that bring vibrant color and refreshing taste, choose ripe and firm berries.
• Blueberries: Small, antioxidant-rich berries that add a burst of natural sweetness, select plump and deep blue berries.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly cheese that provides a creamy texture and salty contrast, opt for authentic Greek feta.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that offer a rich, buttery flavor and additional protein, look for fresh and unsalted varieties.

• Balsamic Dressing: Smooth, slightly sweet vinaigrette that ties all ingredients together, choose a high-quality aged balsamic dressing.

Summer Berry Salad Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep the Produce

Quarter the strawberries into bite-sized pieces and roughly chop the pecans to release their nutty flavor.

Ensure the strawberries are clean and the pecans are crisp and fresh.

Step 2: Slice the Chicken

Cut the grilled chicken breast into bite-sized chunks that will easily mix with the salad ingredients.

Make sure the chicken is evenly chopped for consistent texture.

Step 3: Build the Salad Base

Distribute the spring mix greens equally among 4 serving bowls, creating a fresh and vibrant foundation for the salad.

Scatter blueberries across the greens for a burst of color and sweetness.

Step 4: Layer the Proteins

Arrange the grilled chicken pieces and quartered strawberries on top of the greens.

Ensure an even distribution so each bite has a mix of flavors.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Finishing Touches

Generously crumble feta cheese over each salad.

Scatter the chopped pecans on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Drizzle balsamic dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp and prevent soggy greens.

Serve immediately and savor the refreshing summer flavors.

Berry Salad Tips With Crunch

• Quarter strawberries and halve pecans for even distribution and easier eating, ensuring each bite has a perfect mix of textures.
• Grill chicken and chop in advance to save time and make assembly quick during busy summer days.
• Distribute blueberries and spring mix equally among bowls for a balanced and visually appealing presentation.
• Add balsamic dressing just before serving to prevent soggy greens and maintain crisp salad texture.
• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to make the salad vegetarian-friendly, or add different nuts for varied crunch.

Summer Berry Salad Stays Fresh for the Next Bite

• Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep greens, chicken, and toppings in different sealed containers.
• Refrigerate grilled chicken within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Wrap spring mix in paper towels inside a container to absorb moisture and prevent wilting. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below.
• Warm chicken separately in microwave or skillet for 30-45 seconds. Add freshly chopped ingredients to revive the salad's crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

Cool Complements For Berry Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the salad's light, fresh flavors and cut through the richness of feta and chicken.
• Match with Sparkling Water Infusion: Create a refreshing drink by adding fresh mint and cucumber slices to sparkling water, echoing the salad's bright summer notes.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Rustic sourdough or a warm baguette provides a delightful textural contrast to the salad's crisp ingredients and helps soak up the balsamic dressing.
• Complete with Chilled Rosé: A dry rosé wine offers a perfect balance, enhancing the berry sweetness and matching the salad's vibrant summer profile.

Berry Salad Fruit Blends

• Vegan Berry Delight: Replace grilled chicken with crispy tofu or marinated tempeh. Swap feta cheese with dairy-free almond cheese crumbles.
• Gluten-Free Garden Edition: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of traditional balsamic dressing for safe consumption.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute spring mix with fresh spinach or arugula. Add grilled salmon or shrimp instead of chicken for extra protein boost.
• Nut-Free Summer Salad: Remove pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Keep all other ingredients consistent with original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of berries?

Yes, you can swap strawberries or add raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries for variety and extra flavor.

• Is grilled chicken the only protein option?

No, you can substitute grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

• How can I make this salad more filling?

Add quinoa, couscous, or brown rice to increase protein and make the salad more substantial and satisfying.

• Do I need to make my own balsamic dressing?

While homemade is great, store-bought balsamic dressing works perfectly fine and saves time in preparation.

Summer Berry Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Refreshing summer berry salad delivers a symphony of seasonal flavors dancing across your plate. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend sweet and tangy notes, creating a light yet satisfying dish you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454g) grilled chicken breast, chopped

Fruits and Berries:

• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups blueberries

Salad Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (283g) spring lettuce mix
• 4 ounces (113g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/2 cup balsamic dressing

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice strawberries into elegant quarters, ensuring uniform size for balanced presentation.
2. Roughly chop pecans to create delicate, textural crunch throughout the salad.
3. Slice grilled chicken breast into precise, bite-sized morsels for easy eating.
4. Distribute crisp spring mix greens evenly across serving bowls, creating a vibrant base.
5. Scatter fresh blueberries generously over the verdant greens.
6. Artfully arrange chicken pieces atop the mixed greens and berries.
7. Gently place quartered strawberries around the salad for colorful accent.
8. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese across the surface, allowing delicate white fragments to contrast with the colorful ingredients.
9. Delicately garnish with chopped pecans, providing a nutty dimension and satisfying crunch.
10. Immediately before serving, drizzle balsamic dressing in elegant, sweeping motions to enhance and unite the salad’s flavors.
11. Serve promptly to maintain the salad’s fresh, crisp textures and vibrant appearance.

Notes

• Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and create a crunchier texture.
• Swap grilled chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Use fresh, seasonal berries at peak ripeness to maximize sweetness and nutritional value in the salad.
• Store dressing separately when meal prepping to prevent soggy greens and maintain crisp salad components.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg