Name: Refreshing Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Super Greens Mix (A nutrient-dense base that combines baby spinach, arugula, and Swiss chard.); 2 cups Kale (Roughly chopped.); 1 cup Strawberries (Diced.); 1 cup Blackberries (Whole.); 1 cup Blueberries (Whole.); 1/2 cup Pistachios (Roughly chopped.); 1/2 cup Pepitas (Seeds.); 4 oz Blueberry Goat Cheese (Crumble over the top.); 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (Nonfat.); 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed.); 1 teaspoon Mustard (Dijon offers an extra kick.); 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1/4 cup Fresh Mint Leaves (Packed.); 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Leaves (Packed.); 2 tablespoons Fresh Oregano Leaves (Packed.)

As I lifted a vibrant bowl of Superfood Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing, a cascade of colors caught my eye—bright reds, deep blues, and refreshing greens swirling together like a lively spring garden. This quick and healthy recipe is a game changer, offering a delightful way to revitalize your meals in just 10 minutes. The creamy lemon herb dressing not only adds a zesty twist but also makes this salad a satisfying option for those busy weekdays or sunny picnics. Each bite bursts with juicy berries and crisp greens, making for a deliciously nourishing experience. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply elevate your lunch game, this salad is your new go-to. Ready to discover how easy it is to whip up this fresh and flavorful dish? Let’s dive in!

Why is This Berry Salad a Must-Try?

Vibrant Colors: The array of fresh berries and greens create a stunning visual that makes mealtime feel special.

Health Boost: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this salad is a great way to nourish your body.

Quick Preparation: In just 10 minutes, you can have a delicious and nutritious dish ready to go, making it perfect for busy days.

Versatile Enjoyment: Whether served as a side or main dish topped with avocado or grilled tofu, this salad adapts to fit any occasion.

Creamy, Flavorful Dressing: The creamy lemon herb dressing adds a refreshing zesty note that elevates the entire dish.

For more delicious dressing ideas, check out our recipes for Fall Salad Dressing and Pomegranate Salad Dressing to complement your meals beautifully.

Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing

A refreshing blend awaits you!

For the Salad

Super Greens Mix – A nutrient-dense base that combines baby spinach, arugula, and Swiss chard. Feel free to use any greens you have on hand!
Kale – Roughly chopped for added hearty texture and a nutritional boost; collard greens can be a suitable substitute.
Strawberries – Diced to provide a sweet, vibrant color that complements the salad beautifully. Swap for raspberries if you prefer a tangier twist.
Blackberries – Whole, offering a delightful tartness and juicy texture. Substitute with any favorite berry, if desired.
Blueberries – Whole to infuse sweetness and antioxidant goodness. Frozen blueberries work perfectly when fresh are unavailable.
Pistachios – Roughly chopped for a satisfying crunch and healthy fats; almonds or walnuts can be delightful alternatives.
Pepitas – These seeds add a nice crunch and are nutrient-rich; sunflower seeds serve as a tasty replacement.
Blueberry Goat Cheese – Crumbled to provide creaminess and tang; regular goat cheese or feta can be swapped if needed.

For the Dressing

Plain Greek Yogurt – Use nonfat, ¼ cup, as a creamy base; opt for vegan yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed, 2 tablespoons, to add brightness and zesty flavor.
Mustard – 1 teaspoon to deepen the dressing’s flavor; Dijon mustard offers an extra kick.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon to balance the dressing while providing healthy fats.
Fresh Mint Leaves – Packed, ¼ cup to enhance freshness; basil or cilantro can also work beautifully in this dressing.
Fresh Parsley Leaves – Packed, ¼ cup adds both vibrancy and a fresh flavor to the mix.
Fresh Oregano Leaves – Packed, 2 tablespoons introduce a fragrant herb note that perfects the dressing.

Elevate your meals with this Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing and enjoy the colorful explosion of flavors!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing

Step 1: Prepare Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of mustard, and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Add ¼ cup of packed fresh mint leaves, ¼ cup of packed fresh parsley, and 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano leaves. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring a vibrant green color, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Assemble Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add a generous mix of super greens, roughly chopped kale, diced strawberries, whole blackberries, and whole blueberries. Then, sprinkle in roughly chopped pistachios and pepitas for that satisfying crunch. Finally, crumble some blueberry goat cheese over the top. Gently toss the ingredients together using salad tongs until everything is beautifully combined, creating a colorful medley.

Step 3: Dress Salad
Take your creamy lemon herb dressing and pour it over the assembled berry salad. Use salad tongs to gently toss the salad again, ensuring that every vibrant berry and green leaf is coated in the dressing. Aim for a light coating so that the fresh flavors shine without overpowering the natural sweetness of the berries, creating a delightful visual appeal.

Step 4: Serve
Once your berry salad is well dressed, transfer it to serving plates or a large serving bowl. For an extra touch, add a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper on top to enhance the flavors. The final presentation should be filled with colors and textures that invite everyone to dig in, showcasing the beauty of this Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing.

What to Serve with Superfood Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing

This delightful berry salad is the perfect centerpiece for a nourishing meal, especially when paired with complementary sides and drinks.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy, lightly seasoned grilled chicken adds protein and heartiness, balancing the refreshing flavors of the salad beautifully.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf provides a wholesome grain option, bringing out the salad’s vibrant colors and textures. It’s filling yet light!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a contrasting sweetness and a comforting texture, making for a delightful side that enhances the salad’s freshness.
Avocado Toast: The creamy richness of avocado toast serves as a satisfying accompaniment, harmonizing flawlessly with the tangy lemon herb dressing. Each bite is a wonderful mix!
Sparkling Water with Lime: A crisp, refreshing sparkling water adds a zesty touch to the meal, perfectly cleansing the palate between bites of the berry salad.
Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a refreshing lemon sorbet offers a light and zingy finale, echoing the salad’s citrus notes while cooling you down on a hot day.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with vegetables and grains provide a hearty addition to complement the berry salad, giving an extra boost to your meal.
Sautéed Green Beans: Freshly sautéed green beans add a crisp texture and a burst of color that brightens the table while pairing well with the salad’s flavors.
Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini: Elevate your appetizer game with crostini topped with herbed goat cheese that ties into the creamy dressing, enriching the dining experience.

Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing Variations

Feel free to explore creative twists and substitutions that will make this salad truly your own!

Seasonal Fruits: Swap strawberries and blackberries for fresh peaches or crisp apples during their peak season for a delightful flavor change.
When using peaches, their juicy texture complements the creamy dressing beautifully, creating a refreshing summer treat.
Grain Boost: Add cooked quinoa or farro to give extra heartiness and chewiness to your salad.
This addition not only enhances the nutrient content but also transforms it into a filling meal for any time of day.
Roasted Veggies: Incorporate roasted sweet potatoes or bell peppers for a warm, comforting salad twist.
The earthiness of roasted vegetables adds depth and pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
Vegan Option: Substitute blueberry goat cheese with crumbled vegan feta or almond cheese for a dairy-free delight.
This maintains the creamy texture while ensuring that those with dietary restrictions can enjoy the vibrant flavors.
Nuts and Seeds: Swap pistachios for chopped almonds or walnuts, or use sunflower seeds instead of pepitas for a different crunchy element.
Experimenting with various nuts adds extra layers of flavor and texture to your salad, making it even more interesting.
Herb Variants: Switch fresh mint for basil or cilantro to give the dressing a unique flavor profile.
Each herb imparts its distinct taste, allowing you to tailor the dish to your own palate.
Heat Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes into the dressing or salad.
This spicy addition may kick your salad up a notch, making it an exciting dish for spice enthusiasts.

To round out your salad experience, consider pairing it with a light protein like grilled chicken or check out our delicious options such as Lemon Butter Chicken or savory Chicken Shawarma with Creamy Garlic Sauce. These suggestions elevate your meal while complementing the fresh flavors of the berry salad perfectly!

Make Ahead Options

These Superfood Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the greens, berries, and nuts up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crisp. The creamy lemon herb dressing can also be blended and kept for up to 3 days; just make sure to give it a stir before using to re-emulsify. When ready to serve, simply toss the prepped ingredients together in a bowl, drizzle with the dressing, and enjoy a delicious meal that saves you time on busy weeknights, while still being vibrant and just as delightful!

Storage Tips for Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing

Fridge: Store any leftover berry salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, note that the greens may lose some crispness during storage.
Dressing Separation: If you plan to have leftovers, store the creamy lemon herb dressing separately to maintain the freshness and texture of the salad components.
Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating it, as this may compromise the vibrant flavors and textures.
Freezer: For long-term storage, consider freezing the dressing in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, store the cubes in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw before use for your next berry salad adventure!

Expert Tips for Berry Salad

Wash Greens Properly: Ensure all greens are thoroughly washed and dried to prevent sogginess in your berry salad. Wet greens can dilute the dressing’s flavors.
Infuse the Dressing: Let the creamy lemon herb dressing sit for at least 10 minutes after blending. This allows the fresh herbs to infuse their flavors more deeply.
Adjust Consistency: Tailor the thickness of your dressing by gradually adding more yogurt or olive oil until it meets your preference for the berry salad with creamy lemon herb dressing.
Mix and Match: Feel free to substitute berries and nuts in your salad. Raspberries, almonds, or walnuts can also create delicious variations tailored to your taste!
Serve Fresh: Enjoy this salad immediately after dressing it to preserve the crunch of the greens and the vibrant texture of the berries.
Perfect Pairing: This berry salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served on its own for a light, satisfying meal!

Superfood Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe berries for my salad?
Absolutely! When selecting berries, look for ones that are plump, firm, and brightly colored. For strawberries, choose those with a rich red hue and a fresh green leafy top. Blackberries should be shiny and deep purple without any dark spots. Blueberries should be a vibrant blue with a whitish bloom, indicating freshness. If they are mushy or overly soft, it may be best to avoid them.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Store any leftover berry salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the greens may lose some crispness during storage. To keep the salad fresh, it’s a good idea to store the creamy lemon herb dressing separately, and simply dress your salad just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Can I freeze the salad or dressing?
Absolutely! For long-term storage, consider freezing the dressing in an ice cube tray. Just pour the prepared dressing into the tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a resealable bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw a cube or two before dressing your salad. Keep in mind that the salad itself is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s not recommended to freeze the assembled salad.

What should I do if my dressing turns out too thick?
Very! If your dressing is thicker than desired, simply whisk in a little bit of water or additional lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency. If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a touch more Greek yogurt or olive oil, blending well until smooth. Taste as you go to ensure the balance of flavors remains delightful!

Are there any allergy concerns with the ingredients?
Absolutely! This berry salad contains dairy from the goat cheese and yogurt, which may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy. You can easily substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly option. Always check your nuts and seeds, and make sure they haven’t been processed in facilities with other allergens if you’re serving guests with allergies.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Very! You can prepare the dressing up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Assemble the salad ingredients, but keep them separate from the dressing until you’re ready to serve. This way, you’ll maintain the crispness of the greens and the juiciness of the berries when your guests arrive!