Print

Fresh Spring Salad with Juicy Berries and Feta

fresh spring salad - featured image

A quick and easy fresh spring salad combining mixed greens, juicy berries, tangy feta, and a simple honey-lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this salad offers a refreshing balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, spring mix)
  • 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries sliced, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75 grams)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 30 grams)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped (about 30 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse mixed greens thoroughly in cold water. Use a salad spinner to dry or pat dry with a clean towel. (5 minutes)
  2. Hull and slice strawberries into halves or quarters. Rinse blueberries and raspberries gently. Thinly slice red onion into paper-thin strips. (5 minutes)
  3. Toast pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool. (5 minutes)
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste. (3 minutes)
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add greens, berries, sliced onion, and toasted nuts. Drizzle dressing evenly over the top. Gently toss with hands or salad tongs to coat without smashing berries. (3 minutes)
  6. Crumble feta cheese over the tossed salad and lightly toss to distribute without breaking up the feta. (2 minutes)
  7. Transfer salad onto plates or a serving bowl. Optionally, garnish with a fresh lemon wedge or extra nuts. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. (1 minute)

Notes

Wash berries just before use to keep them fresh and juicy. Dry greens thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Toast nuts carefully to prevent burning. Emulsify dressing well for better coating. Toss gently to keep berries and feta intact. Prepare ingredients ahead but combine just before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring salad, berry salad, feta salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, mixed greens, berry vinaigrette