This red, white, and blue summer berry salad is full of fresh fruit, topped with avocado slices, feta, and candied nuts, then finished with a naturally sweet lemon poppyseed dressing.
I enjoy every season, but summer stands out for its abundance of fresh produce—especially berries. When berries are in season they taste best and are more affordable. Lately I’ve been using berries in quick breakfasts like single-serving blueberry banana pancakes and whole-grain blueberry banana muffins, and I’ve also been making this red, white, and blue summer berry salad with lemon poppyseed dressing. 
These salads would have been perfect for the 4th of July, but I came up with the idea a bit late. No matter—the salad is great throughout berry season. Add grilled chicken to make it a complete and satisfying summer meal.
For a heartier plate, serve the salad with roasted sweet potato wedges. They pair beautifully with the bright flavors of the salad and help turn a light dish into a filling, healthy meal.
If you make this red, white, and blue berry salad, feel free to leave a comment or share a photo on Instagram. Hope you enjoy!
Red, White, & Blue Summer Berry Salad with Candied Nuts & Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
Ingredients
For the Salad
- Romaine lettuce or spinach
- Your choice of three or more berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Sliced avocado
- Feta cheese
- Toasted walnuts or chopped almonds
For the Lemon Poppyseed Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon heaping lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
-
Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce or spinach and the berries. Place the greens in bowls, then top with berries, sliced avocado, crumbled feta, and toasted nuts.
-
In a small jar or container, combine olive oil, lemon juice, optional lemon zest, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and poppy seeds. Shake or whisk to combine and mix again just before serving. Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving.