Summer Berry Salad

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If you’re looking for a fresh, colorful salad that tastes like summer in every bite, this Summer Berry Salad is exactly what you need.

Packed with juicy raspberries, sweet strawberries, plump blueberries, crunchy candied walnuts, and crisp spring greens, this easy salad is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, picnics, and weeknight dinners.

I originally discovered this recipe on the Aldi website and was immediately drawn to the combination of fresh berries and homemade berry vinaigrette.

As I often do when trying new recipes, I made a couple of small changes to suit my family’s tastes. The original recipe includes crumbled honey goat cheese, but I chose to leave it out.

We enjoyed it without any cheese at all, although I think shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella would be delicious additions if you’re looking for something a little different.

I also swapped the canola oil in the dressing for olive oil. That’s simply a personal preference in our house—we love the richer flavor olive oil brings to homemade dressings.

What Is Summer Berry Salad?

Summer Berry Salad is a fresh and colorful salad made with spring mix greens, juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, crunchy candied walnuts, and a homemade raspberry vinaigrette.

It’s a light and refreshing dish that celebrates some of the best flavors of summer, making it perfect for everything from backyard cookouts and family picnics to weeknight dinners on the patio.

What makes this salad special is the combination of sweet berries and tangy raspberry dressing paired with crisp greens and crunchy walnuts. The contrast of flavors and textures creates a salad that feels both elegant and effortless.

While many versions include crumbled goat cheese, this recipe is easy to customize based on your family’s preferences. I chose to leave the goat cheese out, but shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese would also be delicious additions.

Whether served as a side dish or topped with grilled chicken for a complete meal, Summer Berry Salad is a simple recipe that’s bursting with fresh seasonal flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Berry Salad

• Loaded with fresh summer berries
• Sweet, tangy, and refreshing
• Easy enough for weeknight dinners
• Beautiful addition to holiday tables and cookouts
• Naturally gluten-free
• Easily customizable to your family’s preferences

Ingredients

Candied Walnuts

• Walnuts
• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Ground sea salt

Raspberry Dressing

• Raspberries
• Fresh lemon juice
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil

Salad

• Spring mix
• Blueberries
• Strawberries

How to Make Summer Berry Salad

In a medium saucepan, over low heat, combine walnuts, sugar and water. Stir continuously for 5 minutes or until thickened.

Remove from heat and sprinkle evenly with salt.

In a small bowl, combine raspberries and sugar.

Roll raspberries around to thoroughly coat.

Let sit for 10 minutes.

Using a fork, mash raspberries until well blended.

Using a spatula, press mashed raspberries through a small strainer into another medium bowl, discard seeds.

Whisk in red wine vinegar, salt, and lemon juice.

While continuing to whisk, slowly drizzle in olive oil.

Combine blueberries, strawberries, and spring mix in a large bowl.

Divide the salad evenly among individual salad bowls.

Sprinkle the candied walnuts over each salad bowl.

If using goat cheese, cheddar cheese, or mozzarella cheese, add it now.

Drizzle each salad with the raspberry vinaigrette just before serving and enjoy immediately.

More Delicious Salad Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Summer Berry Salad, here are a few more fresh and flavorful salads from Recipes Made With Love that are perfect for potlucks, cookouts, holidays, or everyday meals:

Mixed Berry Salad

If you can’t get enough fresh berries during the summer months, you’ll love my Mixed Berry Salad. Made with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and a simple citrus dressing, it’s a refreshing fruit salad that’s perfect for brunches, picnics, and summer gatherings.

Festive Broccoli Salad

This Broccoli Salad combines crisp broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, bacon, pecans, and a creamy dressing. It’s one of my favorite make-ahead side dishes for holiday dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Miranda Lambert’s Nonny’s Tuna Salad

Looking for a salad that’s hearty enough for lunch? This Tuna Salad combines tuna, apples, celery, eggs, and a creamy dressing for a protein-packed meal that’s perfect for warm summer days.

Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a holiday meal, or simply looking for a lighter side dish, these salad recipes are sure to become family favorites.