A simple Mixed Green Salad with Berries dressed in a bright Strawberry Balsamic Dressing comes together in about 20 minutes. Minimal chopping and maximum flavor make it a perfect side dish, or add grilled chicken or salmon to turn it into a satisfying meal.
This recipe was originally published April 2015. Photos and copy were updated July 2020.
Fresh berries add color, sweetness, and a little tang to mixed greens. This salad requires very little prep—just slice the strawberries and cube an avocado if using—and the rest is a quick toss. Creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and a vibrant strawberry-balsamic dressing balance perfectly with tender baby greens.
Serve this salad alongside simple grilled dinners or top it with pan-seared chicken or butter-herb salmon to make it a main. The combination of berries, tangy cheese, and a slightly sweet dressing is a repeat-worthy favorite.
Why You Will Love This Mixed Green Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:
- Minimal prep. Only the strawberries (and optional avocado) need slicing—everything else is ready to toss.
- Fresh, simple ingredients. This salad highlights seasonal berries and easy pantry staples, so it’s fast to assemble any time of year.
- Bright strawberry-balsamic dressing. The blended berries in the dressing add a refreshing, fruity note that livens up the greens.
What Readers are Saying
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this salad for my girlfriends today and it was a huge hit, especially the strawberry balsamic dressing. I did add 2 Tbsp of Splenda because I wanted it sweet. I served it as a salad bar with greens and “mix-ins” and everyone had fun personalizing their salad. Thanks for a great recipe.” (Polly M.)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Served it to our volleyball team for dinner. Parents and teens loved it! I used raspberries instead of strawberries in the dressing and added 1/2 clove of garlic. It was pretty and delicious.” (May)
Ingredient Notes:
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Goat cheese works beautifully here, but feta or blue cheese are tasty alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- If you like more greens than fruit, increase the spring mix—this recipe is flexible depending on how berry-forward you want it.
- Use your favorite leafy greens: spring mix, arugula, baby spinach, or a blend all work well.
- Toast the pecans briefly for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
- Swap in sliced almonds, walnuts, or pistachios if you prefer another nut.
- Thawed frozen strawberries can be used in the dressing if fresh aren’t available.
- If the dressing tastes too tart, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance it.
How to make this recipe:
- Combine the dressing ingredients—strawberries, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ground mustard, cracked pepper, and salt—in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of water or extra olive oil if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Place the salad ingredients (baby spring mix, blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries, cubed avocado, pecans, and goat cheese) in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad to taste, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Make it a meal by topping the salad with pan-seared chicken, steak, or salmon.
- Dress the salad just before serving if preparing ahead. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed so the greens don’t become soggy.
- Other great add-ins: homemade or store-bought croutons, chopped bacon, sliced almonds, golden raisins, quinoa, or thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite.
Try these other berry recipes:
- Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Pretzel Crusted Chicken
- Blueberry Lemon Mug Cake
- Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bars
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Strawberry Muffins with Crumble Topping
- Strawberry Summer Quinoa Salad
Mixed Green Salad with Berries
Ingredients
For Salad
- 10 oz. baby spring mix
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup goat cheese
For the Dressing
- 7–8 strawberries
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp cracked pepper
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine all salad ingredients.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, blend the dressing ingredients until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or a bit more olive oil.
- Dress the salad to taste, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a main-dish salad, top with cooked chicken, steak, or salmon.
- Dress the salad just before serving if you prepare it ahead of time. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
- Extra add-ins: croutons, chopped bacon, sliced almonds, golden raisins, quinoa, or thinly sliced red onion.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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