This Superfood Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing is your answer to effortless, vibrant nourishment on the busiest of days. Packed with nutrient-dense greens, a trio of juicy berries, and a luscious, tangy dressing, this salad is a textural and flavor-packed celebration that comes together in a mere 10 minutes. Whether you want to elevate your weekday lunch or bring something extraordinary to the table for dinner, this salad will have you feeling both satisfied and energized.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy & Fast: Ten minutes. That’s honestly all you need, and cleanup is a breeze since you just toss everything in a bowl!
- Bursts of Flavors and Textures: From sweet berries to creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and herby dressing, every bite is a mini adventure.
- Nutrient Powerhouse: This isn’t just salad—it’s a superfood salad. Packed with greens, kale, and seeds, it fuels your body and tastes truly delicious.
- Customizable for Any Occasion: Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or gorgeous potluck side. The flavors work year-round.
- No Special Skills Needed: If you can operate a blender and chop a few strawberries, you’re good to go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your favorite big bowl and these colorful, fresh ingredients!
For the Salad
- Super Greens Mix: This medley (baby spinach, arugula, Swiss chard, chicory, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts) delivers crunch, color, and a super boost of vitamins. Any store-bought mix or even just your favorite greens will work!
- Kale: Roughly chopped for an extra jolt of vitamins and texture.
- Strawberries: Diced for juicy sweetness; always pick the ripest you can find.
- Blackberries and Blueberries: Add more bursts of tart and sweet—plus unbeatable nutrition.
- Pistachios: Chopped for a savory crunch (don’t skip these unless you must—they truly transform every forkful).
- Pepitas: These pumpkin seeds introduce another layer of crunch and healthy fats.
- Blueberry Goat Cheese: Crumbled for its dreamy creaminess and playful, tangy bite. Any goat cheese works if you can’t find the blueberry variety.
For the Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Nonfat or regular, for a creamy tang that binds the dressing without heaviness.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: For brightness and a zesty, lip-smacking finish.
- Mustard: Adds a bit of warmth and depth.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Richness and that classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Fresh Mint, Parsley, and Oregano Leaves: These three combine for unbeatable freshness—the perfect complement to the sweet berries.
- Coarse Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Balances the flavors; season to your liking.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Vegan Option: Swap plain Greek yogurt for coconut or almond-based yogurt, and use a plant-based cheese or omit cheese.
- Different Greens: Use all spinach, only kale, or even a hearty romaine if that’s what’s in the fridge.
- Swap the Berries: Try raspberries, pomegranate seeds, or sliced grapes if one of the three classic berries isn’t available.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, steamed quinoa, or even roasted chickpeas would make this more filling for a main course.
- Nut-Free: Skip the pistachios and add more pepitas or sunflower seeds.
- Extra Herbs: Love basil or dill? Toss some in for new flavors.
How to Make the Superfood Berry Salad
Step 1: Make the Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing
Add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, mint, parsley, and oregano to a blender or food processor. Pulse until everything is smooth and creamy. Taste, then add salt and pepper until it’s absolutely perfect.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Pour the super greens mix and chopped kale into a big salad bowl. Scatter in the strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, pistachios, and pepitas. Give everything a gentle toss so every bite gets a little of everything.
Step 3: Add the Cheese & Dressing
Crumble the blueberry goat cheese (or whichever kind you have) over the top. Drizzle generously with your herby, lemony dressing. Toss again just before serving to coat every leaf and berry.
Note: It’s really that easy—no need to overthink or overdo!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Massage the Kale: If kale isn’t your favorite, try massaging it briefly with a drop of olive oil and pinch of salt before adding to the bowl—it makes it much softer and milder.
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest berries and herbs you can find, and don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go.
- Don’t Overdress: Start with half the dressing and add more to taste. Any leftovers make a fantastic dip or spread!
- Prep in Advance: Wash and chop your greens, berries, and nuts ahead of time, then just assemble and drizzle when ready to eat.
How to Serve
This salad is absolutely beautiful on its own, but here are a few simple pairings to elevate your meal:
- Main Dish: Add a grilled chicken breast, salmon fillet, or some chickpeas on top for the perfect complete meal.
- Side: Serve alongside grilled meats or as a fresh complement to hearty pasta dishes.
- Brunch: Set out with fresh bread, quiche, or grain bowls during a spring or summer brunch.
- Entertaining: Serve in a large platter to show off those colors—this is the salad that makes everyone pause and reach for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If dressed, it’s still delicious the next day, though the greens may wilt a bit.
Freezing
- Freezing isn’t recommended for salad greens or berries—the texture just doesn’t hold up.
Reheating
- This salad is meant to be enjoyed fresh and chilled, so there’s really no need for reheating.
Pro tip: Keep dressing and salad separate if prepping ahead for best texture!
FAQs
-
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Absolutely. The creamy lemon herb dressing can be made 2-3 days ahead and kept in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick shake before using.
-
What if I can’t find blueberry goat cheese?
No problem at all—regular goat cheese works beautifully. You can even add a spoonful of blueberry preserves or honey to mimic the sweetness.
-
Can I substitute the super greens mix with just one green?
Yes, you can use any mix of greens, or stick to one staple like baby spinach or kale. Mixing in even a little cabbage or sprouts gives extra texture.
-
How do I keep berries fresh for salad prep?
Leave your berries whole until just before assembling the salad. Rinse and gently pat dry right before tossing them in, which helps prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
Bringing this Superfood Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing to your table is the simplest way to add vibrant, feel-good food to your week, even when you’re short on time. Every bite is energizing, fresh, tangy, and utterly satisfying. It’s hard to believe something so good for you could be so easy and downright delicious—so don’t wait! Gather your greens and berries and jump in. There’s no wrong way to make this your new favorite salad.
PrintSuperfood Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3-4 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American, Healthy
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Superfood Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Dressing is a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish perfect for a healthy lunch or light main. Loaded with vibrant super greens, fresh berries, crunchy seeds, and tangy goat cheese, it’s tossed in a zesty, herby yogurt-based dressing for a burst of flavor and creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups super greens mix (baby spinach, baby arugula, red & green Swiss chard, chicory, green cabbage, and chopped Brussel sprouts)
- 1 cup kale, roughly chopped
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons pepitas
- Blueberry goat cheese, crumbled (or regular goat cheese, as needed)
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat recommended)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 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
- Coarse salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, mint, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and completely combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the super greens mix, kale, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, pistachios, and pepitas. Toss gently to mix.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing until all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Top and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with crumbled blueberry goat cheese (or regular goat cheese if preferred) and finish with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to substitute your favorite mix of super greens based on availability.
- Blueberry goat cheese adds extra flavor, but any goat cheese can be used.
- The salad is best served fresh for maximum crunch.
- Add grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of salad
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg