This month’s Special of the Month is Berry Mixed Greens Salad with Poppy Seed Balsamic Vinaigrette, which is a mouthful.  But so this salad.  I initially saw it on Tasty and decided to give it my spin.  Even though the berry season doesn’t peak until summer, I could not wait to make this salad. Don’t worry; I will be making this salad again this summer!  I would only make this salad with fresh fruit, but unsweetened frozen strawberries suit the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as one large, four small, or six side salads.  It also works great for people who meal prep.  

Use any salad greens you choose; however, I would avoid romaine or iceberg lettuce. I used spring mix and baby spinach. If this does not meet your protein needs, add grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin on the side directly to the salad. The fruit and balsamic vinegar in this recipe plays quite well with pork.  The cheese can be easily swapped out for feta or omitted.   I prefer almonds, but walnuts and pecans work just as well. It doesn’t matter if they are raw or roasted. The original recipe called for candied walnuts; however, candied pecans and almonds also work. I have to avoid sugar as much as possible.  I was pushing it with this recipe because of all the fruit.  Consequently, I used a sugar-free “honey” in the dressing and slightly fewer berries in the salad. 

Storage

This salad was stored in a plastic container in the refrigerator for three days. It was still crisp and delicious.  The apples were starting to turn; if that bothers you, feel free to buy pre-sliced package apples. Add the apple sliced right before serving.

I hope you enjoy this Berry Mixed Greens Salad with Poppy Seed Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe!