Refreshing Summer Berry Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Brighten your table with this vibrant Summer Berry Salad, featuring crisp romaine, vibrant spinach, and an array of succulent fruits including juicy mandarin oranges, fresh strawberries, luscious blueberries, and sweet pineapple. Topped with toasted pecans for crunch, this salad is enhanced by a creamy homemade poppyseed dressing that marries sweetness with tang. Perfect as a side dish for BBQs, picnics, or just a healthy lunch, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of summer flavors.
N/A
Servings
147
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stevia artificial sweetener
1 teaspoon (Optional, use two additional tablespoons sugar for sweetness.)
White sugar
1/4 cup (Granulated for blending into dressing.)
Apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup (For the dressing, or use white balsamic vinegar.)
Orange juice
1/8 cup (Freshly squeezed preferred, for a sweet citrus flavor.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (For flavor enhancement in dressing.)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (Adds tanginess to the dressing.)
Minced onion
1 teaspoon (For added flavor in dressing.)
Vegetable or canola oil
1 cup (For emulsifying dressing.)
Poppy seeds
1 tablespoon (For texture and flavor in dressing.)
Romaine lettuce
1 large head (Washed and chopped for the salad base.)
Spinach or spring mix
1 (6 ounce) bag (Washed, to be combined with other greens.)
Mandarin oranges
1 can (6 ounce) (Drained well before adding to salad.)
Strawberries
1/2 lb (Washed and sliced for topping.)
Blueberries
1 pint (Washed and patted dry before adding.)
Pineapple
1 cup (Sliced into chunks, then thinly sliced.)
Pecans
1 cup (Toasted and cut in half for crunch.)
Instructions
1
To prepare the poppyseed dressing, combine white sugar, stevia, apple cider vinegar (or white balsamic vinegar), orange juice, salt, Dijon mustard, and minced onion in a blender or food processor. Blend on high for about 20 seconds until well mixed.
2
With the blender running on high, slowly drizzle in the vegetable or canola oil, allowing it to emulsify with the other ingredients. Once thoroughly blended, remove from the blender and stir in the poppy seeds. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve. Remember to shake well before using.
3
For the salad, begin by washing and chopping the romaine lettuce and placing it as the base in a large bowl or platter.
4
Add the spring mix or spinach on top, ensuring you cover the greens evenly.
5
Evenly distribute the mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple chunks over the greens.
6
Sprinkle the toasted pecans on top for added crunch.
7
If using sliced chicken, add it as the final layer or garnish on the salad.
8
Drizzle about half of the poppyseed dressing over the top of the salad. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients without bruising the greens.
9
For individual plates, toss the greens with the dressing prior to plating. Serve topped with an assortment of fruits, nuts, and chicken on each plate. Enjoy immediately for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
12g
Carbs
1g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Summer Berry Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring romaine, spinach, and a variety of summer fruits like strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and mandarin oranges, topped with a homemade poppyseed dressing.
What ingredients are used in the homemade poppyseed dressing?
The dressing includes white sugar, stevia, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, salt, Dijon mustard, minced onion, vegetable or canola oil, and poppy seeds.
Can I substitute apple cider vinegar in the dressing?
Yes, you can use white balsamic vinegar as an alternative to apple cider vinegar.
What type of greens serve as the base for this salad?
The salad uses a combination of one large head of chopped romaine lettuce and one 6-ounce bag of spinach or spring mix.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 147 calories per serving.
Is there an artificial sweetener in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for one teaspoon of stevia, though you can substitute it with two additional tablespoons of sugar.
What fruits are included in the salad?
The recipe includes mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, and pineapple chunks.
How do I prepare the pecans for this salad?
The pecans should be toasted and cut in half to provide a crunchy texture.
How do I emulsify the poppyseed dressing?
While the blender is running on high, slowly drizzle in the vegetable or canola oil to allow it to emulsify with the other ingredients.
Can I add protein like chicken to this berry salad?
Yes, the instructions suggest adding sliced chicken as a final layer or garnish if desired.
What is the fat content of this salad?
This salad contains 13g of fat.
How much fiber is in the Refreshing Summer Berry Salad?
There is 1g of fiber per serving.
What type of mustard is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard to add tanginess.
How should I prepare the mandarin oranges?
You should use one 6-ounce can of mandarin oranges and ensure they are drained well before adding them to the salad.
Is fresh orange juice required for the dressing?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred to provide a sweet citrus flavor.
How long should I blend the initial dressing ingredients?
Blend the sugar, stevia, vinegar, juice, salt, mustard, and onion on high for about 20 seconds.
When should I add the poppy seeds to the dressing?
The poppy seeds should be stirred in by hand after the other ingredients have been thoroughly blended and emulsified with oil.
Should the dressing be refrigerated?
Yes, the dressing can be refrigerated until you are ready to serve, but remember to shake it well before using.
How much sugar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of granulated white sugar.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 12g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the recommended occasions for this salad?
It is perfect for BBQs, picnics, healthy lunches, or as a vibrant side dish.
How do I assemble the fruit layers?
Evenly distribute the mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple chunks over the greens.
How do I prevent the greens from bruising?
Toss the salad gently when combining the ingredients with the poppyseed dressing.
Is there onion in the salad dressing?
Yes, one teaspoon of minced onion is included for added flavor.
What is the protein content?
There is 1g of protein per serving.
Can I use frozen fruit?
The recipe specifies fresh strawberries and blueberries and canned mandarin oranges for the best texture and flavor.
What oil is recommended for the dressing?
Vegetable or canola oil is recommended for emulsifying the dressing.
How much poppy seed is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds.
Should I dress the whole salad at once?
For the freshest taste, you can drizzle half the dressing and toss, or for individual plates, toss the greens with dressing prior to plating.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include salad, strawberry salad, summer salad, poppyseed dressing, healthy, fruit salad, light meal, picnic, and bbq.