Some salads just feel like summer in a bowl, and this triple berry salad with candied pecans is one of them. It’s colorful, fresh, and bursting with sweet and tangy flavor. Juicy strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries mingle with crisp greens, buttery candied pecans, and a light vinaigrette for a salad that’s as stunning as it is satisfying.
This isn’t your average side salad. It’s a showstopper. It’s the kind of salad that has people reaching for seconds, asking for the recipe, and actually craving salad. It brings together fruit, crunch, and greens in a way that’s refreshing but still feels like a treat.
What makes this salad stand out is balance. You get sweet and tart berries, crunchy toasted pecans coated in a thin caramelized shell, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together without overpowering the delicate fruit.
It’s ideal for potlucks, holidays, bridal showers, or just a simple lunch at home. It looks impressive on the table but comes together in under 30 minutes, with simple ingredients and zero stress.
The candied pecans are made in just minutes on the stovetop—no oven required. They bring warmth, depth, and a light crunch that elevates every bite. Pair them with creamy feta or goat cheese, and you have a salad that eats like a meal.
Mixed greens form a neutral, crisp base, letting the berries and pecans shine. Arugula or spinach work great too if you want more bite or a heartier texture.
The vinaigrette is a quick mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard—simple but perfectly matched with the berries and nuts. You can make it ahead and keep it chilled until serving.
This salad is endlessly adaptable. Add grilled chicken or salmon for protein. Use blackberries or sliced grapes in place of any of the berries. Or toss in quinoa to bulk it up.
It’s naturally gluten-free, nutrient-rich, and packed with antioxidants from all those berries. And it tastes as good as it looks. Each forkful delivers bright, fresh flavor and satisfying crunch.
If you’re hosting, this salad brings major visual appeal. The vibrant red, blue, and green color combo makes it an eye-catching centerpiece. It’s also easy to scale up or down depending on your guest list.
People love this salad because it feels special, but not fussy. It’s familiar ingredients with an elevated twist. Fresh, healthy, and completely craveable.
Whether you serve it at brunch, as a side dish for grilled meats, or make it your main with a little protein, it never disappoints.
And best of all? You’ll actually look forward to eating salad.
Servings: 4 servings
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for pecans)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup candied pecans (recipe below)
For the candied pecans:
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- Pinch of salt
For the vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- To make candied pecans: Combine pecans, brown sugar, water, and salt in a skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar melts and coats pecans, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk vinaigrette ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl or platter, add greens. Top with berries, cheese (if using), and cooled candied pecans.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.
Tips:
- Let pecans cool completely before adding to salad so they stay crisp.
- Use maple syrup in the vinaigrette for a deeper sweetness.
- For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or quinoa.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
It’s vibrant, fresh, and feels like summer in every bite. With sweet berries, crunchy pecans, and a simple vinaigrette, this salad is anything but boring.
A fresh and flavorful salad featuring strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and candied pecans over mixed greens with a light balsamic vinaigrette. The perfect blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy.
