A vibrant medley of cherry tomatoes, fresh blueberries, radishes, cucumbers, and tender baby greens tossed in a creamy green goddess dressing – light, refreshing, and packed with colorful, seasonal flavor. This salad brings together the best of summer produce with a rich, herbaceous dressing that elevates every bite. Ideal for garden parties, picnics, or a wholesome weekday lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Summer Berry Garden Salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutritional benefits and fresh seasonal ingredients. The combination of fruits and vegetables delivers a sweet and tangy crunch in every bite, while the homemade green goddess dressing adds a creamy, herb-forward richness without being heavy. It’s perfect as a light main course or a vibrant side dish that will impress any guest. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to suit your preferences.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:
4 cups mixed baby greens (spinach, arugula, chard, radicchio)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (yellow & red)
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
4 radishes, thinly sliced
1/2 cucumber, sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Green Goddess Dressing:
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 avocado
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Water to thin, if needed

directions

1. In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Add a little water to thin if desired. Chill while preparing salad.
2. In a large bowl, gently toss baby greens, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, radishes, and cucumbers.
3. Drizzle with green goddess dressing and toss lightly to coat.
4. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Serve immediately, with extra dressing on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be added to make this a more filling meal.
• Try different berries: Swap blueberries for strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Use different greens: Romaine, butter lettuce, or kale can be used in place of baby greens.
• Make it vegan: Replace Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or plant-based yogurt.
• Add nuts: Toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch.

storage/reheating

This salad is best served fresh. However, if needed:

• Storage: Store undressed salad components in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate.
• Dressing storage: Store the green goddess dressing in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before using.
• Avoid reheating: This is a cold dish and not meant to be reheated.

FAQs

What is green goddess dressing made of?

Green goddess dressing typically includes a creamy base like yogurt or mayonnaise, blended with fresh herbs such as parsley and basil, garlic, lemon juice, and sometimes anchovies or avocado.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients and dressing separately ahead of time, but combine and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Not as written. However, you can easily make it vegan by using plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise in the dressing.

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Fresh berries are highly recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen berries can make the salad watery and mushy.

What can I substitute for avocado in the dressing?

If you don’t like avocado, you can omit it and slightly increase the yogurt or add a bit more olive oil for creaminess.

How long will the salad stay fresh after being dressed?

Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately. After about an hour, the greens will start to wilt.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as all ingredients used are free of gluten.

Can I use bottled dressing instead?

You can, but the homemade green goddess dressing enhances the salad’s flavor significantly. Store-bought versions may lack the same freshness.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or avocado slices for extra variety and texture.

Can this be a complete meal?

Yes, especially if you add a source of protein like grilled chicken or tofu, it makes for a balanced and filling meal.

Conclusion

This Summer Berry Garden Salad with Green Goddess Dressing captures the essence of the season in every bite. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and beautiful dish that’s easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying choice that brings color and vitality to any table.

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