Summer Berry Salad with Feta and Candied Pecans Recipe
This Summer Berry Salad with Feta and Candied Pecans is a refreshing and delicious dish perfect for warm weather. Sweet strawberries and blueberries combine beautifully with tangy feta cheese and crunchy homemade candied pecans, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It’s a perfect light lunch or side salad that balances sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Summer Berry Salad
- 10 oz spring salad mix
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (or blue cheese or goat cheese)
- 1 cup candied pecans
- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing or poppyseed dressing
Candied Pecans
- 1 cup pecans
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Candied Pecans: Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add pecans, brown sugar, butter, water, and a pinch of salt. Cook while stirring frequently until the brown sugar melts and turns syrupy. Continue stirring constantly for 4–5 minutes until the mixture bubbles and coats the pecans evenly. If syrup remains clumpy, add an additional tablespoon of water to help it melt. Once the pecans are thoroughly coated, transfer them to the parchment paper, spread into a single layer, and let them cool completely.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the spring salad mix into a large serving bowl or divide between four individual bowls. Top with fresh blueberries, quartered strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and the cooled candied pecans. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or poppyseed dressing.
Notes
- Nutritional information does not include the balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
- For variety, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor.
- Make sure candied pecans are fully cooled and separated before adding to salad to prevent sogginess.
