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Fresh Red White Blueberry Salad with Easy Poppy Seed Dressing

fresh red white blueberry salad - featured image
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A vibrant and refreshing summer salad featuring fresh strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and mozzarella or white grapes, tossed in a creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing with a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup blueberries, washed and dried
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls or fresh white grapes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup cottage cheese, blended smooth (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit (10 minutes): Rinse all berries and grapes under cold water. Pat dry gently with a kitchen towel. Hull the strawberries and slice them into halves or quarters, depending on size. Halve the grapes and leave the blueberries whole. If using mini mozzarella balls, drain them well.
  2. Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In your small bowl or jar, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Add the poppy seeds and a pinch of salt. If using cottage cheese, blend it smooth in a blender or food processor first, then stir it into the mixture. Whisk or shake vigorously until creamy and well mixed. The dressing should be thick but pourable. If it feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water or lemon juice to loosen.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients (3 minutes): In the large mixing bowl, gently toss the strawberries, blueberries, grapes, mozzarella (or white grapes), and chopped mint leaves. Be careful not to crush the berries—use a light hand to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant.
  4. Dress the Salad (2 minutes): Pour the poppy seed dressing over the fruit mixture. Gently fold everything together until the fruit is evenly coated but not saturated. The dressing should cling lightly, bringing out the best flavors without weighing down the berries.
  5. Chill and Serve (optional): You can serve this salad immediately, but it is best to let it chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes so the flavors meld and the dressing thickens slightly. Do not leave it too long or the berries might get soggy.

Notes

Use ripe, firm fruit to avoid mushiness. Don’t overdress the salad to keep the delicate fruit flavors balanced. Prepare just before serving for best freshness. Mint adds brightness but is optional. Blending cottage cheese smooth prevents graininess in the dressing. Chill mixing bowl and utensils beforehand to keep fruit fresh longer. Dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: fresh salad, berry salad, poppy seed dressing, summer salad, easy salad, healthy salad, fruit salad, picnic recipe, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/fresh-red-white-blueberry-salad-with-easy-poppy-seed-dressing-recipe/