Mountain Berry Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh salad combining mixed greens with sweet mountain berries, crunchy toasted pecans, and a bright honey vinaigrette inspired by Colorado’s abundant natural produce. This American-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs mixed salad greens, fresh blueberries, fresh raspberries into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups mixed salad greens, 3/4 cup fresh blueberries, and 3/4 cup fresh raspberries.
  2. Step 2: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup roughly chopped pecans for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the honey vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese and the toasted pecans on top just before serving for a balance of creamy and crunchy textures.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mountain Berry Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mountain Berry Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mountain Berry Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mountain Berry Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mountain Berry Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Vinaigrette?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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