Blueberry and Strawberry Salad

by Kristen Espino on Apr 29, 2025 (updated Jan 21, 2026)

This simple Blueberry and Strawberry Salad is all about fresh ingredients and bold flavor. You’ve got sweet, juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts layered over a bed of peppery arugula. But what really pulls it together is the vinaigrette—a homemade strawberry balsamic dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little herby thanks to the fresh garden basil blended in.

Blueberry and strawberry salad with strawberry basil balsamic dressing, goat cheese, and candied walnuts.

Blueberry and Strawberry Salad is exactly the kind of meal I reach for when the weather starts warming up. It’s light, fresh, and takes almost no time to put together. You can serve it on its own for a quick lunch, or pair it with something simple like juicy grilled chicken, salmon, or even your favorite sandwich. It’s a versatile dish that works no matter what you’re craving.

If you’re a fan of fresh, flavorful salads like this one, be sure to check out some of my other favorite salad recipes Arugula Quinoa Salad, Crispy Prosciutto Salad with Apples and Feta, and Crispy Chickpea Cucumber Feta Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Arugula Salad with Berries

Vibrant flavors- The sweetness of the berries, the tangy goat cheese, and the crunch from the walnuts create a perfect balance of tastes and textures in every bite.
Easy to make- No complicated steps or long prep times. Just a few fresh ingredients, and you’re good to go.
Perfect for warm weather- Light, refreshing, and satisfying without feeling heavy, this salad is exactly what you want in the spring and summer months.
Great for using up extra berries- If you’ve got a bounty of fresh strawberries and blueberries, this is a delicious way to use them up before they go bad.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.

Fresh strawberries and blueberries- Use the freshest, in-season berries for the best flavor. Feel free to swap other fresh berries like raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of them for a fun twist.
Goat cheese- The creamy, tangy flavor of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet berries. If you’re not a fan, try crumbled feta or even fresh mozzarella pearls for a milder option.
Candied walnuts– These add a sweet crunch that balances out the tartness of the berries and dressing. If you’d rather keep it simple, toasted walnuts, pecans, or even sliced almonds are great substitutes.
Arugula- Adds a peppery bite that works well with the sweetness in the salad. You can also use baby spinach, spring mix, or a combination of greens.
Basil- Fresh basil adds a wonderful herby twist to the dressing and pairs perfectly with the strawberries and balsamic. If you don’t have any basil, you can omit it, the salad dressing will still taste fantastic!
Olive oil- A good extra virgin olive oil is ideal here since it makes up the base of the dressing. You can also use avocado oil.
Garlic- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Dijon mustard- This helps bind the oil and the vinegar together, creating a smoother, creamier dressing. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor.
Balsamic vinegar- Adds a rich, slightly sweet tang to the dressing. You could use white balsamic or apple cider vinegar if you’re looking for a lighter flavor.
Honey- Rounds out the acidity in the dressing with just a little sweetness. Maple syrup or agave can also work.

Strawberry basil balsamic dressing with candied walnuts, fresh strawberries, and blueberries.

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Make the dressing. First, add the strawberries, basil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to a food processor or blender. Blend until mostly combined, then, with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the dressing is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For an extra smooth texture, strain the dressing through a fine-mesh sieve.

Fresh basil, garlic, strawberries, dijon, honey, balsamic, salt and pepper.

Fresh basil, garlic, strawberries, dijon, honey, olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper.

STEP 2: Prepare the salad base. Place the arugula into a large salad bowl or arrange it on a serving platter. Spread it out evenly to make a nice bed for the toppings.

STEP 3: Add the toppings to the salad. Scatter the fresh strawberries and blueberries evenly over the arugula. Then, crumble the goat cheese over the top so you get a little bit of creamy flavor in every bite. Lastly, sprinkle the candied walnuts over the salad.

Strawberry basil balsamic dressing strained through a fine-mesh sieve.

Strained strawberry balsamic dressing with fresh basil.

STEP 4: Dress the salad and serve. Finally, drizzle the strawberry basil dressing over the salad just before serving. You can also keep the dressing on the side if you prefer. Give the salad a light toss, being careful not to smash the berries. Serve right away and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Use the freshest berries you can find. Fresh, ripe berries make all the difference in both the flavor and texture. Look for ones that are firm, brightly colored, and not mushy.
Don’t overdress the salad. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed. You want the greens lightly coated, not soggy.
Gently toss the salad. When combining everything, use a light hand so you don’t smash the berries or break apart the goat cheese too much.
Prep ahead but dress last. You can wash and prep all the ingredients a few hours a head of time, but wait to dress the salad until right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Customize to your liking. This salad is super flexible! Swap out the arugula, use different berries, or change up the nuts depending on what you have or what you love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?

You can, but homemade dressing always tastes better than store-bought. If you’re short on time, look for a good-quality balsamic vinaigrette and add some basil leaves and fresh strawberries to give it a similar flavor to the homemade version.

What’s the best way to wash and dry the berries without damaging them?

Gently rinse the berries under cold water right before you’re ready to use them. Lay them out on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry carefully. Avoid soaking them, they’ll get too soft.

How can I turn this salad into a full meal?

Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even slices of steak makes it hearty enough for a main course. It’s a great base for building a bigger meal.

What kind of goat cheese works best?

Soft, creamy goat cheese is the best choice for this salad because it crumbles easily over the berries and greens. Look for a fresh chèvre in the refrigerated section, usually sold in a small log shape. I use a plain variety to help balance the flavors, but if you want a little extra sweetness, honey goat cheese would be a great choice too.

How can I keep the salad looking pretty if I’m serving it for a party?

Assemble the greens, berries, and goat cheese ahead of time, but wait until the last minute to add the nuts and dressing. That way, everything stays fresh, colorful, and doesn’t get weighed down or soggy.

Flavor Variations

This berry salad is completely customizable depending on what you’re craving or what you have on hand. Here are some fun and delicious ways to switch it up.

Make a raspberry vinaigrette- Instead of strawberries, blend fresh raspberries into the balsamic dressing for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Change the vinegar- Use apple cider vinegar, champagne vinegar, or red wine vinegar in place of the balsamic if you want a lighter dressing.
Try different nuts- Pecans, almonds, pine nuts, or even pistachios would work well if you don’t have walnuts or just want to change the flavor.
Switch up the cheese- If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, crumbled feta, fresh mozzarella pearls, or even shaved parmesan would be delicious alternatives.

Storing

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, give it a good shake to re-combine the ingredients, as they may separate over time.

If you have leftover assembled Blueberry and Strawberry Salad, it’s best to consume it soon after serving, as the greens will start to wilt. To avoid wasting ingredients, store the components separately and toss them together with the dressing only when you’re ready to serve.

More Refreshing Salad Recipes

Arugula Steak Salad with Cornbread Croutons

Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Thai Chicken Noodle Salad

Quinoa Roasted Vegetable Salad

Did You Make This Recipe

After trying out this recipe, I’d love to hear your feedback. Please consider leaving a comment below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and follow me on Pinterest for more mouthwatering recipes. Your support is greatly appreciated!