As the sun shines brightly and the air turns warm, there’s a certain joy in making a vibrant salad that captures the essence of summer. I recently discovered the perfect way to showcase the season’s freshest produce—by creating a delightful blackberry salad with a creamy apricot poppy seed dressing. The sweet juiciness of ripe blackberries, mingling with the sun-kissed sweetness of apricots, elevates the dish into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this salad is an effortless centerpiece for your next backyard gathering or a simple side that transforms weeknight meals into something special. With grains, herbs, and a sprinkle of feta to tie it all together, it’s the kind of recipe that invites experimentation and creativity. Let’s dive into preparing this delicious blend of textures and tastes that feels just as delightful as a picnic under the blue sky!

Why is this Blackberry Salad so special?

Exceptional Freshness: This salad bursts with vibrant flavors from fresh blackberries and apricots, making every bite a juicy delight.
Creamy Dressing: The unique apricot poppy seed dressing adds a rich creaminess without any heavy creams, keeping it light and healthy.
Versatile Ingredients: Swap in your favorite greens or fruits, and even add proteins like grilled chicken for a heartier meal!
Quick to Prepare: Whip it up in no time, perfect for those busy summer days when you want something delicious yet hassle-free.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners, this salad is sure to impress your guests with its colorful presentation and fresh taste.

Blackberry Salad Ingredients

• Dive into the freshness of this Blackberry Salad with a medley of vibrant components.

For the Salad

Mixed Salad Greens – Adds volume and a crisp base; swap for spring mix or romaine for varied texture.
Mixed Soft Herbs – Choose from parsley, mint, dill, cilantro, or basil for aromatic depth; customize based on what’s available.
Blackberries – Bursting with natural sweetness; feel free to substitute with blueberries if desired.
Apricots – Offers juicy sweetness to balance the salad; peaches or nectarines also work well.
Cooked Corn – Adds crunch and subtle smoky flavor; canned or frozen corn is a great option if drained well.
Roasted Yellow Beets – Contributes earthiness and sweetness; pickled beets can provide a zesty alternative.
Feta Cheese – Brings a salty creaminess; try goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free twist.
Sliced Almonds – Introduces a satisfying crunch; walnuts or pecans make for excellent swaps.

For the Dressing

Ripe Apricots – Serves as the creamy base for the dressing; fresh apricots are best, but canned will suffice in a pinch.
Olive Oil – Adds richness; avocado oil makes for a lighter alternative.
Red Wine Vinegar – Provides necessary acidity; consider using apple cider vinegar as a suitable substitute.
Honey – Sweetens the dressing naturally; use maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
Kosher Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
Poppy Seeds – Provides a decorative touch and slight crunch; optional for a simplified dressing.

How to Make Blackberry Salad

Prepare Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens and your choice of soft herbs. Tossing them together will create a refreshing foundation for a delightful salad.
Add Ingredients: Gently toss in the blackberries, sliced apricots, cooked corn, roasted yellow beets, feta cheese, and sliced almonds. The colorful mix will create an appealing dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Make Dressing: In a food processor, blend the ripe apricots, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey until you achieve a smooth consistency. Season with kosher salt and pepper, then gently stir in poppy seeds for added texture.
Mix and Serve: Drizzle your creamy apricot poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal freshness of the flavors!

Optional: Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of additional feta for a lovely presentation.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Blackberry Salad components are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can cook the corn and roast the yellow beets up to 3 days in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, prepare the creamy apricot poppy seed dressing a day before serving; simply blend the ingredients, seal tightly, and shake well before using. When you’re ready to serve, combine the prepped salad greens, blackberries, apricots, feta, and almonds in a large bowl, drizzle on your dressing, and toss gently to create a refreshing summer dish that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!

Blackberry Salad Variations

Customize your salad with delightful twists that enhance both flavor and texture!

Dairy-Free: Omit feta cheese or substitute with vegan cheese for a refreshing, creamy alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for a heartier meal that transforms this dish into a satisfying main course.
Extra Crunch: Swap out sliced almonds for toasted sunflower seeds for an added crunch and nutty flavor—perfect for those nut-free guests!
Zesty Kick: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist that elevates the flavor profile.
Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with robust herbs like tarragon or chives, which can add a fresh, aromatic twist to your salad’s essence.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in juicy peaches or succulent nectarines alongside the blackberries for an explosion of sweet summer fruit flavors.
Citrus Burst: Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the top just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a zesty kick.
Crunchy Texture: Add crispy bacon bits or roasted chickpeas for a savory crunch that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the blackberries.

Feel free to combine these ideas for a truly unique and personal touch to your perfect blackberry salad!

What to Serve with Blackberry Salad?

Elevate your summer meals with perfect pairings that complement the vibrant flavors of this fresh dish.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy, tender chicken adds protein, making the salad a full meal while balancing its sweetness.
Crusty Bread: A rustic baguette or sourdough offers a satisfying crunch, perfect for scooping up the delightful salad.
Sparkling Water: Refreshing and bubbly, it cleanses the palate and enhances the salad’s fruity notes for a perfect warm-weather drink.
Charcuterie Board: An assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and olives makes for an elegant spread that pairs beautifully with the salad’s fresh flavors.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa provides a hearty contrast and incorporates complementary herbs from the salad, elevating the entire dining experience.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Tacos filled with lightly seasoned shrimp create a fantastic blend of textures and flavors, harmonizing with the freshness of your blackberry salad.
Berry Sorbet: A light, fruity dessert to end on a sweet note, mirroring the tartness of the blackberries and benefiting from its refreshing quality.
Peach Iced Tea: The sweet, fruity flavor of tea adds a delightful refreshment that complements the salad’s vibrant taste on a sunny afternoon.

Expert Tips for Blackberry Salad

Fresh Ingredients: Use the ripest blackberries and apricots for maximum flavor. Overripe fruits can diminish the freshness of the blackberry salad.
Balance Flavors: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by tasting as you go. If it’s too sweet, add a splash more vinegar to balance the flavors.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or basil, but avoid overwhelming the salad; too many herbs can clash with the blackberries.
Presentation Matters: For a stunning look, layer the ingredients rather than just mixing them. A beautiful presentation can elevate your blackberry salad for gatherings.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain texture and freshness. Store them in airtight containers for up to two days.

How to Store and Freeze Blackberry Salad

Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. If possible, store the salad and the apricot poppy seed dressing separately to maintain freshness.
Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving the blackberry salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially in warm weather, to ensure food safety.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the salad’s texture will degrade, particularly the fresh fruits, greens, and dressing. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience!
Reheating: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating. If you prefer warm ingredients like roasted beets or corn, prepare them beforehand and let them cool before mixing with the salad.

Blackberry Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe blackberries?
Absolutely! Look for blackberries that are plump, shiny, and deep black in color. Avoid any that have dark spots all over or feel mushy, as these may be overripe. Fresh blackberries should also have a slightly sweet aroma.

What’s the best way to store leftover blackberry salad?
Very! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to separate the salad ingredients from the dressing until you’re ready to eat. This helps maintain the crisp texture of the greens and the juiciness of the fruit.

Can I freeze the blackberry salad?
Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The fresh ingredients, especially the blackberries and greens, will lose their texture when thawed. Instead, enjoy it while it’s fresh, as the vibrant flavors are at their best!

How do I troubleshoot if my dressing is too thick?
If you find that your dressing is too thick, don’t worry! Start by adding a teaspoon of water or a splash of extra red wine vinegar. Blend again until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning afterward, as the additional liquid may dilute the flavors.

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Absolutely! This salad contains common allergens like nuts and dairy (feta cheese), so be cautious of guests with allergies. As for pets, it’s best not to share this salad with them, especially due to the feta cheese, which can be hard for many pets to digest. Always check with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about specific ingredients.