Blackberry Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus Poppyseed Dressing

Packed with juicy blackberries, tangy goat cheese and a fresh citrus poppyseed dressing, this blackberry goat cheese salad is an easy springtime salad that goes great with any meal.

Spring is definitely in the air and it’s full steam ahead into all the big colorful salads! Aka the essential centerpiece to any spring brunch or dinner.

This blackberry salad is heavy on the SIMPLE with only a few key flavors including big, juicy berries, toasty pecans, avocado chunks, lots of soft goat cheese, and an absolutely magical citrus dressing.

And we’re pulling this beauty together in only 20 minutes, folks.

This salad comes together in a snap but there’s also several ways you can prep it ahead of time! The citrus dressing stores well in refrigerator and all the other components only take moments to throw together.

This Blackberry Salad features…

• A mix of spring greens and fresh blackberries
• Tangy goat cheese, crisp pecans, and silky avocado
• A sweet citrus poppyseed dressing

Making the Blackberry Salad

(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)

Ingredients You Will Need

• Lime juice
• Orange juice
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Poppyseeds
• Olive oil
• Spring greens
• Avocados
• Blackberries
• Pecans
• Goat cheese

Tips for Perfect Blackberry Salad

1. Use fresh citrus in dressing – freshly-squeezed juice adds an unmatchable flavor to the dressing.
2. Toast pecans – toasting the pecans brings out their flavor and crunchy texture. Toss the pecans around in a nonstick pan over medium heat until fragrant.
3. Assemble salad just before serving – wait until just before serving to assemble the salad so all the ingredients stay fresh.

Recipe Variations

Try these ideas for a different twist on this salad.

• Use a different fruit – try strawberries, raspberries, or diced peaches in place of the blackberries.
• Swap out cheeses – try replacing the goat cheese with crumbled feta, shaved Parmesan, or sharp cheddar.
• Skip the nuts – omit the pecans or replace them with sliced almonds or walnuts.
• Use different greens – try arugula, chopped romaine, spinach, etc.

Make Ahead Instructions

Follow these instructions for time-saving make ahead tips.

• Make the dressing – the dressing stores well in refrigerator up to 1 week.
• Toast the nuts – toast the pecans, allow to cool, and store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.
• Assembly – toss the greens with all the ingredients and dressing and serve immediately.

It’s the citrus poppyseed dressing that really adds that special something to this salad! All the fresh citrus flavors shine through and compliment the juicy blackberries and soft goat cheese perfectly.

Hello, spring!

Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.

Try these other fruit-packed salads next!

• Prosciutto Strawberry Burrata Salad
• Hot Honey Peach Feta Salad
• Blueberry Honey Mustard Chicken Salad