Name: Lemon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 oz. baby spinach; 5 oz. baby arugula; 2 cups fresh blueberries; 1 cup crumbled feta; 1 cup chopped toasted pecans; 3 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tsp lemon zest; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/3 cup whole plain Greek yogurt; 3 Tbsp honey; 2 tsp poppy seeds; 1/4 tsp salt

Nothing beats the fresh burst of flavors in the Lemon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. It’s a vibrant salad where tangy lemon and sweet blueberries meet creamy feta and crunchy pecans — definitely one of my go-to dishes for any time I want something light but truly satisfying.

A large white scalloped edge plate holds a fresh salad with three main layers: the first layer is a bed of dark green spinach and arugula leaves spread evenly, the second layer consists of scattered plump, dark blue blueberries and small pieces of white cheese, and the third layer is a sprinkle of small brown pecan pieces and lemon wedges placed on top for color. Two large wooden salad spoons rest on the plate, one on the left and one on the right side of the salad. The plate is placed on a blue and white striped cloth on a white marbled surface, with two bright yellow whole lemons and a small bowl of blueberries near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first discovered this Lemon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe during a summer potluck, and it instantly became a favorite. The way the tart lemon dressing dances with the sweetness of the blueberries and the saltiness of feta is pure magic. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up!

Simple but Sophisticated: It looks restaurant-worthy but takes under 15 minutes to prepare.
Perfect Balance: Sweet, tangy, salty, and crunchy all come together beautifully.
Versatile and Fresh: Works as a light lunch, side dish, or even a refreshing starter.
Impress Without Stress: Easy dressing with ingredients you likely already have, plus it’s customizable.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This salad’s charm is in its simplicity and the harmony of fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, so I always recommend using the freshest berries and good-quality feta for the best flavor. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need and my insider tips for picking them.

Flat lay of fresh baby spinach leaves, tender baby arugula sprigs, a small white bowl filled with plump fresh blueberries, a small white bowl with creamy crumbled feta cheese, a small white bowl holding chopped toasted pecans, a small white bowl containing bright fresh lemon juice, a few fresh lemon slices with zest, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a small white bowl of thick whole plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl of glossy honey, a small white bowl of tiny black poppy seeds, and a small white bowl of fine sea salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Baby spinach: Mild and tender greens that form a gentle, fresh base without overpowering the other flavors.
Baby arugula: Adds a peppery kick, balancing the sweetness of the blueberries and honey in the dressing.
Fresh blueberries: Choose plump, firm berries so they don’t become mushy in the salad.
Crumbled feta: This salty, creamy cheese contrasts perfectly with the sweet and tart elements; I prefer a block feta you crumble yourself for freshness.
Chopped toasted pecans: Toasting really amps up their nuttiness and crunch, making each bite more interesting.
Fresh lemon juice & zest: These brighten everything up in the dressing, giving it that unmistakable lemon pop.
Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds smoothness and richness to the dressing.
Plain whole Greek yogurt: It gives the dressing a creamy texture without being too heavy.
Honey: Balances tartness with a gentle sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing.
Poppy seeds: These tiny seeds add a fun crunch and a subtle nutty flavor in the dressing.
Salt: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors together.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

This salad is like a blank canvas for your personal taste. I often add diced avocado for extra creaminess or thinly sliced red onion for a little bite. You can also swap pecans for walnuts if that’s what you have. Play around and find what makes it special to you!

Avocado Addition: I love adding avocado when I want a silkier texture and a touch of richness.
Onion Slices: Thin red onions add a sharp contrast to the sweet blueberries and creamy feta.
Nut Variations: Toasted almonds or walnuts work well if pecans aren’t your thing or not available.
Dressing Tweaks: For a vegan version, swap Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and honey with maple syrup—it still tastes amazing!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

The image shows a clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface, filled with a pale yellow batter that has tiny black seeds sprinkled throughout. A metal whisk with a shiny handle dips into the batter, slightly lifting some of the mixture. To the left of the bowl, there is a white bowl filled with dark blue, plump blueberries. The batter's texture looks smooth but with small specks and bubbles throughout. The overall setting is bright with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk and Chill the Dressing

I start by whisking together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Greek yogurt, honey, poppy seeds, and salt in a small bowl. Then, I pop it into the freezer for 15 minutes—it chills quickly without freezing solid and thickens just enough to coat the salad perfectly. If you don’t chill it, the dressing can feel a bit loose on the greens.

Step 2: Layer the Salad Ingredients

I use a large salad bowl and layer baby spinach and arugula first, then sprinkle in fresh blueberries, crumbled feta, and toasted pecans. Each ingredient adds a different texture and flavor, so layering it helps keep the salad vibrant instead of soggy.

Step 3: Drizzle and Serve Immediately

Whisk the dressing once more before drizzling over the entire salad or over individual servings if you prefer. I like to serve it right away because the greens stay freshest and the dressing shines brightest on day one. This salad doesn't wait—once dressed, it’s best enjoyed immediately!

Top Tip

After making this salad countless times, I’ve learned a few hacks that make the whole process smoother and the flavors sing.

Toast Your Nuts: Don’t skip toasting pecans—you’ll notice a big difference in crunch and aroma.
Chill Your Dressing: Quick chilling keeps the yogurt from separating and makes the dressing creamy and stable.
Layer Greens First: Placing spinach and arugula at the bottom helps prevent sogginess by keeping berries and dressing from direct contact initially.
Serve Immediately: This salad is best fresh, so dress just before serving to keep it crisp.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra toasted pecans or a few whole blueberries on top for an inviting look. A quick zesting of lemon over the final salad adds freshness and a pop of color that always gets compliments.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light dinner. I also love serving it alongside crusty bread or warm quinoa for a wholesome lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this salad in individual glasses layered like parfaits. It’s a fresh centerpiece and makes each guest feel pampered. Alternatively, arranging it on a platter with a sprinkle of edible flowers is a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the salad undressed and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The dressing should be stored separately in a jar, but it tends to separate after a day, so I recommend making the dressing fresh whenever possible.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad or the dressing because fresh berries and greens don’t freeze well — the texture turns mushy and watery upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold and fresh, so reheating isn’t ideal. If you want to enjoy leftovers, just toss the ingredients gently with fresh greens to brighten it up, skipping the heating step altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen blueberries in this salad?

Frozen blueberries release extra water when thawed, which can make the salad watery and mushy. I recommend using fresh blueberries whenever possible for the best texture and flavor.

How long does the poppy seed dressing last?

The dressing is best served the same day it is made because it contains yogurt and tends to separate after 24 hours. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and give it a good whisk before serving if kept for a short time.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! To make a vegan version, replace the feta with a plant-based alternative or nuts for creaminess, and swap the Greek yogurt in the dressing with a dairy-free yogurt. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it fully vegan.

What can I add to make this salad more filling?

Adding diced avocado, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa can boost the salad’s protein and make it a complete meal without losing its fresh, light feel.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is one of those treasures I always come back to when I want something fresh, bright, and effortlessly elegant. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a quick way to elevate even the busiest day. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new favorite at your table too!