If you’re looking for a gorgeous salad that tastes just as good as it looks, this Layered Salad with Berries is your new warm-weather favorite. Packed with juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, crunchy pecans, creamy blue cheese, and crisp romaine, it’s a showstopper that’s perfect for brunches, BBQs, or any summer gathering. Served in a clear trifle bowl, the colorful layers are as impressive as the flavor.

Layered Salad with Berries

This recipe is ideal when you want something fresh and a little fancy but still easy to pull together. The flavors are bold, sweet, and savory — and the homemade buttermilk dressing is creamy with just a hint of tang. If you love this salad, you might also enjoy my [chopped salad with fruit and feta], [creamy grape salad], or [make-ahead layered salad with bacon and peas]. They’re all simple, crowd-friendly, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to make your dinner table a little more special, this berry-loaded layered salad is a great choice. It’s easy to make ahead, and it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable — you can even swap the dressing or cheese to suit your crew.

What You Will Love About This Recipe

Eye-catching presentation in a trifle bowl or glass dish

Combines sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite

Great for summer parties, brunches, or potlucks

Easy to make ahead — just add the dressing before serving

Naturally gluten free and easy to adapt for different diets

How to make Layered Salad with Berries

In a trifle bowl, layer half of the salad in the order of the ingredients listed, pressing down to fit all of the ingredients in the bowl. Repeat to create a second layer.

In a mixing bowl or mason jar, stir together the salad dressing.

Pour the dressing over the salad before tossing or serve on the side.

Tips & Tricks

Use a clear bowl to show off those gorgeous layers — a trifle bowl works best
Press down gently after each layer so everything fits and stays neat
Toast the pecans for a richer flavor and extra crunch
Use fresh berries — frozen ones will release too much moisture
Keep dressing on the side if serving later to keep the lettuce crisp
Swap the blue cheese for feta or goat cheese if you prefer a milder taste

FAQs

Absolutely! Blackberries or raspberries are great substitutes or additions. Just make sure they’re fresh and firm.

You can assemble the salad (without dressing) up to 6 hours ahead. Add the dressing just before serving.

Walnuts, almonds, or even candied nuts all work well in this salad.

Not at all — any clear glass bowl or even individual mason jars work well and still look beautiful.

Layered Salad with Berries

This Layered Salad with Berries is so simple to make as it combines lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, blue cheese, onions, and toasted pecans that is then topped with the most amazing dressing. This will soon become your go-to salad for every occasion.

Ingredients

3 stalks of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into pieces
1 to 2 pounds strawberries, washed and sliced
18 ounces blueberries
1 to 1 ½ cups toasted pecans
½ cup sliced red onion
5 ounces crumbled blue cheese
For the dressing:
3 tablespoons buttermilk
¾ to 1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 teaspoons white vinegar
¼ teaspoon low carb sweetener or sugar
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a trifle bowl, layer half of the salad in the order of the ingredients listed, pressing down to fit all of the ingredients in the bowl. Repeat to create a second layer.
In a mixing bowl or mason jar, stir together the salad dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad before tossing or serve on the side.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 435Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 423mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 6gSugar: 15gProtein: 8g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Layered Berry Salad with Blue Cheese and Pecans (Perfect for Summer!)