Powell Family Cooking

  • Recipe Index
  • Summer Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Summer Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Summer Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
×
You are here: Home / Recipes / Salad

Kiwi Salad with Blackberries and Pecans

📋 Modified: May 11, 2025 Published: Apr 19, 2021 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · 💬 1 Comment

Be the friend who shares good food.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • SMS
Jump to Recipe

This Kiwi Salad with Blackberries and Pecans layers juicy kiwi, blackberries, crunchy snack cucumbers, creamy goat cheese, and sweet candied pecans — all tossed in a smooth and tangy white poppyseed dressing.

If you love fruit salads, be sure to check out our Summer Berry Spinach Salad and our Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad!

Kiwi salad with blackberries and pecans tossed with dressing in a wooden bowl.

Save This Recipe 💌

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!

Kiwi salad is a modern take on a classic fruit and nut salad, incorporating seasonal fruits like kiwi and blackberries with the creamy tang of goat cheese. It’s easy and perfect for warm-weather meals, quick lunches, or holiday brunches.

Jump to:
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Kiwi Salad Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • How to Make Kiwi Salad with Blackberries and Pecans
  • Expert Tips for Success
  • Storage
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Fruit Salad Recipes You'll Love ♥️
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Share Your Thoughts

Why We Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Flavorful: A bright blend of sweet, tangy, and savory elements.
  • Versatile: Great for family dinners, entertaining, or as a standalone meal.

Kiwi Salad Ingredients

A labeled image of everything needed to make kiwi salad with blackberries and pecans.
  • Spinach or spinach-arugula mix: We like using a mix of baby spinach and arugula for the perfect combo of tender and peppery. A container of pre-washed greens works great.
  • Kiwi: Choose ripe kiwis that give slightly when pressed. They should slice cleanly and taste bright without being sour. Have leftovers? Make a Tropical Fruit Platter!
  • Blackberries: Look for deep purple berries that are plump but not mushy. Rinse gently and dry well to avoid watering down the salad.
  • Snack cucumbers: These are mini and crisp, perfect for slicing into thin rounds. You can swap in Persian or English cucumbers if needed.
  • Candied pecans: Add sweet crunch and work well with goat cheese. We often make a quick skillet version at home.
  • Goat cheese: Crumbled goat cheese adds a tangy, creamy element that ties everything together.
  • Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives the salad a little bite. Soak it in cold water for 10 minutes if you want a milder flavor.
  • White poppyseed dressing: We use a mayo-based poppyseed dressing with apple cider vinegar, sugar, and minced onion. It's smooth, sweet, and just the right amount of tang.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Goat Cheese: Swap with crumbled feta if using a different dressing.
  • Candied Pecans: For a lower-sugar option, use plain toasted pecans or almonds.
  • Red Onion: Try pickled red onions or thinly sliced shallots for a more mellow bite.
  • Poppyseed Dressing: A honey-lime vinaigrette or lemon-Dijon dressing would also pair well.
  • Platter Style: Instead of tossing in a bowl, layer the salad ingredients on a wide platter for a composed, upscale look.

How to Make Kiwi Salad with Blackberries and Pecans

Kiwi and cucumber on a cutting board with a sharp knife.

Step One: Prepare the Produce

Wash and dry the spinach thoroughly. Peel and slice the kiwi into thin rounds. Rinse the blackberries and pat them dry. Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion (if using).

Pecans with sugar toasting in a skillet.

Step Two: Prepare the Candied Pecans

In a skillet over medium heat, combine pecans, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a splash of water.

Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and coats the pecans. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.

Poppyseed dressing being whisked in a bowl.

Step Three: Prepare the Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, poppyseeds, milk or cream (if using), and finely minced onion. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Tossed kiwi salad with poppyseed dressing.

Step Four: Assemble the Salad

Layer the spinach, kiwi slices, cucumber, blackberries, and onion. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and candied pecans on top.

Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss just before serving.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best flavor.
✔️ DO Toast the pecans for added depth of flavor.
❌ DO NOT Dress the salad too early; it can make the spinach wilt.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.

Recipe FAQs

Can you eat kiwi skin in a salad?

Yes, you can eat kiwi skin, but whether it works in a salad depends on texture preference. The skin is packed with fiber and nutrients, but it does have a fuzzy texture that some people find off-putting. If you want to include it, try using golden kiwis, which have thinner, smoother skin.

What dressing goes best with kiwi salad?

A creamy poppyseed dressing is one of the best choices for kiwi salad. Its sweet-tart flavor pairs well with the natural tang of kiwi, especially when combined with ingredients like goat cheese, blackberries, and candied pecans. Other popular options include honey lime dressing or a citrus vinaigrette.

Can I make kiwi salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make kiwi salad ahead of time with a few adjustments. Prep the fruit, cheese, and candied pecans separately and store each in airtight containers. Wash and dry your greens thoroughly, then store them in a paper towel-lined container to keep them crisp. Combine everything just before serving.

Kiwi salad with blackberries and pecans tossed with dressing in a wooden bowl.

More Fruit Salad Recipes You'll Love ♥️

  • Apple grape salad in elegant glass dessert bowls with toppings.
    Apple Grape Salad with Brown Sugar and Pecans (No Mayo)
  • Fresh fruit salad tossed in a glass bowl and ready to serve.
    Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
  • Melon salad with burrata pistachio and mint feature image close up dressed with toppings
    Cantaloupe Melon Salad with Burrata Cheese
  • Arugula Citrus Salad with Grapefruit and Avocado in a black bowl.
    Easy Grapefruit Avocado Salad

Did You Try This Recipe?

Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and comment below. Don't forget to share it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest. Thank you! 💛

📖 Recipe

Kiwi salad with blackberries and pecans tossed with dressing in a wooden bowl.

Kiwi Salad with Blackberries and Pecans

Jami Powell
This Kiwi Salad with Blackberries and Pecans layers juicy kiwi, blackberries, crunchy snack cucumbers, creamy goat cheese, and sweet candied pecans — all tossed in a smooth and tangy white poppyseed dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Lunch, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Salad bowl
  • Salad tongs
  • Colander
  • Oil and vinegar dispensers
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups spinach or spinach-arugula mix (6 to 7 ounces)
  • 2 large kiwis peeled and sliced
  • 2 snack cucumbers thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries rinsed and patted dry
  • ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion optional
  • ½ cup candied pecans or regular pecans (see instructions below)

Poppyseed Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon poppyseeds
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced white or yellow onion
  • Optional: Stir in a few teaspoons of cream or milk to thin the dressing.

Candied Pecans (Optional)

  • pecan halves
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon water

Instructions
 

  • Wash and dry the spinach or mix. Peel and slice the kiwi. Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion.
  • Optional Step: Add pecans, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of water to a nonstick skillet and stir constantly over medium heat until sugar is melted and pecans are glossy, about 3–4 minutes. Let cool before using.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, poppyseeds, and minced onion until smooth. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
  • Layer the spinach onto a large platter or into a wide bowl. Top with sliced kiwi, cucumbers, blackberries, and red onion (optional). Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and candied pecans over the top.
  • Drizzle with the poppyseed dressing right before serving, or serve it on the side. Enjoy immediately.

Save This Recipe 💌

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!

Video

Notes

Storage Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
Freeze This dish is not freezer-friendly.
Reheat: No reheating is required.
Substitutions
  • Goat Cheese: Swap with crumbled feta if using a different dressing.
  • Candied Pecans: For a lower-sugar option, use plain toasted pecans or almonds.
  • Red Onion: Try pickled red onions or thinly sliced shallots for a more mellow bite.
  • Poppyseed Dressing: A honey-lime vinaigrette or lemon-Dijon dressing would also pair well.
Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.
Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 7gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 501mgFiber: 5gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 4794IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 131mgIron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

Other Related Recipes

  • Mediterranean smashed cucumber salad feature image close up in blue bowl.
    Mediterranean Smashed Cucumber Salad
  • Quinoa power bowl with chickpeas and avocado close up feature shot.
    Healthy Quinoa Power Bowl
  • coleslaw recipe for pulled pork feature image coleslaw in blue serving bowl
    The BEST Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork
  • fall salad recipe with kale, delicata squash, and maple dressing feature image close up
    Kale and Delicata Squash Salad with Maple Dressing

Be the friend who shares good food.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • SMS

Comments

  1. Jami Powell says

    May 11, 2025 at 2:16 am

    5 stars
    The perfect summer salad!

    Reply
5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Professional image of the Powell family sitting on a rock at the beach.

This is us. ♥️
We began this journey together in 2020, not really knowing which direction to take. Much has changed over the years, but we remain dedicated to this endeavor. We hope you continue to visit.

More about us →

Summer Recipes

  • An Italian white bean salad in a wooden salad bowl with garnish.
    Italian White Bean Salad with Parmesan Vinaigrette
  • Panzanella salad on a white platter topped with burrata cheese, basil, and seasoning.
    Burrata Panzanella Platter with Heirloom Tomatoes
  • Quinoa cucumber salad with chickpeas, feta, and herbs in a decorative wooden bowl.
    Quinoa Cucumber Salad with Chickpeas, Feta, and Herbs
  • Crunchy cucumber salad with garnish in a white bowl.
    Crunchy Cucumber Salad with Peanut Dressing
  • Pulled pork bbq with juices in white bowl with a large silver fork and cloth towel.
    Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork
  • Elote corn dip in molcajete bowl with garnish and chips.
    Creamy Elote Corn Dip (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
See more Summer →

Popular Recipes

  • A feature image of the scallop recipe with the linguine being twirled around a fork.
    Easy Bay Scallop Pasta Recipe (Lemon & Garlic Sauce)
  • Beef stroganoff without mushrooms feature image close up in skillet
    Creamy Beef Stroganoff without Mushrooms
  • garbanzo bean soup recipe with chorizo feature image close up
    Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup with Chorizo
  • Feature image of fried grouper cheeks on a wire rack.
    Grouper Cheeks Recipe (Fried to Perfection)!
  • Bacon and Green Beans on a plate.
    Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
  • Sartin's signature deep fried bbq blue crabs copycat recipe feature image close up of fried crabs on platter on back deck next to a glass of white wine
    Sartin’s Signature Deep Fried BBQ Blue Crabs: Copycat Recipe

Footer

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Mailing List

  • Subscribe

Contact

  • Email

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Powell Family Cooking, LLC

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.