Kiwi Salad with Blackberries and Pecans

5 from 3 votes

Kiwi Salad with Blackberries and Pecans

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.

Prep Time15

Cook Time5

Total Time20

Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 360kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

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.

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