Mary Berry Green Salad Recipe

The Mary Berry Green Salad is a light, crisp, and beautifully balanced dish that celebrates freshness and simplicity. It’s perfect as a side for grilled meats, roasted dishes, or as a healthy lunch on its own. Combining vibrant greens with a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is quick to prepare yet full of flavour — a true reflection of Mary Berry’s elegant, effortless cooking style.

What Is Mary Berry’s Green Salad?

Mary Berry’s Green Salad is a refreshing combination of mixed leafy greens, herbs, and seasonal vegetables, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. The dressing — made with olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard — enhances the natural flavours of the greens without overpowering them.

Other Popular Mary Berry Salad Recipes

• Mary Berry Pasta Salad
• Mary Berry Potato Salad

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Healthy and refreshing – Packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Quick to prepare – Takes less than 15 minutes.
• Perfect for any meal – Pairs beautifully with mains or can stand alone.
• Simple ingredients – Everyday items with gourmet results.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare components in advance and assemble before serving.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Green Salad

• Mixed lettuce leaves – 100g (e.g., romaine, rocket, spinach, or watercress)
• Cucumber – ½, thinly sliced
• Green beans – 100g, trimmed and blanched
• Avocado – 1, sliced
• Spring onions – 2, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley – 1 tbsp, chopped
• Fresh dill – 1 tbsp, chopped
• Olive oil – 3 tbsp
• Lemon juice – 1½ tbsp
• Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
• Honey – 1 tsp
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste

(Optional additions: peas, broccoli florets, or toasted nuts for texture.)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large salad bowl
• Whisk or small jar (for dressing)
• Chopping board and sharp knife
• Salad tongs

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Green Salad

Step 1: Prepare the greens

Rinse and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly. Tear any large leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Cook the green beans

Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil, add the green beans, and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to preserve their colour and crunch.

Step 3: Make the dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine the salad

Add the cucumber, avocado, spring onions, parsley, and dill to the salad bowl with the greens. Pour over the dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve fresh

Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon before serving.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Soggy greens – Dried them completely using a salad spinner.
• Overpowering dressing – Used less mustard and more honey to balance acidity.
• Flavour too plain – Added a sprinkle of sea salt just before serving.
• Avocado browning – Tossed it with lemon juice before adding.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Green Salad

• Skip the honey and add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• Use extra virgin olive oil for more antioxidants.
• Add microgreens or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Replace mustard with fresh herbs for a milder dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Green Salad

• Lettuce mix – Use kale, spinach, or arugula.
• Green beans – Replace with peas or asparagus tips.
• Avocado – Substitute with grilled courgette slices.
• Lemon juice – Swap for lime or white wine vinegar.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Green Salad

• Grilled salmon – Light and protein-rich pairing.
• Roast chicken – Classic British combination.
• Pasta dishes – Balances heavier meals.
• Quiche – Great for brunch or lunch spreads.
• BBQ meats – Adds freshness to smoky flavours.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Green Salad

• Dry greens well – Dressing sticks better to dry leaves.
• Add dressing just before serving – Keeps salad crisp.
• Use ripe avocado – Creamy texture complements the greens.
• Blanch vegetables briefly – Preserves crunch and colour.
• Taste the dressing first – Adjust acidity to your preference.
• Serve chilled – Enhances freshness and texture.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Green Salad

• Add cheese – Feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan shavings.
• Include nuts or seeds – Toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Add fruit – Sliced pear, apple, or grapes for a sweet touch.
• Turn it into a meal – Top with grilled chicken or prawns.
• Add grains – Toss in quinoa or couscous for a hearty twist.
• Make it festive – Add pomegranate seeds for colour.

Storing Mary Berry Green Salad the Right Way

• Refrigerate – Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep dressing separate – Add only when ready to serve.
• Revive wilted greens – Soak briefly in cold water, then dry thoroughly.
• Avoid freezing – The greens lose texture when thawed.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Green Salad (If Needed)

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Do not reheat, as the greens may wilt and lose freshness. If serving with warm toppings, add them just before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugars: 5g
• Fat: 14g
• Fibre: 4g

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FAQs

How do I keep greens fresh and crisp for Mary Berry’s green salad?

Wash and dry the greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Moisture causes wilting, so ensure they’re completely dry before adding dressing. Store the greens in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Can I prepare Mary Berry’s green salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead of time. Keep them separate until just before serving. Toss the salad with dressing right before serving to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.

What dressing is best for Mary Berry’s green salad?

A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey works best. It adds brightness without overpowering the greens and complements the natural flavours of herbs and vegetables beautifully.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add protein-rich ingredients such as grilled chicken, boiled eggs, or chickpeas. You can also include avocado, quinoa, or feta cheese to make it a complete, nutritious meal while keeping it light and balanced.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Green Salad is everything a great salad should be — crisp, colourful, and full of flavour. With its zesty dressing and fresh ingredients, it’s a simple yet elegant addition to any meal. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, this salad delivers freshness and balance in every bite, just as Mary Berry intended.