My family has a deep abiding love of fruit salads. We usually include berries in a fruit salad but today I decided on a salad devoted exclusively to berries. A simple Summer Berry Salad is a delicious mixture of berries dressed with a minty honey lime dressing. Serve it as a side or an afternoon pick-me-up.
I added just enough mint to freshen up the flavor but not so much that it overpowers the flavor of the fruit. When it comes to fresh mint, more isn’t better. It’s not that I don’t like mint flavor. Heaven knows, I can tear up peppermint candies. But when mint is added as a background flavor and an ingredient in dishes but not the main focus, I want it to stay soft.
A high-falutin way to describe this salad is “visually appealing”. I would rather describe it as gaw-jus. The colors are bright, cheerful and fresh.
For a patriotic theme, serve it over vanilla ice cream or add a dollop of whipped cream to the top. Or, do both.
Mint grows in my garden. Honestly, I can’t tell you if it’s peppermint or spearmint. I love to crush the leaves and get a whiff of fresh mint aroma. The lack of identity hasn’t bothered me enough to look it up in any of my numerous plant identity resources. The most important thing is that I have it growing and it’s available to me during the summer. And it smells good. Real good.
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Summer Berry Salad
yield: 5 cups
A minty lime and honey dressing makes a good berry salad even better. I added just enough mint to brighten the flavors but not so much that it overpowers. Serve cold.
2 Persian limes, juiced
1/2 teaspoon zest from Persian limes
3 tablespoons honey, depending on sweetness of berries
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, minced
5 cups assorted berries, (I used strawberries, blueberries and blackberries)
Whisk together first 4 ingredients and set aside.
Wash fruit. If using strawberries, hull and slice.
Place fruit in a medium bowl. Pour dressing over berries and mix well.
Cover and store in refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.
Summer Berry Salad
Ingredients
- Summer Berry Salad
- yield: 5 cups
- A minty lime and honey dressing makes a good berry salad even better. I added just enough mint to brighten the flavors but not so much that it overpowers. Serve cold.
- 2 Persian limes juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon zest from Persian limes
- 3 tablespoons honey depending on sweetness of berries
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves minced
- 5 cups assorted berries (I used strawberries, blueberries and blackberries)
Instructions
- Whisk together first 4 ingredients and set aside.
- Wash fruit. If using strawberries, hull and slice.
- Place fruit in a medium bowl. Pour dressing over berries and mix well.
- Cover and store in refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.
camellia's cottage says
such a beautiful blog! we love berries too! yum
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Camellia!
Vicci | It's Cheat Day Everyday says
Looks so simple, yet delicious and refreshing! Love it!
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Vicci.
Kim @ Three Olives Branch says
Yum! I love berries, and the lime here is a great touch to pull it all together. Looks so good!
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Kim
Jagruti says
refreshing and yummy salad..love berries 🙂
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Jagruti.
Donna says
Is there anything better than fresh summer berries? We have been spending a small fortune at the farmers every weekend lately as theres just so many to choose from 🙂 This simple little fruit salad definitely is gorgeous, and makes me want a bowl right now with some yogurt for my breakfast!
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Donna. We love those summer berries, too. Fortunately, we grow blueberries and blackberries. That certainly helps!
Nicole says
Mint is one of my favorite fresh herbs to add to food – both savory & sweet! It adds a brightness you can’t get anywhere else 🙂 this looks so good! Can’t wait to try — pinning for later!
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Nicole. I hope you enjoy!
Holly says
Looks fabulous! Would love to serve at a party. How far in advance could you make this? Thanks!
Jackie Garvin says
Holly,
If you keep it good and cold, it will hold for a day. I wouldn’t make if a day in advance, just early the day of the party. Enjoy!