Mixed Berry and Mint Salad
Mixed Berry and Mint Salad is a refreshing and delightful dish that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation. This salad combines a medley of fresh berries with the cool, aromatic notes of mint, creating a light and invigorating option for a snack or a side dish.
The natural sweetness of the berries is complemented by a light honey-lime dressing, making this salad a perfect choice for a healthy, seasonal treat. Whether served as a light appetizer or a palate-cleansing side, this salad is sure to impress with its simplicity and taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blackberries
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional, for extra zing)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Mixed Berry and Mint Salad:
Prepare the Berries
Wash all the berries thoroughly. Hull and halve the strawberries. Leave the blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries whole. Gently pat the berries dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Chop the Mint
Wash the fresh mint leaves and pat them dry. Chop the mint leaves finely. If you prefer a more intense mint flavor, you can use a bit more mint.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, and lime zest (if using). The honey provides a touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the berries, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine all the berries. Gently toss them to mix. Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the berries and toss gently to coat all the fruit with the dressing.
Add Mint
Sprinkle the chopped mint over the berry mixture. Toss lightly to distribute the mint throughout the salad.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish the salad with additional fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors of the salad.
Enjoy
Enjoy your Mixed Berry and Mint Salad as a refreshing snack, a light dessert, or a complement to a larger meal. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile makes it a versatile and delightful addition to any menu.
Chef’s Note:
Berry Selection:
Use ripe, fresh berries for the best flavor. If berries are not in season, you can use frozen berries, but thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the salad.
Mint Handling:
Fresh mint adds a lovely aromatic quality to the salad. If you prefer a milder mint flavor, reduce the amount of mint used. For a stronger flavor, add more mint leaves.
Dressing Adjustments:
Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing based on your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. For extra tang, increase the lime juice.
Serving Tip:
This salad is best served immediately to retain the freshness of the berries and the crispness of the mint. If preparing ahead of time, store the berries and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.
Nutritional Information
(Per 1 cup serving, based on 4 servings total):
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin C: 50% of Daily Value
- Vitamin A: 5% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% of Daily Value
- Iron: 4% of Daily Value
Mixed Berry and Mint Salad is a nutritious and delicious option, rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. The natural sweetness of the berries and the refreshing mint make it a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying treat. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and health benefits of this delightful salad, ideal for any occasion.