As the summer sun warms our hearts and the scent of barbecues fills the air, there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family for a Fourth of July celebration or a relaxed summer picnic. And what better way to add a burst of patriotic color to your spread than with this delightful Red, White, and Blue Berry Salad?
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 4 cups mixed lettuce leaves, washed and torn
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
For the Honey Lemon Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the berries: Gently wash all the berries and pat them dry with paper towels. Quarter the strawberries and set aside.
- Toast the walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the chopped walnuts until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them! Set aside to cool.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and honey until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The key is to achieve a balanced flavor – not too sweet, not too tangy.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, gently toss the mixed lettuce leaves with about half of the dressing. Add the strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, and lightly toss again.
- Add the finishing touches: Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts over the top of the salad.
- Serve: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side for guests to add as they please.
Presentation Tips
For a truly spectacular Fourth of July presentation, try arranging the salad in a large, clear glass bowl. Create layers with the lettuce at the bottom, then alternate rows of strawberries, blue cheese (for the white), and blueberries. Sprinkle raspberries and walnuts on top for added texture and color. This visual display will have your guests oohing and aahing before they even take a bite!
Serving Suggestions
This Red, White, and Blue Berry Salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian options at your summer gathering. The fresh, juicy berries provide a delightful contrast to smoky barbecue flavors, while the creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts add depth and texture.
For a refreshing drink pairing, try serving it with a chilled white sangria or a sparkling lemonade. The crisp, cool beverages will complement the bright flavors of the salad beautifully.
Don’t forget to share photos of your Red, White, and Blue Berry Salad creations on social media using #PatrioticBerryBliss. We’d love to see how you’ve made this recipe your own!
Happy Fourth of July, and may your summer be filled with delicious moments and cherished memories!
