Summer's Best Berry Salad

Ripe Summer fruit all mixed together is a staple side dish for warm summer picnics, BBQ’s, and even dessert. I love the versatility of using different fruit combinations to switch up the flavors to utilize what fruits are ripe at any given time. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing add a luscious sophistication and compliment the sweet fruit with the slight tart of the vinegar. The herbs add a layer of freshness. I used all berries, but you can certainly add any fruit you have on hand.

Ingredients

2 cups Strawberries hulled and sliced in half
2 cups Blackberries
1 cup Raspberries
1 cup Blueberries
3 tbsp Raspberry Olive Oil
1 tbsp Champagne Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh Mint garnish
Fresh Basil garnish

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine all fruit. In a separate bowl, mix the Raspberry Olive Oil and Champagne Balsamic Vinegar to create a vinagrette. Pour the vinagrette over the fruit to evenly coat. Give it a taste, and if desired, add in more of either until desired to meet your flavor desire balance between sweet and tangy.

When ready to serve, add in the finely chopped basil and mint and mix to integrate.

As a dessert, make fresh champagne whipped cream (found here on our recent Raspberry Olive Oil Cake recipe) and drop a dollop on top!.