Fresh Berry-Mint Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing
Fresh Berry-Mint Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing is a bright, flavorful dish that I love to whip up during the warmer months. It’s one of those recipes that looks and tastes like it took a lot of effort, but really, it’s all about the simple, fresh ingredients coming together beautifully. Fresh Berry-Mint Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing combines juicy strawberries, crisp cucumber, and a hint of red onion, all coated in a zesty, homemade maple-Dijon dressing. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
Creating the Perfect Blend
The process of making Fresh Berry-Mint Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing is as easy as it is delightful. I start by whisking together freshly squeezed lime juice, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a touch of lime zest with some crushed red pepper flakes. The dressing is tangy and sweet with a hint of heat, which brings all the salad components together in harmony. When I toss the sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion with the dressing, I always make sure everything is coated evenly.
Chilling for the Best Flavor
After tossing the Fresh Berry-Mint Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing, I let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a refreshing and vibrant salad that’s perfect for brunch or a light summer meal. I love the way the dressing glistens on the fresh ingredients, making the salad look so inviting. It’s a simple trick to enhance the flavors and give the salad its ultimate freshness.
A Versatile Delight
Fresh Berry-Mint Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing is not just for special occasions—it’s perfect for any time you need a burst of freshness. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, or you can enjoy it as a stand-alone treat. I often add a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a bit of crunch, or swap in fresh basil for a different twist. No matter how you serve it, this salad is always a hit, and I love how versatile and easy it is to make.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Fresh Berry-Mint Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest strawberries and mint leaves you can find to maximize the flavor and visual appeal of the salad. If you need to store the salad, do so without the dressing to keep the ingredients crisp.
- Adjusting the Dressing: If the dressing is too tangy or too sweet, adjust by adding a bit more maple syrup or lime juice, respectively. Taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance for your preference.
- Customization Options: Feel free to swap out the cucumber for jicama if you prefer a slightly sweeter crunch. If you don’t like the heat from the red pepper flakes, you can omit them or reduce the quantity.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dressing and salad ingredients ahead of time, but combine them just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist. Each herb adds its own flavor, which can enhance the salad’s overall profile.
Fresh Berry-Mint Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing
Dive into this vibrant Fresh Berry-Mint Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing! Juicy berries, crisp cucumber, and tangy red onion come together in a symphony of flavors, all tied together with a zesty maple-Dijon dressing. Perfect for brunch or a light summer meal, this salad is as refreshing as it is delicious. Top it with fresh mint or basil for an extra burst of flavor. You won’t believe how easy it is to make and how quickly it will become a favorite!
4
servings15
minutes0
minutes94
kcal15
minutes30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Dressing
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Salad
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup thinly sliced cucumber (substitute for jicama)
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- Alternative Ingredients:
Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can replace maple syrup.
Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can be used.
Cucumber: Jicama or celery can be used if cucumber is not available.
Mint: Fresh basil or cilantro can be used as an alternative.
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lime zest, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined. Add 3 tablespoons of water to thin out the dressing if needed.
- Combine Ingredients – Add the sliced strawberries, cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh mint to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve – Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 94kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22.5g
- Protein: 1.6g
- Fat: 0.6g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 39mg
- Potassium: 220mg
- Fiber: 5.4g
- Sugar: 13.8g
- Vitamin A: 20IU
- Vitamin C: 90mg
- Calcium: 3mg
- Iron: 5mg
FAQs- Fresh Berry-Mint Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing
Can I use frozen strawberries for this salad?
Answer: It’s best to use fresh strawberries for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen strawberries, make sure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
How long can I store the salad in the refrigerator?
Answer: The salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more the fruit will release its juices, so it’s best to serve it sooner.
Can I substitute the maple syrup with something else?
Answer: Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup. Adjust the amount to taste as these sweeteners vary in sweetness compared to maple syrup.
Is there a way to make the salad more filling?
Answer: To make the salad more filling, consider adding protein-rich toppings like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or nuts. This will turn the salad into a more substantial meal.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of freshly squeezed lime juice?
Answer: While fresh lime juice is preferred for its bright flavor, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch. However, you may need to adjust the quantity to taste as bottled lime juice can be more acidic or less flavorful.
