Berries and Hearts Salad Recipe
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with our delightful Berries and Hearts Salad —a vibrant, refreshing dish that beautifully fuses sweet and tangy flavors. This charming salad features a mix of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, artfully arranged with heart-shaped cucumber or radish slices for a playful touch. Tossed in a light honey-lime dressing, this salad not only looks stunning but also offers a burst of freshness that’s perfect for any romantic meal or festive gathering.
Ingredients
Before you start creating this enchanting salad, gather the following ingredients:
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly chopped ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon burgundy wine
- 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup sundried cranberries
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Salad:
- 1 heart of Romaine lettuce
- 1 heart of Bibb lettuce
- 1/2 head radicchio
- 3 artichoke hearts, quartered
- 8 thin slices of heart of palm (approximately 1/4 inch)
- 1/4 cup raspberries
- 4 strawberries, sliced lengthwise into heart shapes
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Begin by making the dressing, as it needs time for the flavors to meld. In a bowl, mix together:
- Shallots
- Ginger
- Salt
- Sugar
- Burgundy wine
- Raspberry vinegar
- Sundried cranberries
Let this mixture stand in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a rich, flavorful dressing.
After it has rested, gradually add the olive oil while whisking until well combined. Finally, season it with freshly ground black pepper to taste. This dressing provides a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, amplifying the salad’s flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
While the dressing is chilling, it’s time to prepare the salad components. Start by breaking up the Romaine and Bibb lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Please place them in a large bowl.
Next, cut the radicchio into bite-sized pieces and toss it with the lettuce. The radicchio adds a slight bitterness, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the berries.
In a separate bowl, combine the artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, raspberries, sliced strawberries, and chopped walnuts. The strawberries can be cut into heart shapes for a whimsical touch that complements the Valentine’s Day theme.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, then toss gently to combine. Ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients without breaking them apart.
Step 4: Serve
To serve, place a portion of the lettuce mix on a plate, then spoon the colorful salad mixture over it. Arrange the salad beautifully to showcase the vibrant colors and heart shapes. This not only adds visual appeal but also makes the dining experience more festive and enjoyable.
This Berries and Hearts Salad is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making it a healthy yet indulgent option that will impress your loved ones. Whether it is served as a starter or a side dish, it adds a touch of elegance to your Valentine’s Day celebration.
Final Touch
Enjoy your fresh and colorful salad as a refreshing way to express your affection. Each bite offers a wonderful mix of textures, flavors, and love. Happy Valentine’s Day!
