Fresh kiwi and three types of berries on a bed of mixed greens, topped with creamy Gouda cheese, sweet honey butter croutons, and honey poppy seed dressing. The best of summer, on a plate!
You guys, I had THE coolest experience yesterday. I got to attend an event at the Taste of Home headquarters, which just happens to be here in Milwaukee. They were celebrating the unveiling of their new and improved Simple & Delicious magazine, and I was somehow lucky enough to be part of it! In addition to meeting the editor-in-chief and the creative director and the lead food stylist for Taste of Home, I met so many other people who work with them in different ways. It was amazing to see all that goes into the production of a magazine…..especially a magazine that’s all about delicious FOOD!
The event started with a cocktail reception, followed by some introductions, some taste testing, a recipe demonstration, and behind-the-scenes tours. It was all amazing, but at the end of the day, my favorite part by FAR was the tour! I got to see the test kitchen, the tasting room, the styling room, the prop room, and the gorgeous photo set-up. And let me tell you – by the end of it, my head was spinning and my eyes were green with envy!!!
Obviously I know that Taste of Home is a magazine….and I’m a blogger….and there’s a big difference. But if I could have just a fraction of their gorgeous props or table linens (which are all organized by color in drawers, by the way) I would be one happy camper! And don’t even get me started on the photography space……
But. At the end of the day, it’s really all about the food, isn’t it? Making and sharing delicious food that people will love. Like this Kiwi Berry Salad. It’s loaded with fresh berries, sliced kiwi, and creamy Kerrygold Gouda cheese, then topped with homemade honey-butter croutons and creamy honey poppy seed dressing. It’s like summer on a plate…..simple & delicious…..and definitely a taste of home!
Kiwi Berry Salad
Ingredients
- 2 c. mixed greens
- 1/4 c. fresh raspberries
- 1/4 c. fresh blackberries
- 1/4 c. fresh sliced strawberries
- 3 slices Kerrygold Gouda cheese cut diagonally
- For the croutons:
- 1 c. cubed bread I used a baguette
- 2 Tbsp. melted butter
- 2 tsp. honey
- For the dressing:
- ⅓ c. mayo
- 1 Tbsp. + ½ tsp. white wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- ½ tsp. poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare croutons by combining melted butter and honey in a medium bowl.
- Add cubed bread and toss to coat.
- Bake on a rimmed baking sheet at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
- Prepare dressing by combining all ingredients in a small jar and shaking vigorously.
- Assemble salad by topping mixed greens with berries and cheese; top with croutons and dressing.
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I bet that was such a wonderful experience! How fun! Love this healthy summer salad!
Cathy Trochelman says
It really was! Although, I have to admit, slightly intimidating! 🙂
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
What a fun experience!!! 🙂 You’re killing me with your salads – I want to eat them all! Seriously, I could live on them! This looks especially tasty – can’t wait to give it a go! 🙂
Cathy Trochelman says
Thanks so much, Jamie! I am such a salad lover…..if my family were okay with it, we WOULD live on them! 😉
Heather (Delicious Not Gorgeous) says
i’ve been looking for other ways besides popping them into my mouth to use all the great berries available right now. will have to try this as a good way to get back into healthier eating habits after vacation last week!
Cathy Trochelman says
I love popping them in my mouth, too….but I agree that sometimes it’s fun to mix it up a bit! Hope you enjoy the salad if you decide to try it! 🙂
Amy @Very Culinary says
Absolutely gorgeous!
Cathy Trochelman says
Thanks, Amy! I always love photographing berries because they’re so darn photogenic!! 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
This salad is incredible Cathy! I happen to adore kiwis…and berries..and cheese. I think you have me convinced 🙂 Pinning!
Cathy Trochelman says
Haha – thanks, Trish! Me too. I feel like you can’t go wrong with fruit (or cheese!) on a salad 🙂
marcie says
This salad is beautiful, Cathy, and I love the mix of sweet and savory going on. My favorite! 🙂
Rachael says
This salad is GORGEOUS!! I love berry salads!
Michelle @ Blackberry Babe says
Yum yum yum! My Mom has been looking for a good poppyseed salad dressing. Sharing this with her.
Ginny McMeans says
Oh my gosh! That looks so gorgeous and fresh and delicious!
Kate @ Diethood says
It’s salads like this that make me want to live on fruit, and fruit only!! Very, very pretty and flavorful!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
What! Ho cool is that and totally didn’t know that they are based out of Milkwaukee.. woot woot for my home town! Congrats girl, sounds like such a cool experience! Totally loving this salad and all the fresh fruit you used! Delicious!
Ellie says
Hey Krista – If you ever find yourself back in the Cream City, come visit us! I’d be happy to show you around. My email is ellie (dot) martincliffe (at) rd (dot) com.
Courtney @ NeighborFood says
This is a seriously lovely salad and I am just DYING over those honey butter croutons!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
What an experience you had!! I would die to go to Taste of Home Headquarters! And this salad? Is it real life? Honey butter croutons?! Just about died as I would eat them all before even making it to the salad!
Ellie says
Hey, Meg! Next time you’re in Milwaukee, let me know! I’d be happy to arrange one of the fabulous tours for you 🙂 My email is ellie (dot) martincliffe (at) rd (dot) com.
Deb@+Cooking+on+the+Front+Burner says
Sounds like you had a great time! How fun and this salad is calling my name!
Nutmeg Nanny says
What a simple and totally delicious looking summer salad! That poppyseed dressing on top totally takes it over the top. I want!
Ellie says
Hey Cathy! It was so fun to meet you at our Simple & Delicious launch party. Stop in anytime!
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling says
It was awesome meeting you too, Ellie! Thank you SO much for having me…..what a fantastic experience it was!