This Lemon Basil Berry Salad makes the perfect side dish for any meal! Fresh mixed berries with lemon basil simple syrup is simple, elegant, and delicious!
Anyone who knows me would tell you that my kids are little spitfires. They are smart and sassy and have opinions of their own….which is both entertaining and exhausting! They keep me on my toes with the things they say and do, and there are (many) times I swear their attitudes and understandings are wildly disproportionate to their age. But every now and then, something happens that reminds me they are just kids, after all….and can still be easily influenced (or manipulated) if need be!
We had one such experience just the other day, as we were finishing up dinner. It had been a day packed with treats, so I told the girls they could have fruit for dessert. To sweeten the pot, I said I’d add a little whipped cream on top – a sure winner. They eagerly agreed! We got out the cantaloupe and divided it into little bowls, and then started topping it with a squirt of whipped cream. And, wouldn’t you know, the whipped cream I had promised was nearly gone…there wasn’t even enough for a tiny little dollop in each bowl.
Now, you’d think since one of the girls is only two, this wouldn’t be a problem. Especially since she was still eating her dinner at the time! But she was all over it! The second she saw her plain old fruit, she complained! It was time for me to put on my quick-thinking mom hat….so I ran to the cupboard and found some sprinkles. And in my most convincing voice, I asked, “Nora…! Do you want SPRINKLES on top instead??”
We all paused, waiting for her to answer. Because this type of thing can go one of two ways! There is always a good chance her disproportionately large attitude will show itself, and all our good intentions will come crumbling to the ground. BUT. This time, it worked! “Yay!! Sprinkles!!!!” she said. And a couple shakes later, she was good to go. Crisis averted….at least for the time being.
It’s amazing what whipped cream or sprinkles can do for kids’ feelings about fruit. My kids always like it, but as a SNACK (fruit is NOT dessert!) This Lemon Basil Berry Salad is kind of the adult version of cantaloup with sprinkles. It sweetens the pot with the delicious flavors of lemon and basil….just enough to take fruit from a breakfast food to a mouthwatering treat! And you won’t even have to trick yourself into eating it!
Lemon Basil Berry Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 c. fresh strawberries
- 1/2 c. fresh raspberries
- 1/2 c. fresh blueberries
Lemon Basil Simple Syrup
- 1 c. water
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1 c. fresh basil leaves
- 1 lemon
Instructions
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Prepare simple syrup by bringing water and sugar to a boil; once boiling, remove from heat, stir in fresh basil leaves and juice of 1 lemon, and cool completely.
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Combine berries in a small bowl.
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Add 2 Tbsp. lemon basil syrup (or more to taste).
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Store simple syrup in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Remove basil leaves prior to storing.
Looking for more delicious berry recipes?
Jess says
This salad looks so wonderful and fresh for Summer! I can’t wait to try it!!! I agree too a whipped cream and sprinkles always does the trick and brings smiles throughout!!! 🙂
Amy | Club Narwhal says
What a cute story, Cathy! And it turns out my inner toddler says “yeay sprinkles!” quite a bit 🙂 This fruit salad looks so refreshing–love the basil!
Kimber says
I would have never thought to make berries like this, but really, pure genius Cathy! Thanks for the lovely recipe inspiration this morning!
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled says
Sounds like me when I was little, my mom ALWAYS put sprinkles on anything she could to make me happy & her happy that I ate something healthy! 😉 And this lemon basil berry salad would also make me happy, looks delicious! Pinned 🙂
Cheryl at Snaps of Ginger says
This looks amazing! So many of my favorites in one dish.
I hopped over from the Hit Me With Your Best Shot link up.
~Cheryl
http://snaps-of-ginger.blogspot.com/
Daine Roark says
Cathy,
These berries look and sound so yummy. I love berries and lemon. They can go in so many other dishes.
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
recipesforourdailybread
Carie Spence says
Perfect summer Salad. i seriously want this now though! Can’t wait to make it!!
cathy says
fresh, sweet and delicious! This looks so amazing! Pinned! And checking out from show stopper Saturday!
Cathy
Sarah@WholeAndHeavenlyOven says
Loved that story! LOL sprinkles always save the day. 😉 I love your blog and I LOVE this salad! The berries look so bright and juicy and so perfect for this time of year! pinned.
Crystelle says
Hi Cathy! Your salad looks so very delicious! It is featured on Crystelle Boutique. Thanks so much for linking it up to Wonderful Wednesday!!
🙂
hugs x, Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
Chloe says
Wow! Those berries look simply incredible! Will be trying this!
Chloe – A Latte Lipstick
Allison says
This berry salad was fresh and light. The combination of lemon and basil are a perfect pairing and tasted delicious over a homemade no-churn fresh lemon ice cream. Thank you for providing a recipe that brought the meal to a delicious close : )