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Berry Citrus Salad is perfect for a light lunch or side salad. Are you a sweet, fruity, or crunchy, savory green salad fan? I’m the sweet fruity salad person while Farmer Fred is the crunchy savory salad person.

This salad has some of both; the tricolor quinoa and toasted nuts tend toward savory. The citrus, berries and Berry Citrus Dressing give it that sweet and fruity flavor I love. When I make it, Farmer Fred has a small side plate, and I make a meal of it.

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Key Takeaways:

Balanced Flavors: The Berry Citrus Salad combines sweet and fruity notes from citrus and berries with savory, crunchy elements like quinoa and toasted nuts, appealing to diverse taste preferences.
Prep Ahead: Save time by preparing the Berry Citrus Salad Dressing and cooking quinoa the day before. Use colorful tricolor quinoa for added visual appeal.
Nutritional Boost: Oranges, rich in vitamin C, support collagen production, boost immunity, lower stress, and enhance brain and heart health.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh fruits like blackberries, blueberries, and citrus for optimal flavor and texture. Avoid frozen substitutes for the dressing.
Customizable Options: Substitute blackberries with strawberries or raspberries and quinoa with grains like brown rice, farro, or orzo if needed.
Assembly Made Easy: Layer fresh lettuce, quinoa, citrus slices, berries, toasted nuts, and basil ribbons. Drizzle with the pre-made dressing for a quick, healthy meal or side dish.

SIS Tip - Simple is Smart Tip

Make the Berry Citrus Salad Dressing and cook the quinoa the day before. Cook extra quinoa and serve it with dinner. Save the leftovers (make sure you cook enough) for this salad. Try the tricolor quinoa, red, black, and white for extra color and variety in your salad.

Nutrition Nugget for Oranges

The vitamin C in oranges has a powerful nutritional profile. Vitamin C is important in Collagen production, a substance that helps our skin stay smooth and free of wrinkles. It is also brain- and heart-healthy due to its antioxidant properties.

It lowers cortisol levels, helping us feel less stressed and anxious. It’s important in the production of white blood cells. These are the cells that help us fight infections. It may also help reduce gout attacks and improve cognitive functioning.

Ingredients for Berry Citrus Salad Dressing

Fresh Blackberries: substitute strawberries or rasperries for the blackberries or blueberries if you can’t find them fresh. Don’t use frozen.
Fresh Blueberries
Fresh squeezed lime juice and lime zest:
Orange juice: Fresh squeezed is best if you have it.
Dijon mustard can be substituted with spicy mustard but not yellow mustard.
Maple syrup use real maple syrup not the imitation flavored syrup.

Ingredients for the Salad

Spring mix or any lettuce from the garden. Bib lettuce, butter lettuce, red ruffled lettuce whatever is ready for you to pick.
Fresh Blueberries are easy to find in the market during the summer months.
Fresh Blackberries These can be tart if they aren’t ripe. Look for berries that don’t have any red drupelets on them. Those red sections pack some serious pucker power.
Citrus Slices: grapefruit and oranges
Toasted Pecans or toasted walnuts
Quinoa: Go for the colored quinoa if you can find it.
Basil Ribbons are used as a garnish but if you love their flavor add extra.

Make the Berry Citrus Salad Dressing:

Add all of the ingredients to the jar of a blender
Blend until smooth, and the blackberry seeds are chopped into tiny pieces.
Pour into a cruet and close with a stopper. Set aside in the fridge while you make the salad.

Make the Berry Citrus Salad

Precook the quinoa. Here is the recipe for perfectly cooked quinoa. Use brown rice, faro, orzo if you don’t have quinoa.
Make the salad dressing by adding all the ingredients to a blender jar and blending until smooth. Pour into a cruet or jar with a lid. Set aside
Add 2 cups of the lettuce to a plate.
Add 1/2 cup of quinoa to the center of the plate.
Arrange the Citrus and Berries on top of the lettuce.
Garnish with the toasted nuts and basil ribbons.
Drizzle the salad dressing and serve immediately.

FAQ for Berry Citrus Salad

How do you store salad dressing?

One of the best ways to store salad dressing is by using airtight containers. These containers help to keep the dressing fresh and prevent any spills or leaks. You can also opt for glass jars with tight-fitting lids, as they are easy to clean and maintain. It’s important to store your dressing in the refrigerator to maintain its quality and prevent it from spoiling. By keeping your salad dressing properly stored, you can enjoy delicious and flavorful salads anytime you want.

What are the safety practices in storing salad and dressing?

It is important to prioritize safety. Ensuring that your salad and dressing remain fresh and free from any potential contaminants is crucial for maintaining good health. One of the key safety practices is to store your salad and dressing separately. This prevents any cross-contamination and minimizes the risk of bacterial growth. Additionally, it is advisable to refrigerate your salad and dressing at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps to preserve their quality and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria.

What is the best way to store fresh fruit salad?

One of the best ways to store fruit salad is by placing it in an airtight container. This will help to prevent any moisture from seeping in and causing the fruit to become soggy. Additionally, you can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the salad before storing it. The acidity of the lemon juice will help to prevent oxidation and keep the fruit looking vibrant and fresh. Lastly, it’s important to store the fruit salad in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

How long can you store homemade salad dressing?

They can be stored for quite a long time, allowing you to enjoy them whenever you want. Typically, homemade salad dressings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This means you can prepare a big batch and have it ready for multiple meals throughout the week. It’s important to note that the storage time may vary depending on the ingredients used in the dressing. So, always make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before using it.

How long does berry salad last?

Typically, berry salad can last in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. However, to ensure its freshness and taste, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent any air exposure that could lead to spoilage. Try to consume it within the first couple of days for maximum flavor and texture. If you notice any signs of mold or an off smell, it’s best to discard it immediately.

How do you store berries so they don’t go bad?

There are a few simple tricks for storing them so they don’t go bad. Sort through your berries and discard any that are bruised or moldy. Place the berries in a container lined with paper towels to absorb any moisture. Store the container in the refrigerator to keep the berries fresh for several days. Wash them in cool water just before you serve them, and gently dry them with a paper towel.

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