Blueberry-Herb Lemonade Punch opens in a new tabThanks to my grandmother, I’m a berry lover from way back when. Every spring I remember how she loved to eat them on her cereal and in fruit salads like this Summer Berry Salad with Mint Sugar, opens in a new tab She put them in almost everything she baked, from her famous cobblers and muffins to her amazing berry crisp, which reminds me of our Easiest Berry Crisp opens in a new tab.
Berries top the chart when it comes to good nutrition and powerful antioxidants, not to mention how versatile they are! I recommend eating them fresh as much as possible while they are in season.
Strawberry Shortcakes with Maple Syrup and Frozen Yogurt opens in a new tabBerries can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. And did you know you can use them in savory recipes, as well as sweet? Here are some ideas:
Turn your favorite berries into salsa like this unique Strawberry Salsa opens in a new tab.
Berries liven up a leafy salad beautifully. Berry Goat Cheese Salad opens in a new tab and Spring Salad with Strawberries and Creamy Orange Avocado opens in a new tab dressing are perfect examples.
Make a sauce of berries for yogurt or ice cream, or for pound cake, pancakes and waffles. Try our Simple Blueberry Skillet Sauce opens in a new tab.
Berries can be blended into smoothies and juices, or enjoyed for dessert, parfait style.
Strawberry Lassi opens in a new tab is made with cardamom and honey. You can use any berry you like in this recipe.
Blueberry Muffin Smoothie opens in a new tab is really different and fun; it’s made in the blender with oatmeal.
Put sliced strawberries, blueberries and raspberries in a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade, like this Blueberry-Herb Lemonade Punch opens in a new tab.
Here’s a non-dairy Strawberry Smash Parfait opens in a new tab that would be equally good with an assortment of berries. Make your own parfait with a vanilla or lemon yogurt layered with fresh berries. Top with granola or a sprinkling of nuts.
Add them to fruit salads. I love berries with papaya, mango, bananas, peaches and nectarines. Have you tried this Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad opens in a new tab?
Have a bowl of plain berries with some dark chocolate shavings, a few chopped roasted nuts, and a small dollop of sour cream or crème fraiche.
This Summer Berry Pudding opens in a new tab is a traditional British preparation that transforms sandwich bread and bright summer berries into a simple, sliceable dessert.
Add fresh berries to hot or cold breakfast cereals, pancakes, waffles, quick breads and muffins.
Add berries to a whole grain salads made with couscous or whole wheat berries. Stir them into tabouli or brown rice salad along with plenty of chopped, colorful veggies.
Make peanut butter or almond butter and berry sandwiches, or try our Berry Waffle Breakfast Sandwich opens in a new tab.
Shortcake is famous with strawberries but don’t forget you can make it with any berry you like. Strawberry Shortcake with Maple Syrup and Frozen Yogurt opens in a new tab would be great with blueberries, blackberries or raspberries, too.
Add berries to homemade ice cream.
When shopping, choose firm, dry berries free of soft spots and mold. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator, but remember to eat them quickly; they’re best within a few days but can sometimes be stored for up to a week. Don’t wash them until you are ready to eat. Washing before storing makes them more susceptible to spoiling.
We’d all love to have a bounty of berry recipes, so please don’t be bashful. Let us know your favorites in the comments below.
