Blackberry Honeydew Salad with Basil Recipe
Introduction
This Blackberry Honeydew Salad with Basil is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm days. The sweet and juicy honeydew pairs beautifully with tart blackberries and aromatic basil, all tied together with a light honey-lemon dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 medium honeydew melon, cubed
- 1 cup blackberries
- 4 large basil leaves, chiffonade cut
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp liquid honey (or maple syrup for vegan diet)
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the honeydew melon in half and remove the seeds. Cut the melon into strips, then slice the strips into bite-sized pieces, being careful not to cut all the way through the rind.
- Step 2: Remove the rind by running a knife between the edge of the rind and the base of the cuts you just made. Arrange the melon pieces on a platter along with the blackberries, then garnish with the chiffonade-cut basil leaves.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, liquid honey, poppy seeds (if using), and a pinch of sea salt.
- Step 4: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, and toss gently to combine.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan option, replace liquid honey with pure maple syrup.
- Add a handful of toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios for extra crunch.
- If basil isn’t available, fresh mint leaves also complement the fruit nicely.
- Serve chilled for an even more refreshing experience.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the fruit fresh, store the dressing separately and add just before serving. The fruits might release some juice, so avoid letting the salad sit too long after dressing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other melons for this salad?
Yes, cantaloupe or a mix of melons can work well, though honeydew offers a mild sweetness that complements the blackberries and basil best.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
It can be prepared in advance, but keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.
PrintBlackberry Honeydew Salad with Basil Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Blackberry Honeydew Salad featuring juicy honeydew melon, sweet blackberries, and aromatic basil leaves, all tossed in a light honey-lemon dressing with a hint of olive oil and optional poppy seeds. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or a light summer side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 medium honeydew melon, cubed
- 1 cup blackberries
- 4 large basil leaves, chiffonade cut
Dressing
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp liquid honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Slice and prepare honeydew: Slice the honeydew melon in half and remove the seeds carefully. Cut the flesh into strips and then slice into bite-sized pieces, making sure not to cut all the way through the rind to keep it intact.
- Remove the rind: Run a knife between the edge of the rind and the base of the cuts you just made to separate the melon pieces from the rind.
- Arrange on platter: Place the cubed honeydew melon and the blackberries evenly on a serving platter, and garnish with chiffonade-cut basil leaves for a fresh herbal aroma.
- Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, liquid honey (or maple syrup), optional poppy seeds, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined.
- Drizzle and serve: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the arranged salad to evenly coat the fruit and basil, enhancing the flavors with a tangy and slightly sweet finish.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and honey/maple syrup depending on desired sweetness and tartness.
- Optional poppy seeds add a subtle crunch and visual interest but can be omitted.
- Serve chilled for best flavor and freshness.
Keywords: blackberry honeydew salad, summer salad, fresh fruit salad, basil salad, vegan salad, healthy salad, no-cook salad
