Use up those fresh summer berries in this Honey Lime Berry Quinoa Salad with fresh mint. Gluten-free, vegan-friendly and a healthy addition to your meals this season.
This post is sponsored in partnership with California Giant Berry Farms. All opinions expressed, as always, are my own. Thank you for your support as I partner with brands that help make Fit Mitten Kitchen possible!
Doesn’t August just feel like a constant reminder that summer is coming to an end? I try not to think about it too much. I make an effort to “live in the moment” and practice gratitude. But it’s all those years of preparing for school to start back up. “Back To School” ads are in full force. Reminding us that fall is coming… Summer is almost over.
BUT NOT YET. No fall yet. Summer is still here. It is still August and still berry season!
Anyone else stocking up on all of the berry sales at your grocery stores? Berries are 100% my favorite. I’m trying to think of another fruit that I love as much as berries but none are coming to mind.
There are also a TON of ways to enjoy them… So let’s chat some different ways!
5 Ways to get the most out of your summer berries
1. Add berries on your salads
One of my favorite ways to use up fresh berries is to throw them in a salad. They provide some additional texture and a hint of natural sweetness. I typically throw on some feta or goat cheese too.
Simple Strawberry Salad with Coconut Lime Honey Poppy Seed Dressing
2. Use berries in smoothies
Can’t go wrong with adding strawberries into a smoothie! One of the quickest and easiest ways to get in your dose of berries in the morning.
Green Avocado Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Purple Power Superfood Smoothie
3. Bake with berries
Couldn’t leave out baking with summer berries! So many ways to bake with berries – fresh or frozen!
Classic Vegan Blueberry Scones
Whole Grain Dairy Free Blueberry Muffins
Whole Wheat Raspberry Pumpkin Muffins <– oops I went there already…
4. Freeze fresh berries
This kind of goes without saying but stocking up on fresh seasonal berries right now and freezing them is the way to go! Not only can you use the frozen berries in smoothies, but you can also bake with them, make jams, ice cream, etc.
5. Enjoy them with breakfast
I love adding berries to any of my breakfast plates. Whether that is pancakes, sweet potato bowls, or just having them on the side with a savory dish.
Berries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, so you really can’t go wrong any way you choose to enjoy them.
And if you’re looking for ways to enjoy my personal favorite fruit –strawberries– be sure to check out this post from my friends over at California Giant 🙂
AND NOW to share a NEW salad recipe with you all for just another awesome way to use fresh berries this summer.
Honey Lime Berry Quinoa Salad with fresh mint
Yes. This quinoa-fruit combination is happening and it is so light and refreshing. Blueberries and raspberries are perfect right now – much thanks to California Giant berry farms!
This dish is really simple too. Just takes prepping the quinoa, the easy honey lime dressing, and tossing it all together with the fresh berries and mint. It would be a great dish to bring to a cookout or gathering to celebrate the last days of summer.
I’ve even been enjoying this with breakfast 🙂
Be sure to let me know if you try it!
Honey Lime Berry Quinoa Salad with mint
Try this delicious Berry Quinoa Salad with honey, lime and mint for your next side dish. Light and fresh, easy and healthy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa (I used a mix of red and white)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 TBS raw honey*
- juice of 2 limes, plus zest
- 1/2 tsp pink salt
- 2 pints fresh blueberries
- 2 pints fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped mint
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (or seeds if nut allergy)
Instructions
1. Cook quinoa: in a medium pot over high heat, add 3/4 cup quinoa with 1/2 cups of water. Allow water to come to boil, then reduce heat and simmer quinoa for 10-15 minutes, or until water has disappeared. Remove pot from heat and allow quinoa to cool before transferring to large bowl. Set aside to cool completely. 2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together extra virgin olive oil, honey and juice of 2 limes – leave zest for garnish or add in now. Set aside. 3. Add fresh berries and mint to large bowl of cooled quinoa. 4. Pour dressing into large bowl and gently toss until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Be careful with the raspberries. 5. Garnish with sliced almonds and more chopped mint if desired. Serve on top of a bed of greens, with your favorite grilled protein, bring to a cookout or enjoy as a side dish!
Notes
*I like raw honey, as it has additional health benefits. But Grade A honey works as well. Sub agave or maple syrup if strictly vegan. Feel free to add in strawberries too! Use sunflower seeds if dealing with nut allergies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4th
- Calories: 233
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 119mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Deryn | Running on Real Food says
This sounds sooo fresh and yummy! I’ve been eating berries non-stop, I love this time of year!!
Ashley says
Me too, Deryn!
Rachel says
I have been on a huge quinoa kick lately. I will bookmark this one to make over the weekend!
Ashley says
Thanks so much Rachel! Let me know if you try it! I hope you enjoy 🙂
Laura says
I have done all 5 of those things with our summer berries! I wish I had a giant bowl of this beautiful salad for dinner tonight! 😉
Ashley says
WOO. Glad we’re on the same page with getting the most out of those berries 🙂
Sarah says
I love adding berries to salad! This is very similar to a quinoa and berries I make for breakfast and would be perfect for lunch. Great flavors, textures, and nutrition!
Taylor Kiser says
Love everything about this! Looks delicious! Great addition to any grilled meat for dinner!
Ashley says
Thanks Taylor!
Jenn says
This looks so delicious and healthy. I love fruit in savory salads.
Ashley says
Yes! Fruit in any salad 🙂
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
Everything about this salad it amazing! I love the Honey Lime Berry combo!
Ashley says
Thanks so much Kristina!
Alisa Fleming says
This salad reminds me of a “hippy days” throwback, in a very good way. It looks so rustic, comforting, nourishing, and flavorful all in one!
Ashley says
lol, thanks Alisa!
geet says
Quinoa with berries <3
I am so gonna try it. thanks for sharing this dear. Lots of love
Mary says
Was really good! Fresh and filling
★★★★★
Ashley says
Glad you liked it, Mary! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and review 🙂