Berry Fruit Salad with Mint Syrup – assorted berries tossed with a mint-infused simple syrup. Delicious served with breakfast or brunch or as a snack or dessert.
I have to admit I’m getting a little bit antsy for spring. I really have no reason to complain because it hasn’t been much of a winter – not in a “lots of snow and bone-chilling temps” sort of way. But I’m still longing for the occasional warmer day and some sunshine… yes, some sunshine would be nice.
Fruit Salad… yummy yummy
In the absence of sunshine, this berry fruit salad is perfect for brightening my day. The fresh berries and bright colors transport me to a more springy state of mind.
Throwing together a fruit salad – especially one made with assorted berries – doesn’t get any easier. Rinse the berries, slice the strawberries, and toss together. It’s almost embarrassing how easy this is.
But, it’s February, and that means the berries are not at their peak of sweetness. So I like to toss them in a simple syrup to add a touch of sweetness to the salad. The syrup also gives the berries a glistening appearance which is so pretty.
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water that has been heated until the sugar dissolves. Simple syrups are often used to sweeten cocktails and are perfect for adding sweetness to fruit when not in season.
My favorite thing about simple syrup is infusing it with a variety of flavors. For this salad, I added fresh mint which pairs so wonderfully with berries.
To change up the flavor profile, try infusing the syrup with vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks (like my Cinnamon-Anise Simple Syrup). basil or other fresh herbs, or citrus. There are so many ways to customize.
Serving fruit salad
- Enjoy a bowl just as it is with breakfast, as a side dish or as dessert.
- Spoon over a bowl of cereal or oatmeal.
- Serve with yogurt and some granola for an easy breakfast parfait.
- Spoon over vanilla ice cream as a fuss-free dessert.
- Split open a biscuit and add a spoonful of berries for a delicious berry shortcake. Don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream.
Fresh fruit salads are easy to make, are full of vibrant colors, and will transport you to spring and warmer weather! Toss the fruit in a flavored syrup for a touch of added sweetness. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram @mycasualpantry so I can see your creation.
More fruit recipes to enjoy
- Fruit Salad with Cinnamon-Anise Simple Syrup
- Watermelon and Feta Salad with Jalapeno Lime Syrup
- Mango Pineapple Salsa
- Grilled Peaches with Goat Cheese and Mint Thyme Honey
- Baked Berries with Puff Pastry Cinnamon Croutons
- Candied Orange Mascarpone Tart
Assorted berries tossed in a mint-infused simple syrup.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
- 22 ounces blueberries (2 pints)
- 12 ounces blackberries (1 pint)
- 12 ounces raspberries (1 pint)
- 16 ounces strawberries
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In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar, water, and mint leaves. Heat until the sugar is melted, stirring occasionally, about 3-4 minutes.
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Remove from heat and set aside to cool. The mint leaves will continue to steep in the syrup.
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Rinse the berries. Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut into bite-sized chunks. Combine all of the berries in a bowl. Pour about half of the cooled syrup over the top and gently toss to coat. Add more syrup as needed.
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Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
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