By: Nicole Aloni (www.nicolealoni.com)
Strawberries, blueberries and basil are a surprising combination that creates an unexpected explosion of flavor. This salad looks like a plate of glittering jewels when served on a platter framed with basil leaves and fresh flowers. Hands down, this is a WOW recipe. If it is available, Thai basil is a wonderful replacement for sweet basil.
Ingredients
Makes 8 servings 1/4 cup mild honey (or more, depending on fruit)
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp. Grand Marnier®
- 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cups thinly sliced, ripe strawberries
- 3 cups blueberries, washed and dried
- 4 cups packed fresh basil, (finely slivered chiffonade style or whole leaf)
- 1–1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup full fat yogurt (Greek is the best) or sour cream
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Cooking directions
- Combine the honey, vanilla, Grand Marnier and lemon juice.
- One hour before serving, combine the sliced fruit and honey mixture.
Refrigerate.
To Serve:
Gently toss together the marinated fruit, pecans and half of the basil. Put on a serving platter and sprinkle with the remaining basil. Add a generous grinding of freshly cracked black pepper. Offer yogurt or sour cream on the side.