| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 230 | 11g | 1g | 37g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 28g | 5g | 4g | 0g |
My heart pulsates with excitement each time I prepare the Fresh Bilberry Salad. This delectable bowl is not only rich in its colorful presentation, but it also bears the magic of simple, wholesome ingredients. Originating from the roots of my Montana upbringing and intertwined with new flavors that challenge and inspire me, this fruit-filled dish serves as a beautiful metaphor for the eclectic fusion of my culinary journey. 
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A Symphony of Flavors
Each serving of Fresh Bilberry Salad dances with the vibrant flavors of fresh bilberries, sweet oranges, and crunchy apples, creating a combination that tugs at the nostalgia of Orchards from my home state’s countryside. The walnuts bring a welcoming contrast with their earthy crunch, while the drizzle of honey adds a warm, golden sweetness. The recipe also introduces a hint of tropical bliss with the addition of bananas and a fresh zing with a squeeze of lemon juice. For those who appreciate a touch of sophistication, fresh mint leaves can be the finishing flourish.
Matches Made in Food Heaven
This recipe’s versatility shines when we consider the dishes it complements. Due to the refreshing and fruity nature of Fresh Bilberry Salad, it can work seamlessly alongside a hearty entrée like my specially prepared bison burgers or the classic venison steaks, tempering the robust flavours with its light and bright notes. The salad also makes a delightful pairing with a piece of perfectly grilled fish or a creamy pasta dish, its tangy and sweet flavors creating beautiful counterpoints to each savory bite.
Healthful and Flavorful
Beyond the culinary brilliance, I love how this dish contributes to a wholesome lifestyle. Fresh Bilberry Salad packs in nutrients from each fruit and the walnuts. Bilberries, renowned for their antioxidant properties, coupled with vitamin C rich oranges, fiber-filled apples, and potassium-powered bananas, make this salad a nutritious powerhouse. The walnuts add a dose of healthy fats, and the honey, unlike refined sugars, offers a natural sweetness with some trace nutrients. In each bite of this delightful dish, we experience health and indulgence meticulously intertwined.
Each time I serve the Fresh Bilberry Salad, I am reminded of the simplistic beauty and versatility of fruits, the joys of creative cooking, and the rewards of healthful eating. It is just as much a pleasure to prepare as it is to relish. Explore my huckleberry pie recipe for another fruit-based dish with a touch of Montana’s wilderness.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups fresh bilberries
- 2 medium oranges, peeled and sectioned
- 1 large apple, chopped
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the fruits for the salad. Rinse the 4 cups of fresh bilberries under cold water and allow them to dry. Peel and section the 2 medium oranges. Make sure that you remove any seeds. For the apple, rinse it, remove the core and seeds, and chop it into bite-sized chunks. Lastly, peel the banana and slice it into thin rounds.
Step Two
In a large salad bowl, combine the prepared fruits – bilberries, oranges, apple, and banana. Toss them gently to mix them.
Step Three
Take 1 cup of chopped walnuts and add them to the salad. You can either chop the walnuts into smaller pieces if you prefer a crunchy texture or leave them in larger chunks for a more substantial bite.
Step Four
Now it’s time to prepare the dressing. In a separate smaller bowl, combine 1/2 cup honey and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Mix them until they are well combined.
Step Five
Drizzle the honey-lemon dressing over the salad. Gently toss the salad to ensure that all the fruits and nuts are coated evenly with the dressing.
Step Six
For the final touch and if you wish for extra freshness, garnish the salad with 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves. You can either roughly tear them or leave them whole.
Step Seven
Let your salad sit for a few minutes so that the flavours can meld together. You can then serve your fresh bilberry salad immediately while it is still fresh and juicy.
