Fresh Berry Salad with Limoncello
With mixed fresh berries, accented by tart lemon & a hint of boozy limoncello, this Fresh Berry Salad with Limoncello is a perfect dessert or side. 
Recently, I was really in need of a light new recipe. And book club came through again. What would I do without these talented ladies!
Fresh Berry Salad with Limoncello is a variation on a simple macerated fruit salad with a focus on berries and lemon. And if that’s not enough, how about some boozy limoncello. Brilliant! Our hostess got the recipe from Cooking Light and you’ll find variations all over the internet. 
It was hugely popular on book club night (even after all the wine) and an equally big hit for family dinner!
Since I had never worked with limoncello before, I decided to research a few questions. Here is what I learned plus a few other questions you might have about the Berry Salad.
Ready to eat!
What is Limoncello?
“Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur mainly produced in Southern Italy… Lemon zest, or peels without the pith, is steeped in rectified spirit (most commonly grappa, but vodka may also be used) until the oil is released. The resulting yellow liquid is then mixed with simple syrup.” (Source: Wikipedia )
Do I need to refrigerate Limoncello?
“Limoncello does not need to be refrigerated because its high alcohol and sugar content safely preserves it even when it is stored at room temperature. However, limoncello is usually served well-chilled and tastes much better if it is stored in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving it.” (Source: Our Everyday Life)
Delicious without limoncello too (but use it if you can)
Can I make this without the limoncello?
If you are serving someone who is alcohol free, this should be delicious with 2 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice instead of the limoncello.
What else can I do with limoncello?
Limoncello can be served, chilled (but not on ice), as an after dinner drink. It can also be mixed into other cocktails, or used in desserts.
Serve with a spoon!
Can I make my own limoncello?
I haven’t tried it, but many sources say “yes” and here is a recipe from Giada De Laurentiis. Since the peel produces the lemon flavor, I would suggest using organic lemons if you can get them.
In my experience, homemade infusions can have mixed results. I have never produced a vanilla or mint extract that is as good as commercial, even when I tried over-saturating my vodka with extra mint/vanilla beans. But I preserve fruit in brandy every winter and both the fruit and brandy come out delicious! So I’m probably going to give this a try!
Note that if you have a Trader Joe’s, they have their own brand of limoncello, which is well-priced and requires no lead time.
Julienne mint
Is there an easy way to julienne mint leaves (or basil or…)?
Yes there is. I like to stack about 4 or so similarly sized leaves then roll them up into a “cigar”, usually rolling the short direction so I get shorter pieces. Then I cut the “cigar” into thin strips and toss to unfold. Easy peasy!
Yes, you can change up your berries!
Can I vary the fruit ratios?
Absolutely. To stay true to the nature of a berry salad, I’d stick with all berries, but feel free to base the ratios on price, preference or whim. My pictures show a salad with fewer blueberries since they were having an expensive week when I shopped.
- • 1 cup fresh raspberries
- • 2 cups fresh blackberries
- • 2 cups hulled fresh strawberries, halved or quartered
- • 2 cups fresh blueberries
- • 1/4 cup sugar
- • 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
- • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- • 2 tablespoons limoncello (or additional lemon juice)
- • 1/4 cup julienned mint leaves (or more to taste)
- Combine all ingredients except mint in a bowl; let stand at least 20 minutes, so sugar pulls out some of the fruit juices.
- Gently stir in mint.
- Serve cold with spoons for the juices.
We make homemade limoncello every year, and it is our favorite gift to give to our friends in addition to enjoying it at home! I love that you used it on the berry salad… A couple of thoughts: when it is made with stronger spirits, most people keep their limoncello in the freezer. It is incredibly easy to make it home, but your advice on using organic lemons is spot on! Do you want lemons right off the tree, ones that have not been waxed or prepared for travel.
It was so wonderful to see you here in Arizona last week. We are really loving our Wisconsin cheeses and our favorite to date is the Gouda with fenugreek. ❤️
I had a blast too, David. Enjoy your “off the tree” lemons, we just have to go with the Trader Joe’s (organic though)!
This really was so good at book club! Happy to have the recipe now! Thanks.
I couldn’t wait to make it again Jean!