Need an easy, fresh salad recipe with a glistening, low-calorie chocolate dressing that's stunningly beautiful? You will love this mixed green salad tossed with colorful berries and oranges in a sweet, chocolate balsamic dressing. It might sound unusual, but the rich cocoa notes pair perfectly with the acidity of balsamic vinegar and the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. Ready in minutes, this chocolate berry salad fits perfectly into a heart-healthy diet.
Explore our wide variety of healthy salad recipes, or satisfy your sweet tooth by checking out these deliciously sweet berry recipes.
This salad delivers a powerful nutritional punch by combining nutrient-dense greens with antioxidant-rich fruits and healthy fats. The homemade dressing allows you to control the sodium and sugar content, making it a much heart-smarter choice than creamy, store-bought alternatives.
Yes, when made with heart-healthy oils and controlled amounts of sugar. This vinaigrette uses olive oil and just a touch of chocolate syrup balanced with balsamic vinegar, offering a lower-sodium, lower-fat alternative to creamy dressings.
Absolutely. Spinach, arugula, or baby kale all work well. Arugula adds a nice peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet berries and chocolate dressing.
The homemade chocolate balsamic vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake it well before serving, as the oil and vinegar may separate.
You can use fresh orange segments (clementines or navel oranges work well) or canned mandarin oranges packed in juice (drained). Fresh segments add a nice burst of citrus acidity.
You can prep the fruit and whisk the dressing ahead of time, but wait to toss the salad until just before serving. The greens can become soggy if they sit in the dressing for too long.
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This recipe isn't just about flavor; it's about combining ingredients that work together for your health.
Recipe yields 6 servings
In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients except oil until blended. Whisk in oil, adding gradually, until well blended.
Evenly divide mesclun greens among 6 plates. Top evenly with fruit, almonds and basil. Drizzle with dressing.
For the Nuts: If you don't have almonds, walnuts or pecans are excellent heart-healthy substitutes that add a nice crunch.
For the Sweetener: If you want to avoid chocolate syrup, you could experiment with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey and a pinch of unsweetened cocoa powder, though the texture of the dressing may vary slightly.
For the Fruit: Feel free to swap the berries based on what is in season. Pomegranate seeds or sliced pears also pair wonderfully with the chocolate balsamic flavors.