Ingredients
1 cup fresh blackberries
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
Pinch of sea salt
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Flaky sea salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pickling Liquid. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, honey, and a pinch of sea salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until honey and salt are dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Pickle the Blackberries. Gently place fresh blackberries into a heat-proof jar or bowl. Pour the slightly cooled pickling liquid over them, ensuring all berries are submerged. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to an hour.
Step 3: Assemble the Ricotta Base. On a serving platter or individual plates, generously spread the fresh ricotta cheese. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls. Season lightly with flaky sea salt and fresh black pepper.
Step 4: Arrange the Salad. Carefully drain the pickled blackberries from their liquid and arrange them artfully over the ricotta. You may spoon a tiny bit of the pickling liquid over the berries for extra flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve. Finish with a generous scattering of fresh mint and basil leaves. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with additional flaky sea salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, whole-milk ricotta. The pickled blackberries can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Cuisine: Contemporary American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pickled blackberry salad, ricotta salad, blackberry appetizer, summer salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, vegetarian salad, healthy salad, fruit salad

