Salad: United States – Idaho (Pacific Northwest) – Huckleberry Fruit Salad

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 5 min

Additional 20 min

Total 45 min

Ingredients

- 2 cups (300 g) fresh huckleberries
- 2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced, approx. 12 oz (340 g) total (recommend Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 2 medium pears, cored and thinly sliced, approx. 12 oz (340 g) total (recommend Bosc or Bartlett)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) toasted chopped walnuts or pecans
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) honey (use local honey if available)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp (2 g) lime zest
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/8 tsp (0.5 g) flaky sea salt
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
- Optional: 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese or firm ricotta salata, crumbled

Instructions

Short Description:
A bright, seasonal fruit salad featuring fresh Idaho huckleberries tossed with local apples and pears and finished with a light honey-lime dressing and toasted nuts for crunch.

Regional Notes:
This Idaho/Pacific Northwest version highlights wild huckleberries, a local specialty, paired with orchard fruit (apples and pears) common to the region. The dressing is kept light and honey-forward to enhance the berries' natural sweetness rather than overpower it.

1. Rinse and gently drain the huckleberries in a colander; transfer to a large mixing bowl.  
2. Immediately toss the sliced apples and pears with 1 tbsp (15 ml) of the lime juice to slow browning, then add them to the bowl with huckleberries.  
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice, honey, lime zest, olive oil, and flaky sea salt until the dressing is smooth and slightly emulsified.  
4. Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently fold with a large spoon or spatula until fruit is evenly coated, taking care not to crush the berries.  
5. Fold in half of the toasted nuts and half of the mint; if using, fold in the crumbled goat cheese gently.  
6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10–20 minutes to let flavors meld, or serve immediately at cool room temperature.  
7. Before serving, sprinkle remaining toasted nuts and mint over the top for garnish. Serve chilled or slightly cool.