It’s BLACKBERRY SEASON in the Pacific Northwest!!

Praise be!

Cue the capital letters!

Hooray for sun-sweetened and deliciously fresh berries growing absolutely everywhere and making it into my breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu daily. Can’t you tell I’m just a little excited?

Lately, I’ve been making an effort to take a daily sunshine-filled walk at work. Usually, this is on my lunch break when I can wander down to Portland’s south waterfront district to grab a smoothie or bite to eat, or explore the cutest little (steep) streets in the SW neighborhood where I work.

A few weeks ago I noticed the start of blackberry bushes bursting to life along these little sidewalk streets. Little white flowers covered the bushes (and I mean – covered!) signaling that berries were about to develop soon. A few days later, those bushes are now completely covered with fresh, incredibly perfect blackberries taking over sidewalks and smelling downright heavenly. Of course, I always have to pick a few as a little mid-day snack, which always taste amazing when they’re still warm from the sun!

Of course, if you can’t find a sidewalk stash of blackberries, you can certainly find delicious Oregon Berries at your local farmer’s market or natural food store, like Whole Foods or New Seasons. You’ll even find different varieties of blackberries like Columbia Star, Kotata, Silvan, Marionberry, Black Diamond, and my favorite – Obsidian blackberries throughout the summertime.

If fresh Oregon blackberries aren’t available for you, look for frozen! Oregon blackberries are picked at peak ripeness and frozen to maintain flavor and all the good-for-you nutrients. Look for them in your freezer section to taste the goodness!

Now back to the goodness of berries! Blackberries are sweet little nutrient-packed stars. Blackberries are filled with vitamin C (one cup of raw blackberries contains roughly 30 mg!) which is vital to collagen production and the health and formation of our connective tissues and bones. They also contain vitamin K, manganese, fiber, and a variety of antioxidants, too.

The antioxidants and plant-compounds in blackberries (like polyphenols and anthocyanins) are associated with pretty potent health effects. In fact, these compounds have been shown to reduce tumor growth and slow proliferation of cancer cells in numerous studies. They’ve also been shown to lower inflammation, promote healthy skin, and regulate menstrual health.

Blackberries are the star of this sweet summer salad. Made with fresh baby greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, vibrant edible flowers, sweet sugar snap peas, creamy avocado, and a delicious garlic tahini dressing, this Blackberry and Tahini Summer Salad is one I’ll be making for the remainder of the summer! Enjoy!

Blackberry and Tahini Summer Salad

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

6 cups mixed baby greens
2 avocado, sliced
1 cup fresh blackberries
2 cups rainbow cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup edible flowers
1/2 cup sugar snap peas, halved
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup tahini
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1-3 Tbsp. water

Directions:

1. Prep the dressing first: to a small jar add tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, pepper, and 1 Tbsp. water. Tightly cover jar with a lid and shake very well to combine. If the mixture is too thick, add in another tablespoon of water.

2. To a very large salad bowl or platter: add baby greens, cherry tomatoes, blackberries, and sugar snap peas. Gently toss to combine. Top with avocado slices, pumpkin seeds, edible flowers, and a hearty drizzle of tahini dressing. Serve immediately and devour!

Notes:

-This post was sponsored by Oregon Berries – who are the sweetest, literally and figuratively. Thank you for supporting brands who support Vegukate!
- Add in a boost of protein to make this salad a meal: grilled chicken or salmon, hard boiled eggs, chickpeas, or other legumes work wonderfully!
- Edible flowers are SO pretty, right? If you can’t find them in a traditional grocery store, look at farmer’s markets, local co-ops, or natural food stores in your area. I found mine at Our Table Cooperative in Portland, Oregon!