Berry salad with brownies and pistachio crust

Enhance the skyr cream flavour with citrus or almond

Add flair to your berry salad by infusing the skyr cream with citrus zest or almond extract. This step introduces a bright or nutty note which enhances the skyr’s naturally creamy and light flavour. It also complements the fresh berries and chocolatey brownies. For zesting, grate only the colourful peel to avoid bitterness, and mix well for an even flavour throughout the skyr cream.

Skilful layering tips

Carefully layering each element – from the creamy skyr base and contrasting brownies to the berry and pistachio topping – creates a feast for the eyes and tastebuds. Serve in individual clear glasses to show off the snack’s decadent layers. For added elegance, use a piping bag for the skyr cream to achieve clean, professional-looking layers. When topping with the pistachio crust, be mindful of the edges to create a neat border. As an extra touch, garnish the top with whole pistachios, a fresh mint leaf or light sprinkling of powdered sugar.

Get the brownie texture just right

For soft and fudgy brownies, take care to not overbake them. Aim for a centre that's just set when you remove them from the oven. They'll finish cooking as they cool, resulting in that ooey gooey texture that brownies are known and loved for. In this recipe, it creates a decadently rich contrast to the crisp pistachio crust and juicy berries.

Alternative nuts for the berry salad crust

While our pistachio crust adds a distinct taste and vibrant colour to this recipe, different nuts like hazelnuts or almonds are great alternatives. If you have extra time, give them a light toast to enhance their rich, nutty taste – the perfect complement to the chocolatey brownies. Simply line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the nuts in an even layer and bake them in the centre of a preheated 160 °C oven, stirring every 5 minutes or so. Keep a close eye though, nuts in the oven can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burned.

Selecting berries for peak freshness

Choosing the freshest berries can make a big difference in the taste and quality of this salad. Here are some tips to help you select the best berries:

• Colour: look for vibrant, rich colours. Dull or faded berries may be past their prime.
• Texture: choose berries that are firm and plump. Avoid those that are soft, mushy or have wrinkled skin.
• Smell: fresh berries should have a sweet, fragrant aroma. If they have no smell or a sour odour, they may not be fresh.
• Check for mould: inspect the package carefully for any signs of mould, which can spread quickly among berries.

Can berry salad be made ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble your berry salad a few hours before you need it, keeping it refrigerated for optimal freshness. It's ideal to eat it on the same day for the best flavour and texture.

Balancing sweetness and texture in brownies

To create the perfect brownie for our berry salad, aim for a balance between rich flavour and soft texture. Choose high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. This enhances the brownies without needing too much sugar, which can hide the cocoa's natural taste.

When baking, slightly underbake the brownies. Take them out of the oven when they're still a bit soft in the middle; they'll set as they cool. This method gives you soft, chewy brownies that blend well with the pistachio crust and juicy berries.

The size of the brownie pieces is also important. Cut them into small cubes for a pleasing mix of creamy skyr, crunchy pistachios and tender berries in every bite.

In short, making the brownie for this berry salad takes care. Pay attention to the chocolate quality, don't overbake and cut the brownies just right.

Perfect pairings to complement your berry salad

Selecting the right partner to accompany your berry salad can greatly enhance the flavours. A floral herbal tea like chamomile or jasmine will provide a gentle backdrop to the vibrant berry notes. Citrus-infused sparkling water is another refreshing option that highlights the berry salad’s zesty flavours without adding sweetness. Of course you can never go wrong with a classic cappuccino, café au lait or, for an interesting twist, coffee with chocolate milk.

Storing leftover berry salad

Keep your leftovers tasting fresh by storing it correctly. If you have extra servings, refrigerate them to prevent spoilage. Store the components separately for best results. Keep the brownie pieces at room temperature in a tightly sealed container to stay moist and chewy. Refrigerate the skyr cream and fresh berries in separate airtight containers to keep them from becoming soggy or picking up other flavours. When you're ready for another serving, just reassemble for a fresh taste experience.