As their patrons’ interest in fresh, flavorful menu options continues to grow, operators and chefs in segments from casual chains and independent fine dining restaurants to college campuses have turned to berries to add flavor, color and excitement to a variety of dishes on their menus.
Menu Trend Setters
Versatile and complementary to many tastes and cuisines, berries are inspirational in creating culinary innovations to help keep the menu new and diners intrigued. The consistent flavor, health benefits, and overall "delight" Driscoll’s berries bring to the table make them a favorite with operators and chefs from chains such as The Cheesecake Factory, Compass Group, Panera Bread and Jason’s Deli. To spark your menu creativity, take a look at our berry recipes in multiple menu categories below or use Driscoll’s Flavor Pairings Chart to inspire your next new berry dish.
Menu Ideas
- Mixed Berry BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Berry Pizza with Goat Chese
- Blackberry Prosciutto
Appetizers and small plates are a great way for diners to experiment and for chefs to add innovative flavor combinations. Top bruschettas with berry compote, and don’t forget to include berries in fondues.
- Raspberry Turkey Salad
- Blackberry Citrus Salad
- Warm Berry & Spinach Salad
Still the fastest growing menu categories for fresh fruits, salads are the easiest way to add flavor and nutrition to the menu. Get creative and toss in mixed berries with a featured protein for a colorful dish.
- Blueberry Parfaits
- French Toast Souffle
- Mixed Berry Buttermilk Muffins
Tap into the fastest growing day-part and offer an expanded breakfast menu laden with berries. Served fresh in yogurt parfaits and cereal toppings, or baked in a scone or muffin, diners may demand breakfast all day.
- Confetti Couscous
- Blueberry and Corn Succotash
- Crunchy Raspberry Sweet Potato
No longer on the sidelines, side dishes move front and center with Driscoll’s berries. Combine berries with whole grains and colorful vegetables to turn ordinary sides into nutritious dishes that can stand alone.
- Salmon with Mixed Berry Glaze
- Coffee spiced rub Pork with Blackberry Raspberry au Jus
- Raspberry Mole with Chicken
Berries are flavorful complements to beef, pork and seafood. And, don’t forget that berries can be surprising flavor boosters to a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- Blueberry Bread Pudding with Spiced Bluerry Sauce
- Strawberry Extra-Chocolately Brownies
- Blackberry Almond Tarts
From first bite to last, berries leave a lasting impression. Paired with everything from fruit crisps to decadent chocolate to Napoleons and zabaglione, berries are versatile enough to fit any dessert dish and with natural sweetness – a perfect ending to any meal.
- Blueberry Mint Lemonade
- Blackberry Hot Toddy
- Berry Sangria with Prosecco
The beverage menu category continues to explode, with fresh ingredients such as berries as primary ingredients. Berries brighten up cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, agua frescas, fruit-flavored teas, and more.
- Strawberry Red Wine Balsamic Sauce
- Raspberry Chipotle Mayonnaise
- Blackberry Ginger Sauce
Creating signature dishes is easy with the right sauce, condiment or dressing. Balance the sweetness of the berries with tart or savory flavors such as balsamic vinegar, ginger, or citrus.
According to foodservice research by Mintel, the number of menu items featuring fresh fruits and vegetables has increased by 15% over the last five years. It's not surprising that berries are a strong part of this growth when they deliver on flavor, nutrition and versatile applications.