One of the most refreshing desserts is fruit soup, especially when made with fresh seasonal berries. This Cold Berry Soup is great served on its own, or with favorite cookies and brownies; it makes a very light dessert that everyone can eat, since each serving is only 174 calories and 1 gram of fat. The only problem is that everyone will want seconds and maybe even thirds.

It’s easiest to make this soup with a food processor, but if one isn’t available, the berries can be chopped by hand. There are also hand choppers that work well. For those who really don’t enjoy cooking, inexpensive food processors are readily available that will save hours of time chopping in the kitchen.

This delicious soup also makes a good first course at a spring or summer dinner and can be made up to a day ahead. If fresh mint is in the garden, it makes a pretty garnish.

8 Servings

4 cups fresh berries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mix)
3 cups buttermilk
3 cups orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 dash ground cinnamon
1 dash ground nutmeg

1. Wash the berries and pat dry on paper towels.


2. Place the berries in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.


3. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse a few times until well mixed.


4. Refrigerate 2-3 hours to allow flavors to blend.


Amount Per Serving
Calories 174 Calories from Fat 12
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 7% Protein 10% Carb. 83%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 1 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 3 mg
Sodium 98 mg
Total Carbohydrate 36 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 4 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 125% Calcium 0% Iron 3%

Looking for an inexpensive chopper or food processor? The following, available from Amazon, are recommended:

Black & Decker EHC650 2-Speed Food Chopper with 3-Cup Bowl
Euro-Pro Ninja Master Prep Blender and Food Processor
Cuisinart DLC-4CHB Mini-Prep Plus 4-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel
Food Chopper FoodChopper - Model 561508