Nothing says summer in a bowl quite like Fresh Fruit Salad. Vibrant, juicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this is the kind of healthy treat that feels both nourishing and just a little bit decadent. It’s a colorful medley of strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, orange, and banana, all kissed with a honey-lime dressing and showered with mint for an irresistibly fresh finish. Whether you’re looking for an easy snack, a light dessert, or a beautiful brunch side, this Fresh Fruit Salad brings sunshine to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fruit Salad:
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1 banana, sliced
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
How to Make Fresh Fruit Salad
Step 1: Prep and Combine the Fruit
Start by washing, peeling, and slicing all your fruit as indicated. Place the strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, orange segments, and banana slices in a large mixing bowl. If you like a super-chilled salad for those extra hot days, you can even refrigerate the cut fruit for 30 minutes before assembling.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Honey-Lime Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and silky. This simple dressing transforms your Fresh Fruit Salad by tying together all those luscious flavors with a tangy-sweet finish.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Pour the honey-lime dressing over the prepared fruit, then gently toss everything together with a large spoon or spatula. Be careful not to mash the fruit—mix just enough to coat everything with that gorgeous dressing.
Step 4: Add the Mint and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint over the top for a burst of brightness and color. Give the salad one last gentle toss, or simply scatter the mint as a garnish if you prefer. Serve your Fresh Fruit Salad immediately for the juiciest, freshest flavor.
How to Serve Fresh Fruit Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or finely chopped nuts can add just the right amount of crunch to your Fresh Fruit Salad. For a fancier presentation, consider adding edible flowers or extra mint leaves right before serving to create a truly stunning centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Fresh Fruit Salad pairs beautifully with light breakfast and brunch fare—think buttery croissants, yogurt parfaits, or scrambled eggs. At lunch or dinner, it brings a cool counterpoint to spicy or grilled dishes and is a favorite at any potluck or backyard cookout.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine by serving your Fresh Fruit Salad in hollowed-out pineapple or watermelon bowls for a tropical touch. You can also spoon the salad into individual glass jars or cups for a portable, picnic-friendly option, or thread the fruit onto skewers for a whimsical twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Fresh Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For the best texture and appearance, add the banana just before eating, as it tends to brown quickly. Give the salad a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal since it can change the texture of the fruit, making it watery and mushy once thawed. However, if you do have leftovers, blend them into a smoothie or turn them into homemade popsicles for a chilly treat.
Reheating
Fresh Fruit Salad is definitely meant to be enjoyed cold and crisp, so reheating isn’t recommended. If the salad has been chilled for a while, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving for the fullest flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Fresh Fruit Salad the night before?
You can easily prep the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, but for the brightest flavors and prettiest presentation, add delicate fruits like bananas and mint right before serving to keep everything as fresh as possible.
What other fruits can I add to my Fresh Fruit Salad?
This recipe is wonderfully flexible—try adding mango, peaches, nectarines, pomegranate seeds, or even cherries. Go with whatever looks freshest and most beautiful at your market or in your fridge!
Is this Fresh Fruit Salad vegan?
As written, the honey-lime dressing includes honey, so if you’re vegan, swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Otherwise, every ingredient in this salad is plant-based and naturally gluten-free.
How do I keep the fruit from turning brown?
The lime juice in the dressing helps slow browning, especially for the bananas. For best results, slice and add bananas just before serving and give everything a gentle toss in the dressing to coat each piece.
Can I use frozen fruit for Fresh Fruit Salad?
Fresh is always best for flavor and texture, but in a pinch, you can use thawed frozen fruit. Just be sure to drain off excess liquid, and expect a slightly softer, juicier result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with summer all over again, give this Fresh Fruit Salad a try. It’s simple, stunning, and endlessly versatile—perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just treating yourself to something vibrant and healthy. Make it once, and you’ll want to bring it to every gathering!
Print
Fresh Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This fresh fruit salad is a colorful and refreshing blend of strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, kiwis, oranges, and banana, dressed in a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing. It’s the perfect light and healthy dish for any occasion, bursting with juicy flavors and vibrant colors.
Ingredients
ScaleFruit Salad:
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1 banana, sliced
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- Fruit Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, kiwis, oranges, and banana.
- Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh mint and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance, but add the banana just before serving to prevent browning.
- You can also swap in seasonal fruits like peaches, mangoes, or pomegranate seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
