The Best Fruit Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fruit salad is everything you love about fresh fruit – sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It’s an easy, no-cook dish that takes only minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice when you need a quick and healthy side. The homemade citrus dressing adds just the right touch of sweetness without being overpowering, allowing the natural flavors of the fruit to shine. Plus, with so many fruits in one dish, you'll get a wide variety of textures and colors, making it as eye-catching as it is delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 pineapple

• 16 ounces strawberries

• 5 to 6 kiwis

• 1 pint blueberries

• 2 cups red grapes

• 2 cups green grapes

Fruit Salad Dressing

• ¼ cup brown sugar or honey, agave or maple syrup

• 3 to 4 tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed is best)

• 1 teaspoon orange zest

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Garnish

• Fresh mint (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Fruit
   Begin by washing and inspecting your fruit, removing any overripe pieces or debris.

   • Peel and chop the pineapple into bite-sized pieces.

   • Slice the strawberries in half or quarters, depending on their size.

   • Peel and cut the kiwis into bite-sized pieces.

   • Leave the grapes and blueberries whole.

2. Make the Fruit Salad Dressing
   In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar (or sweetener of choice), orange juice, orange zest, and lemon zest. Stir well until all ingredients are completely incorporated.

3. Combine the Fruit and Dressing
   In a large mixing bowl, combine all of your prepared fruit. Gently toss the fruit with the citrus dressing, ensuring all the pieces are coated.

4. Chill and Serve
   Cover the fruit salad and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. For the best flavor, serve within 4 hours of preparation. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

• Servings: 12

• Calories per serving: 149 kcal

Variations

• Add More Fruit: Feel free to swap or add fruits like mango, apples, or peaches for variety. Just make sure to use fruits that won’t brown too quickly.

• Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for some extra crunch and richness.

• Tropical Vibe: Include coconut flakes or diced papaya for a more tropical flavor.

• Honey-Lime Dressing: Swap the citrus dressing for a honey-lime version by using lime zest and lime juice with honey for a different refreshing taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover fruit salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to enjoy it within 24 hours.

• Dressing: If you aren’t serving the salad right away, store the dressing separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the dressing to the salad just before serving to keep the fruit fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen fruit for this salad?

It’s best to use fresh fruit for the best texture and flavor, but if frozen fruit is all you have, make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before mixing it into the salad.

2. How can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the fruit up to 4 hours in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.

3. Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave. Adjust the sweetness to your taste preference.

4. How do I keep my fruit from browning?

Certain fruits like apples and bananas tend to brown faster. Consider adding them just before serving or tossing them in a bit of lemon juice to preserve their color.

5. Can I add a protein to this salad?

If you’d like to add some protein, consider tossing in some Greek yogurt or cottage cheese on top before serving.

6. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this fruit salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

7. Can I use different fruits in the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal fruits or ones you have on hand. Just make sure the fruits are in season for the best flavor.

8. How can I make the dressing less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet dressing, simply reduce the amount of sugar or sweetener used. You can also add more citrus juice to balance the flavors.

9. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply use maple syrup or agave instead of honey, and you’ll have a completely vegan-friendly fruit salad.

10. Can I freeze this fruit salad?

While freezing the salad is not recommended because the texture of the fruit can change upon thawing, you can freeze the fruit individually and then thaw it for a smoothie or other use.

Conclusion

This fruit salad is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're bringing it to a BBQ, potluck, or just enjoying it at home, its light, citrusy dressing and colorful, sweet fruit make it a refreshing and healthy treat. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this fruit salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

Print