Fruit Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fruit salad is the ultimate combination of fresh, seasonal fruits that burst with flavor in every bite. With the juicy sweetness of pineapple, mango, and watermelon paired with the tangy citrus dressing, it’s a refreshing treat that feels light yet satisfying. The variety of berries adds a pop of color and antioxidants, while the kiwi gives a tropical twist. Plus, it’s easy to make and highly customizable to your taste. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or packing it as a healthy snack, this fruit salad is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 large orange, juiced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 cups seedless red grapes
• 1 pineapple, cored and chopped into chunks
• 4 mangoes, peeled, cored, and cubed
• 6 ounces blueberries
• 2 pounds strawberries, halved
• 6 cups watermelon, cubed
• 12 ounces blackberries
• 5 kiwi, peeled and quartered
• 6 ounces raspberries (see notes)

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

Directions

1. Start by preparing the fruit. Core and chop the pineapple, peel and cube the mangoes, halve the strawberries, peel and quarter the kiwis, and cube the watermelon.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared fruits: grapes, pineapple, mangoes, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, blackberries, kiwis, and raspberries.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice and lemon juice to create a tangy citrus dressing.
4. Pour the citrus dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat the fruit evenly with the juice.
5. Serve immediately for a fresh and vibrant fruit salad, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to chill before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8-10 servings.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add herbs: For a unique twist, add some fresh mint leaves to the fruit salad for a refreshing herbaceous flavor.
• Sweetener: If you prefer a sweeter fruit salad, you can drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the fruits before tossing them.
• Tropical Twist: Add coconut flakes or even a handful of toasted coconut for a tropical flavor boost.
• Nuts and Seeds: Add some chopped nuts (like almonds or cashews) or seeds (like chia or pumpkin) to add crunch and protein to your salad.
• Creamy Option: For a creamier version, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt as a topping.

Storage/Reheating

This fruit salad is best served fresh. However, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you plan to make it ahead of time, it’s recommended to prepare the fruit and citrus dressing separately and toss them together just before serving. This will help prevent the fruits from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit in this salad?

While fresh fruit is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can use frozen fruit in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw it slightly before adding it to the salad to avoid excess water.

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! This fruit salad is versatile, so feel free to add other fruits like apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, or peaches based on what’s in season or your personal preference.

How long will this fruit salad stay fresh in the fridge?

This fruit salad is best eaten within 1-2 days. After that, the fruit may begin to lose its texture, especially the watermelon, which can become mushy.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the fruits and citrus dressing ahead of time, but don’t toss them together until just before serving to maintain the fruit’s freshness and prevent them from becoming too soggy.

Is this fruit salad suitable for a low-carb diet?

This fruit salad is naturally healthy, but some fruits like watermelon and grapes have a higher sugar content. If you’re following a strict low-carb diet, consider reducing or omitting those fruits and replacing them with lower-carb options like berries.

What if I don’t have certain fruits on hand?

This fruit salad is highly customizable. If you’re missing any of the fruits listed, simply replace them with other fresh fruits of your choice, such as pears, apples, or stone fruits like peaches and nectarines.

Can I use bottled juice instead of freshly squeezed juice?

Freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice will give your fruit salad a bright, fresh flavor, but if you don’t have the time to juice them, you can use store-bought juice in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% juice with no added sugars.

How can I make the fruit salad more filling?

If you want to make this fruit salad a more substantial meal or snack, consider adding a protein source like nuts, seeds, or even a scoop of protein powder mixed into the dressing.

Can I add a dressing or syrup to the salad?

You can drizzle a light syrup or honey over the fruit salad for added sweetness if desired. However, the citrus dressing already gives a nice tangy balance to the sweetness of the fruit.

Can I use canned fruit?

While fresh fruit is ideal, if you must use canned fruit, choose varieties packed in juice (not syrup) and drain them well before adding them to the salad.

Conclusion

This fruit salad is a vibrant and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with a variety of fresh, juicy fruits and dressed with a zesty citrus blend, it’s refreshing, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish, a healthy snack, or a colorful addition to a brunch spread, this fruit salad will surely impress and leave everyone feeling satisfied and refreshed!

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