How to Make the Best Fruit Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Recipe
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a vibrant, juicy fruit salad. With its medley of colors, textures, and flavors, this dish is a celebration of nature’s sweetness. Packed with ripe cantaloupe, tangy kiwis, sweet strawberries, and a zingy honey-lime dressing, this recipe isn’t just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes as well. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a healthy snack, this fruit salad will be the star of your table.
Inspired by the art of combining seasonal fruits, this salad brings out the best in every ingredient. The simple yet flavorful honey-lime dressing ties it all together, enhancing the sweetness of the fruits while adding a zesty twist. The result is a perfectly balanced dish that’s both light and satisfying.
What sets this fruit salad apart is its adaptability. You can mix and match fruits based on what’s available or to cater to your preferences. Whether you're preparing it for a picnic, a family gathering, or a solo indulgence, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion
- Refreshing and light, making it a great treat
- Can be prepared in advance for convenience
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Common fruits in this salad are blueberries, strawberries, grapes, mandarins, maraschino cherries, and pineapple tidbits. You'll need 8 oz. of Cool Whip and 1 packet (3.4 oz) of pudding mix. You can also add marshmallows for extra creaminess.
For a nice crunch, add nuts and shredded coconut like pecans or walnuts. Chill the salad for an hour before serving to bring out the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for gatherings: Serve this fruit salad at barbecues, picnics, or brunches.
- As a snack: Portion it into smaller containers for a quick, healthy snack throughout the week.
- Dessert upgrade: Pair with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage Instructions
Store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For optimal freshness, toss it again before serving.
This fruit salad recipe combines the best of sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors into one vibrant dish. Its simplicity makes it accessible to anyone, while its versatility allows you to customize it endlessly. The honey-lime dressing is the perfect finishing touch, transforming a bowl of fruits into a masterpiece of flavors. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want a healthy treat, this is undeniably the best fruit salad you’ll ever make.
Discover how to make the best fruit salad with a medley of fresh fruits and a zesty honey-lime dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe is a must-try!
- 1 cantaloupe cantaloupe (peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 mangoes mangoes (peeled and chopped)
- 2 cups red grapes (sliced in half)
- 5 kiwis (peeled and diced)
- 2 cups strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1 pineapple (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/2 tsp lime zest
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Cantaloupe: Cut the top and bottom off the cantaloupe, slice it in half, scoop out the seeds, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Mangoes: Peel and slice around the pit to create "mango cheeks." Dice into chunks.
- Grapes: Slice in half for easier eating.
- Kiwis: Trim the ends, peel, and chop into small pieces.
- Strawberries: Remove the green tops, then slice into halves or quarters.
- Pineapple: Check ripeness by pulling a leaf (it should come out easily), then peel, core, and chop.
- Blueberries: Leave whole for added texture.
- Zest and juice a lime into a small bowl.
- Add honey to the lime juice and zest. Whisk until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, add all the prepared fruits.
- Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the top.
- Gently toss the salad to coat the fruits evenly without mashing them.
- Refrigerate the fruit salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 216.87kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.06g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.16g1%
- Sodium 16.75mg1%
- Potassium 751.05mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 54.95g19%
- Dietary Fiber 6.47g26%
- Sugars 44.2g
- Protein 3.11g7%
- Vitamin A 178.79 IU
- Vitamin C 179.27 mg
- Calcium 57.42 mg
- Iron 1.11 mg
- Vitamin E 1.74 IU
- Vitamin K 33.51 mcg
- Thiamin 0.19 mg
- Riboflavin 0.13 mg
- Niacin 2.12 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.37 mg
- Folate 94.56 mcg
- Phosphorus 66.48 mg
- Magnesium 47.48 mmol
- Zinc 0.52 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose seasonal fruits: For the best flavor, pick fruits that are in season and at peak ripeness.
- Uniform cutting: Ensure fruits are cut into bite-sized, uniform pieces for easy eating and even mixing.
- Prevent sogginess: Avoid overly ripe fruits that can turn mushy in the salad.
- Customizable: Swap or add fruits like peaches, blackberries, or oranges depending on your preferences.