This fruit salad is a celebration of nature’s candy—ripe, colorful fruits tossed in a light citrus-honey dressing that enhances their natural sweetness without overpowering. It’s the perfect dish for brunches, picnics, or a healthy dessert that still feels indulgent. The combination of berries, tropical fruits, and citrus creates a symphony of textures and flavors: crisp, juicy, tangy, and sweet. The dressing adds a glossy finish and a hint of zest that makes each bite pop. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable and comes together in minutes.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments
- 1 banana, sliced (add just before serving)
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
For the Citrus-Honey Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prep the Fruit
Wash and dry all fruit thoroughly. Hull the strawberries, halve the grapes, peel and slice the kiwi and banana, and segment the mandarin oranges. Cut pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Place all fruit (except banana) in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, honey, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This dressing adds brightness and helps the fruit release its juices naturally.
3. Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the fruit in the bowl. Gently toss with a large spoon or spatula to coat evenly. Be careful not to crush the berries or kiwi slices.
4. Add Banana and Mint
Just before serving, fold in the banana slices to prevent browning. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing aroma and a pop of green.
5. Chill and Serve
You can serve the salad immediately or chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. If chilling longer, hold off on adding banana and mint until just before serving.
🍽️ Tips & Variations:
- Fruit Swap: Use mango, papaya, or watermelon for a tropical twist. Apples and pears work too—just toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Sugar-Free Option: Replace honey with a sugar-free syrup or omit it entirely—the fruit is sweet enough!
- Creamy Version: Add a dollop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for a dessert-style salad.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds for texture and richness.
- Make-Ahead: Prep fruit and dressing separately. Combine just before serving to keep everything fresh.
This salad is a burst of sunshine in a bowl—light, luscious, and full of flavor. Want to turn it into a layered parfait or pair it with a tropical dessert? I’ve got ideas that’ll make your next gathering unforgettable.