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The Easiest & Most Refreshing Fruit Salad Recipe

This incredibly easy fruit salad recipe is elevated by a simple citrus dressing, making it perfect as a healthy breakfast side, vibrant dessert, or crowd-pleasing dish for any gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl For dressing
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon or spatula For tossing
  • Airtight container For storing

Ingredients
  

Fruit Salad

  • 1 pineapple Choose one that smells sweet at the bottom and gives slightly when squeezed.
  • 16 ounces strawberries Look for bright red, plump berries.
  • 5 kiwis Make sure they're ripe but not mushy. They should yield to gentle pressure.
  • 1 pint blueberries Sweet little bursts of flavor!
  • 2 cups red grapes Seedless is usually easiest!
  • 2 cups green grapes A nice contrast in color and tartness.

Simple Citrus Dressing

  • 0.25 cup brown sugar or honey, agave, or maple syrup Your favorite sweetener works! Adjust to your taste.
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice Freshly squeezed is chef's kiss, but good quality store-bought works too.
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest Adds that bright, citrusy punch.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest A little extra zing!

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh mint Chiffonaded mint adds a lovely, fresh aroma and pop of green.

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Fruit: First things first, wash all your fruit thoroughly. This is important! Then, get to chopping. Peel and core the pineapple, cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Hull and slice the strawberries. Peel the kiwis and slice them into rounds or halves. Leave the grapes whole, or halve them if they're very large. No need to chop the blueberries!
  • Combine the Fruit: Gently place all the prepped fruit into a large mixing bowl. Be careful not to bruise the softer fruits.
  • Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl or glass, whisk together your chosen sweetener (brown sugar, honey, etc.), the orange juice, orange zest, and lemon zest. Whisk until the sweetener is dissolved, especially if using brown sugar. Taste it and adjust the sweetness or tartness if you like – maybe a little more OJ?
  • Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing evenly over the fruit in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together using a large spoon or rubber spatula until all the fruit is lightly coated in that magical dressing. You want every piece to get some of that zesty goodness!
  • Chill (Optional but Recommended!): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This lets the flavors meld beautifully and makes it extra refreshing.
  • Garnish and Serve: When you're ready to serve, give it another gentle stir. If using, sprinkle the fresh mint over the top just before serving for that extra touch of freshness and beauty.

Notes

Use fruit that is ripe but not over ripe. Be gentle when tossing the fruit with the dressing to avoid bruising. Chilling time (at least 30 minutes to an hour) allows the flavors to meld and makes it extra refreshing. You can prep the fruit and dressing separately a few hours ahead, but combine them just before serving (or up to an hour before chilling). Avoid adding fruits like bananas, apples, or pears too early as they tend to brown quickly; if using them, add just before serving.