Name: Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup fresh orange juice; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest; 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups cubed fresh pineapple; 2 cups strawberries (hulled and quartered); 3 kiwi fruit (peeled and sliced); 6 ounces blackberries; 2 oranges (peeled and sectioned); 1 cup seedless red grapes (halved); 2 cups blueberries; Fruit Salad sauce (prepared in the instructions)

Jump to Recipe

This Easy Fruit Salad Recipe is a symphony of vibrant flavors and juicy fruits, brought together with a sweet citrus dressing that makes every bite feel like a special treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, picnics, or even as a refreshing dessert, it comes together quickly with colorful, fresh ingredients. This truly is the kind of fuss-free recipe you’ll want to keep handy whenever you need something simple, delicious, and guaranteed to wow a crowd!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s magical about this Easy Fruit Salad Recipe is that every ingredient has a role to play — whether it’s adding a pop of color, a burst of tang, or that juicy sweetness we all crave. The fresh juices, ripe fruit, and a touch of vanilla work together to create a salad that’s as beautiful as it is irresistible.

Fresh orange juice: Bright and citrusy, this is the base of the tangy dressing that lifts every other flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds an extra hit of zesty freshness that balances the overall sweetness.
Brown sugar (packed): Gives the dressing its lovely amber richness and a subtle hint of caramel.
Grated orange zest: Intensifies the orange aroma and infuses the syrup with natural oils.
Grated lemon zest: Gives a small but mighty punch of citrus fragrance throughout the salad.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, making every bite taste comforting and special.
Cubed fresh pineapple: Juicy and sweet-tart, pineapple is essential for that vacation-in-a-bowl vibe.
Strawberries (hulled and quartered): Vibrant and classic, they lend a bold red pop and gentle sweetness.
Kiwi fruit (peeled and sliced): Their brilliant green and unique tangy flavor really wake up the mix.
Blackberries: Soft, juicy, and slightly tart, they add color and an irresistible burst of summer.
Oranges (peeled and sectioned): Succulent and sweet, orange sections echo the flavors in the dressing.
Seedless red grapes (halved): Grapes offer juicy crunch and beautiful color contrast in every spoonful.
Blueberries: Little bites of blue that bring a gentle sweet-tartness and plenty of antioxidants.

How to Make Easy Fruit Salad Recipe

Step 1: Make the citrus syrup

Begin by combining the orange juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. This blend will become the magic syrup that envelops every piece of fruit, infusing it with vibrant flavor and shine.

Step 2: Simmer and thicken the syrup

Once your mixture is bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring every so often. You’ll notice the syrup becoming slightly thicker and taking on a glossy finish. This is when all those fruity, sweet, and zesty flavors come together beautifully.

Step 3: Add vanilla and let cool

Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract—the kitchen will instantly fill with a cozy, comforting aroma! Set the syrup aside to cool completely, so it won’t wilt the fresh fruit when you combine them later.

Step 4: Prepare the fruit

While the syrup is cooling, add your cubed pineapple, quartered strawberries, sliced kiwi, blackberries, orange sections, halved grapes, and blueberries into a large mixing bowl. The more colorful and evenly sized the pieces, the more stunning your Easy Fruit Salad Recipe will turn out. This is a great time to let little helpers join in too!

Step 5: Dress and toss

When the syrup has cooled, pour it gently over the fruit. Using a big spoon or your clean hands, toss the fruit until every piece is wonderfully coated in the citrus-vanilla glaze. Take care not to break up the softer fruits as you mix; you want each piece to maintain its natural shape and texture.

Step 6: Chill before serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for 3–4 hours. This resting time lets all those delicious juices mingle with the fruit, elevating your Easy Fruit Salad Recipe to lip-smacking perfection. The result is a cool, refreshing treat that’s ready to impress!

How to Serve Easy Fruit Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a pretty finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra whole berries, a sprig of fresh mint, or a bit more orange zest on top just before serving. These garnishes add not only a pop of color but also an extra layer of flavor and fragrance to the Easy Fruit Salad Recipe.

Side Dishes

This fruit salad is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it alongside a fluffy stack of pancakes, a creamy yogurt parfait, or even as a bright counterpoint to savory brunch dishes like quiche or breakfast sausages. Its citrus-kissed flavors pair beautifully with almost any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the usual bowl presentation by serving your Easy Fruit Salad Recipe in individual mason jars, hollowed-out pineapples, or even elegant cocktail glasses. For a party, set out small cups and fun spoons so guests can help themselves to a picture-perfect portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply transfer your Easy Fruit Salad Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. The flavors often get even better after a day, but be sure to enjoy within 2–3 days for best freshness and texture.

Freezing

Freezing this fruit salad isn’t recommended, as the fruits can lose their delightful texture after thawing. However, if you have a surplus, consider blending leftovers into a smoothie for a chilly treat instead!

Reheating

There’s actually no need to reheat your Easy Fruit Salad Recipe! It’s meant to be enjoyed straight from the fridge, at its most crisp and refreshing. If you’d like, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, but cold is best.

FAQs

Can I use different fruits in this Easy Fruit Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with whatever fruits are in season or your favorites. Think mango, peaches, raspberries, or even apples—just try to use a colorful variety for the prettiest presentation.

How far in advance can I make the salad?

You can make the Easy Fruit Salad Recipe up to a day ahead. In fact, letting it chill overnight allows the flavors to develop even further! Add any delicate or extra juicy fruits just before serving for best results.

Can I use bottled juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed juice really makes a difference in terms of flavor and brightness. If you’re short on time, bottled juice will work, but try to find varieties without added sugar or preservatives for the closest match to the original.

How can I prevent the fruit from becoming mushy?

Toss the salad gently and chill it right after dressing the fruit. Avoid over-mixing, and add especially soft fruits (like banana or raspberries) at the last minute to keep everything looking and tasting fresh.

Is this Easy Fruit Salad Recipe good for kids?

Definitely! Kids love picking out their favorite fruits, and the naturally sweet, tangy flavors are a huge hit. It’s a fun, healthy option for lunchboxes or as a colorful addition to birthday parties.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about sharing a bowl of this Easy Fruit Salad Recipe with friends or family. Bursting with fresh flavor and gorgeous color, it’s always a hit and comes together in no time. I hope you’ll feel inspired to try it soon and make it your own—here’s to lots of happy, fruity moments around your table!

Easy Fruit Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Fruit Salad Recipe is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines a medley of fresh fruits with a sweet citrus dressing. Perfect for a light and healthy dessert or a colorful side dish.

Instructions

Citrus Dressing: Bring orange juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.

Prepare Fruit Salad: Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.

4. Add the pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, blackberries, grapes, and blueberries to a large bowl.

5. Pour the cooled sauce over the fruit. Toss to coat.

6. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours before serving.

Notes

You can customize this fruit salad by adding your favorite fruits or adjusting the sweetness of the dressing to suit your taste.
For a tropical twist, consider adding mango chunks or coconut flakes to the salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert, Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American