Simple Summer Fruit Salad With a Honey Dressing
Celebrate the flavors of summer with this vibrant and refreshing Summer Fruit Salad, also known as the Red, White, and Blue Salad. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this salad is the perfect way to enjoy the seasonโs freshest fruits.
This Summer Fruit Salad is the perfect summer side dish, combining the freshest, in-season fruits with a tangy honey citrus dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with vibrant colors and flavors that complement any main course. Ideal for a summer BBQ, this salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and other picnic favorites, making it a crowd-pleaser that adds a healthy and delicious touch to your outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- For the Salad
- 6 ounces blackberries
- 6 ounces blueberries
- 6 ounces raspberries
- 10 strawberries, chopped
- 3 apples, chopped
Variations for This Summer Salad
This Summer Fruit Salad is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes or the fruits you have on hand.
- Add chunks of fresh pineapple, mango, or kiwi fruit to the mix for a tropical twist.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, fold in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk.
- Stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and cherries can also be delicious additions, bringing a juicy and sweet contrast to the berries.
- For a bit of crunch, sprinkle in some chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
- Adding a handful of pomegranate seeds can introduce a pop of color and a tart flavor, while fresh herbs like mint or basil can elevate the salad with a refreshing aromatic note.
The endless possibilities make this summer fruit salad a delightful and adaptable dish for any occasion.
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the honey, orange juice, orange zest, and lemon zest.
- Combine the Fruit: Add all the prepared fruit in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Together: Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently combine until the fruit is evenly coated with the syrup.
Summer Fruit Salad
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ยผ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- zest of 1 lemon
- zest of 1 orange
- 6 ounces blackberries
- 6 ounces blueberries
- 6 ounces raspberries
- 10 strawberries chopped
- 3 apples chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, orange juice, orange zest, and lemon zest.
- In a large bowl, add the fruit.
- Pour the syrup over the fruit and gently combine.
Nutrition
Handy Tips
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add up to 2 more tablespoons of honey (1/4 cup total).
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to add any fruit you like. Bananas, grapes, melon, and more can be great additions to this versatile salad.
- Storage:ย Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can also be chilled for a few hours before serving.
On-the-Go Option
Pack this delightful salad into pint-sized Mason jars for a convenient, portable snack. Itโs perfect for picnics, summer BBQs, or a healthy treat on the go.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Summer Fruit Salad is the perfect side dish for any summer gathering, BBQ, or picnic. Itโs light, refreshing, and packed with the seasonโs best fruits. Combining fresh berries and apples with a tangy citrus dressing makes it a healthy and delicious crowd-pleaser.
The More You Know
Here are some good resources about fruit:
- Strawberries: Healthy (WebMd), Reasons To Eat (Cleveland Clinic)
- Blackberries: The Complete Guide To Growing Blackberries
- Blueberries: US Highbush Blueberry Council, Health Benefits of Blueberries
- Raspberries: Raspberries 101