Summer Fruit Salad

Posted May 20, 2022, Updated Feb 17, 2024

5 from 2 votes

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In this summer fruit salad recipe, the best, in-season summer fruit is tossed in a simple honey lemon dressing to keep it from browning. A fresh and healthy side dish for BBQs and potlucks!

Summer is just the best – especially because of all the amazing fruits that are in season. We go to our local farmer’s market every week to purchase our favorite fruit to make this summer fruit salad recipe.

This is such a simple recipe because the goal is to let the fresh fruit take the spotlight and really shine. So, your favorite fruits are tossed in a simple honey & lemon dressing for the most delicious fruit salad.

Serve it to a crowd at BBQs, potlucks, etc. along with our easy coleslaw recipe, burrata salad, fruit pizza, etc.

overhead view of a bowl of Summer Fruit Salad with a fork

Summer Fruit Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions

Fruit. I used a combination of our favorite in-season summer fruits. You can switch it up and use your favorites. Some suggestions include: mangoes, grapes, nectarines, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, etc.
Lemon juice. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice or bottled.
Honey. agave or maple syrup can be used in place of honey.

If you landed here in the cooler months – check out this recipe for my winter fruit salad!

overhead photo of the ingredients in this fruit salad recipe

How to Make Fruit Salad

Let’s walk through how to make fruit salad step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Begin by making the simple honey lemon dressing by whisking the two ingredients together in a small bowl.

Summer Fruit Salad Dressing in a bowl with a whisk

Then, in a large bowl, combine the peaches, pineapple cherries, blueberries and strawberries.

photo showing How to Make Fruit Salad - fruit in a bowl

Next, drizzle the dressing over the fruit and stir until it’s evenly distributed.

two photos showing How to Make Fruit Salad - adding dressing and stirring

Gently stir in the raspberries and blackberries. I prefer to add these in after the rest of the fruit is dressed to keep them from being crushed.

How to Make Fruit Salad - adding berries to the salad.

Then, cover the serving bowl and chill for at least 1 hour, then serve. You can serve it immediately, but I like to give it time to chill so the flavors blend together.

How to Make Fruit Salad - stirred salad ready to be chilled

Serve

Serve the summer fruit salad slightly chilled with your favorite dishes. It’s a great side dish to serve at a special breakfast or brunch (check out all our breakfast recipes).

Or, serve it at a BBQ with recipes like hamburgers, grilled BBQ chicken, BBQ chicken sandwiches, coleslaw, mac and cheese, etc.

Fruit Salad Recipe in a serving bowl with a spoon

Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The dressing keeps the fruit fresh and prevents it from browning.

summer Fruit Salad in a bowl with a fork

Fruit Salad Recipe FAQS

What fruit is best in the summer?

Here is a list of all the best in-season summer fruits :
Pineapple
Peaches
Cherries
Blueberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Blackberries
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Honeydew

What is fruit salad dressing made of?

This simple fruit salad dressing is made of only 2 ingredients, lemon juice and honey.

How long does fruit salad last?

This recipe lasts for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Does lemon juice keep fruit salad fresh?

Yes, the lemon juice helps prevent browning and keeps the salad fresh.

front view of summer fruit salad in a bowl with a fork

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