This Fruit Salad Recipe is a mix of fresh fruits tossed in a simple three-ingredient dressing, perfect for potlucks, parties, or any meal.
This salad is the perfect side for summer meals, from steak to grilled chicken.
author’s note
The Dressing Everyone Asked About!
Growing up, my mom served fruit salad with dinner all the time. Sometimes it was fresh fruit, sometimes it involved whipped topping & Jell-O, like this Orange Fluff Salad, and I loved every version! She used whatever was ripe or on sale, so it was always a little different.
This fruit salad recipe is my favorite combination, but the three-ingredient dressing is what makes it so good. I brought it to a party, and people kept asking what I’d added to the fruit. A few said it tasted like Starburst candies, which is about the best compliment a bowl of fruit could get!
And the dressing couldn’t be easier. Just shake it up, toss it with the fruit, and you’re ready to go. Mom had the right idea: use what you have and make it your own!
For colder weather, try this winter fruit salad, or for a dessert-style option, try this berry cheesecake salad.
Best Fruits To Put In A Fruit Salad
| Fruit / Component | How to Choose or Use It |
|---|---|
| 🍍 Pineapple | Pick one that smells sweet at the bottom. That means it’s ripe and juicy. |
| 🥝 Kiwis | Choose ones that are slightly soft to the touch. Firm ones are underripe. |
| 🍇 Grapes | Go for seedless, plump grapes. Wrinkled ones are older and less juicy. |
| 🍊 Clementines | Fresh is best, but canned mandarin oranges work great too. |
| 🍓 Blueberries & Strawberries | Check the bottom of the pack to make sure there’s no mold. |
| 🍋 Citrus Dressing | Shake everything together in a mason jar and drizzle before serving. |
chelsea’s recipe tips
Tips For The Best Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Early: Wash and chill fruit a few hours ahead—cold fruit tastes better!
- Use Seasonal Fruits: Choose what’s in season for the best flavor and price.
- Mix Fruit: Combine juicy fruits with firmer ones.
Storage
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- This fruit salad recipe is best same day, but it stays good for 2–4 days in the fridge.
- Make it ahead of time? Prep a few hours early, refrigerate, and toss before serving.
- Can you freeze it? Yes, but it’s best for smoothies or cooking after thawing.
More Fruit Salad Recipes:
Fruit Salads
Tropical Fruit Salad (3-Ingredient Dressing!)
Green Salads
Grapefruit Salad
Salads
Mandarin Orange Salad
Fruit Salad Recipe
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed fresh pineapple
- 2 cups thinly sliced strawberries tops removed
- 1 cup thinly sliced kiwi peeled, 3 kiwis
- 2 cups seedless grapes red or green
- 1 cup clementine oranges 3 clementines
- 2 cups blueberries 1 pint
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 orange (1 tsp zest; 2 tbsp juice)
- 1 lemon (1 tsp zest; 2 tbsp juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Add dressing ingredients to a wide-mouth mason jar, including 1 teaspoon each: orange zest and lemon zest and 2 tablespoons each: orange juice and lemon juice. Shake to combine. Stir if needed to keep honey from settling at bottom.
- Prepare fruit. Wash and completely dry (else dressing won’t stick). Cube pineapple into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice strawberries, peel and thinly slice kiwis, remove grapes from stem, peel and segment clementines.If time permits, chill prepared (and undressed) fruit ahead of time in fridge.
- Combine all the fruit in a very large bowl. Drizzle dressing on top, adding to preference. Toss gently to coat. Enjoy immediately or pop in fridge to allow flavors to meld. Stir again before enjoying.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Fruit Salad Recipe FAQs
Fresh is best. Frozen fruit gets mushy and watery once thawed.
Add delicate fruits (like bananas) last, and don’t toss with the dressing until right before serving. Keep everything chilled.
Up to 3 days ahead. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge and shake before using.
Looks great, How many servings does this make?
I have a party of 75 to make for.
It serves 8-10 as a good side helping 🙂
@can you prepare the night befor
I like it best the same day! If you make ahead– prep just the fruit an dressing but keep separate and add the dressing the next day!
This looks amazing! How far in advance can the dressing be made?
You can make it up a couple days in advance!
What a gorgeous salad!
My family and I love a great fruit salad. The dressing sounds divine! Thanks for linking got the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party! So glad you are here!
I like fruit salad! Light sweet treat 🙂
It doesn’t get much better than a beautiful bowlful of fresh fruit — I love fruit salads! I think I could probably drink that dressing out of a glass, it sounds so delicious! 🙂 Pinning.
I love seeing this fruit salad because 1) It’s beautiful 2) that dressing and 3) fruit salad means warmer weather is coming!!!
Thanks Chris!
I love fruit salads – especially during the warmer weather!
Okay sending now! 😉
Chelsea I love how colourful this salad is! The fruit looks so juicy and delicious!