A fruit salad is the sort of dish that takes almost no effort but brings a splash of colour and flavour to any table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm afternoon, serving it as a light dessert after dinner, or packing it up for a picnic, a good fruit salad never goes out of style. And my go-to version? I like to call it Fabulous Fruit Salad. It’s refreshing, sweet, and a little bit tangy – exactly what you want in a bowl of mixed fruit.
My version includes strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, apple, orange and pear. These fruits were chosen not just for their bright colours and juicy goodness, but because they each bring something special to the mix. Strawberries add a pop of red and that lovely burst of sweetness. They’re always a favourite with kids and grown-ups alike. Kiwis, with their zingy green flesh and tiny seeds, give a tart contrast and a soft texture that balances well with crunchier fruits.
Pineapple is the real star to me – it’s sharp, juicy, and has a tropical feel that lifts the whole salad. I always try to pick a ripe one, as the natural sweetness really pulls everything together. Then there’s the humble apple, which adds crunch and freshness. I usually leave the skin on for extra texture and a bit of colour. Oranges bring in that citrusy tang and juicy segments that burst with flavour. And the pears – soft, sweet, and slightly floral – round everything off so nicely.
The beauty of fruit salad, though, is that it’s endlessly flexible. You can swap in whatever fruits you have on hand or whatever’s in season. Grapes work wonderfully, especially the seedless kind – they’re easy to eat and add a juicy crunch. Blueberries and raspberries are also great additions if you have them; they give a lovely pop of colour and a little tartness. Mango adds a tropical richness, and banana, though it can go soft quickly, brings a creamy sweetness if you’re eating the salad right away.
In cooler months, I sometimes toss in segments of clementines or slices of persimmon for a seasonal twist. Even pomegranate seeds make an appearance now and again – they’re like little jewels that pop with flavour and look beautiful scattered on top.
I usually give everything a gentle mix just before serving, and that’s it. No syrups, no dressing, no extras. The fruit speaks for itself. Sometimes, I chill the bowl in the fridge for an hour before serving – it just makes the fruit even more refreshing.
Fabulous Fruit Salad is one of those dishes that never lets me down. It’s colourful, it’s tasty, and it makes me feel like I’m doing something good for myself – all while enjoying something absolutely delicious. If you haven’t made one in a while, give it a go. You might just fall in love with fruit all over again.
Fabulous Fruit Salad
Ingredients
Optional Extras
- ½ cup grapes red or green, halved
- ½ cup blueberries or raspberries
- ½ medium mango peeled and diced
- 1 large banana sliced (add just before serving)
- 1 tbsp coconut shredded or coconut flakes
- 1/6 bunch fresh mint chopped
- 1 drizzle honey dash of cinnamon
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and chop all fruit into bite-sized pieces.1 cup fresh strawberries, 2 medium kiwis, 1 cup pineapple, 1 large apple, 1 large orange, 1 large pear, ½ cup grapes, ½ cup blueberries, ½ medium mango
- Try to make the pieces similar in size so everything mixes evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the fruits. If using banana, add it last to prevent it from going too soft.1 large banana
- Add a light squeeze of lemon or orange juice to brighten the flavours and keep the apples and pears from browning.1/2 large lemon
- Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, or serve immediately for a fresh, juicy treat.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with your chosen toppings like coconut flakes or fresh mint for an extra burst of flavour and texture.1 tbsp coconut, 1/6 bunch fresh mint, 1 drizzle honey