Summer Fruit Salad Mix

Category: Fresh & Vibrant Salads

This summer fruit mix combines juicy strawberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, kiwi, berries, grapes, and pomegranate seeds, bringing a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Zesty lime zest and juice blend harmoniously with honey and chopped mint to enhance the natural freshness. Lightly tossed and garnished with extra mint leaves or edible flowers, this vibrant mix shines as a refreshing choice for warm days and casual gatherings. It’s best served chilled soon after preparation to maintain the fruit’s texture and vibrant flavor.

A woman wearing a pink apron is cutting a cake.
Updated on Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:55:01 GMT
A bowl of fruit with strawberries, raspberries, and mango. Pin
A bowl of fruit with strawberries, raspberries, and mango. | easydiyrecipes.com

This Summer Fruit Salad bursts with juicy berries, stone fruits, and a lively honey-lime mint dressing. When hot days hit, I crave something naturally sweet and hydrating, just like this fresh, colorful platter. It is my go-to for backyard BBQs, brunch spreads, or simply to brighten up a weekday lunch.

The first time I made this, the kids could not wait for dessert. Now every summer party starts with a giant bowl front and center. It is so easy but feels special.

Ingredients

  • Strawberries: sliced for juicy sweetness look for bright red without soft spots
  • Nectarines and peaches: stoned and sliced bring rich color and floral notes pick fruit that gives a little with gentle pressure
  • Plums: stoned and sliced add tartness and a little bite deep red or purple ones are extra pretty
  • Kiwi fruits: peeled and sliced offer tropical tang a kiwi should yield slightly when pressed
  • Blueberries: plump and bursting choose firm and deep blue berries
  • Grapes: any variety brings a crisp snap use seedless for easy eating
  • Blackberries: for berry flavor and a beautiful deep color check for glossy unbroken skins
  • Pomegranate seeds: tiny bursts of tang select deep red arils
  • Lime zest and juice: for a bright tone choose a lime heavy for its size with glossy skin
  • Honey: gives a gentle floral sweetness wildflower or clover honey works great
  • Mint leaves: finely chopped for a cooling lift fresh and fragrant mint makes all the difference
  • Edible flowers: optional but create a stunning presentation choose pesticide free blooms

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fruit:
Wash all fruit thoroughly. Remove stones from peaches nectarines and plums. Peel kiwis. Slice strawberries nectarines peaches plums and kiwis. Leave blueberries grapes and blackberries whole unless large. Scatter all fruit in a large serving bowl or arrange on a platter.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl add lime zest finely grated for aromatic oils then squeeze in lime juice avoiding seeds. Stir in honey for smoothness. Add chopped fresh mint. Whisk briskly until fully blended and fragrant.
Dress and Toss:
Drizzle dressing evenly over fruit in the bowl. Using clean hands or two large spoons gently toss just enough to coat every piece without bruising.
Add Garnish and Serve:
Scatter additional mint leaves over the salad and top with edible flowers if using for a festive effect. Serve right away or chill up to thirty minutes for a cool refreshing bite.
A bowl of fruit with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Pin
A bowl of fruit with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. | easydiyrecipes.com

Mint is my favorite part. It reminds me of my grandmother picking fresh spearmint from her garden to finish fruit salad. Now my kids love helping with this step and always nibble the leaves.

Storage Tips

Summer Fruit Salad tastes best the same day you make it but you can refrigerate it for up to two days in an airtight container. Sometimes the juice collects at the bottom so give it a gentle toss right before serving if made ahead.

Ingredient Substitutions

No worry if you do not have every fruit listed. Try mango or pineapple for a tropical swap. Cherries or raspberries blend in beautifully. Maple syrup can replace honey if you need a vegan version. Substitute fresh basil for mint if you want a peppery twist.

A bowl of fruit with strawberries, oranges, and blueberries. Pin
A bowl of fruit with strawberries, oranges, and blueberries. | easydiyrecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

Pile this salad high in a glass trifle bowl layered for a gorgeous centerpiece. Spoon over vanilla yogurt for breakfast or dessert. For a backyard dinner serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a fresh contrast.

Cultural Context

Mixing summer fruit with honey citrus and herbs is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine where fresh simple flavors steal the show. This style of salad also features at American cookouts for its cooling and crowd pleasing nature.

Recipe FAQs

→ What fruits are best for a summer fruit salad?

A combination of seasonal fruits like strawberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, kiwi, blueberries, grapes, blackberries, and pomegranate seeds offers a colorful and flavorful mix.

→ How is the dressing prepared for this fruit mix?

The dressing is made by whisking together lime zest, lime juice, honey, and finely chopped mint leaves to create a zesty, sweet, and refreshing complement.

→ Can this fruit mix be prepared in advance?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes before serving to keep it chilled and refreshing without losing texture.

→ What garnishes work well with this fruit combination?

Fresh mint leaves and edible flowers add an aromatic touch and vibrant appearance, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

→ How should leftover fruit mix be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the fruit may soften and release juices, slightly altering the texture.

Summer Fruit Salad Mix

Fresh seasonal fruits combined with a zesty lime-honey dressing and a hint of mint for a light, vibrant dish.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Salads

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Fruit

01 12 medium strawberries, sliced
02 2 large nectarines, stoned and sliced
03 2 large peaches, stoned and sliced
04 3 medium plums, stoned and sliced
05 2 medium kiwi fruits, peeled and sliced
06 120 ml blueberries
07 240 ml grapes
08 240 ml blackberries
09 60 ml pomegranate seeds

→ Dressing

10 Zest of 1 medium lime
11 Juice of 1 medium lime
12 30 ml honey
13 8 mint leaves, finely chopped

→ Garnish

14 Edible flowers (optional)
15 Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Thoroughly wash all fruit and stone or peel as required. Slice strawberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, and kiwi fruits evenly.

Step 02

Place the sliced strawberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, kiwi fruit, blueberries, grapes, blackberries, and pomegranate seeds into a large serving bowl or platter.

Step 03

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime zest, lime juice, honey, and finely chopped mint leaves until the dressing is fully emulsified.

Step 04

Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the assembled fruit and gently toss to evenly coat all pieces without bruising.

Step 05

Decorate the salad with extra fresh mint leaves and edible flowers if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 30 minutes for a chilled presentation.

Notes

  1. For optimal freshness, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within two days to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy.

Tools Required

  • Large serving bowl or platter
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 155
  • Fats: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 3 g