Description
This Classic Fresh Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing mix of pineapple, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, kiwis, mandarin oranges, and bananas, all tossed in a zesty citrus-honey dressing enhanced with lemon zest and poppy seeds. Perfect as a healthy snack or a delightful dessert, this fruit salad delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a nutritious everyday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- â…“ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Fruit
- 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 cups grapes, halved
- 2 cups blueberries, washed and patted dry
- 4 medium kiwis, peeled, halved and sliced
- 3 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 medium bananas, peeled and sliced
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Whisk together fresh lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, honey, olive oil (if using), and poppy seeds until well combined. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the salad: In a large bowl, gently toss all the prepared fruit—pineapple chunks, sliced strawberries, halved grapes, blueberries, sliced kiwis, mandarin orange segments, and banana slices—with the chilled dressing. Be careful to mix gently to avoid mashing the soft fruit. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one day.
Notes
- Use very ripe but firm fruit for the best texture and flavor balance.
- The olive oil in the dressing is optional; it adds a subtle richness but can be omitted for a lighter salad.
- Serve immediately after tossing to preserve the freshness and texture of the fruits, especially bananas which can brown quickly.
- Leftovers should be consumed within a day to maintain optimal freshness and avoid sogginess.
- Feel free to customize the fruit selection based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
