Happy & Healthy Fresh Summer Fruit Salad

Summer is here! I appreciate side dishes I don’t have to actively cook when the weather is scorching. This Happy & Healthy Fresh Summer Fruit Salad makes the perfect side to bring to a barbecue or just to keep in your fridge as a refreshing, healthy treat. The “sauce” requires just a few minutes of stove time. However, the rest is made up of raw, juicy, delicious fruit. This salad and sauce are gluten-free, dairy-free, and easily made paleo!

EQUIPMENT

• A citrus zester or the superfine side of a cheese grater
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium sauce pan
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

INGREDIENTS FOR HAPPY & HEALTHY FRESH SUMMER FRUIT SALAD

For the sauce:

• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (sub coconut sugar if paleo)
• 2/3 cup orange juice
• 1 tsp zest of an orange
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the salad:

• 1 cup blackberries
• 2 cups grapes
• 2 cups blueberries, fresh
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 3 mandarin oranges, peeled divided into sections
• 1/2 of a seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into cubes

Optional:

• 2 bananas, sliced
• 3 kiwis, peeled and sliced

How to Make Fresh Summer Fruit Salad?

Step 1:

Firstly, in a medium sauce pan, whisk together lemon juice, orange juice, sugar, & orange zest.

Step 2:

Secondly, over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low and let the liquid simmer until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Then remove from heat, and set aside to cool.

Step 3:

Next, layer fruit one kind at a time in any order you’d like into the mixing bowl. Then once it’s cooled, pour the sauce mixture over the fruit. Cover the bowl tightly with foil, saran wrap, or a lid. You’ll want to refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours.

Step 3:

Lastly, mix fruit together well with sauce before serving and enjoy!

Tips

• Taste the sauce as you’re making it and adjust the amount of sugar accordingly. Some fruits may be sweeter than others
• Let the fruit salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
• Fruit salad is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a day or two for the best quality.

Looking for something to make with a fruit salad? Try some Life Changing Chicken Nuggets or delicious grilled chicken made with a paleo marinade (instructions for baking and air-frying are included)!

Some Variations you may try!

• Banana Bliss: Mix in sliced bananas for a tasty and creamy salad.
• Avocado: Add chunks of ripe avocado for a creamy, nutrient-packed salad. Avocado adds a smooth texture to the salad.
• Lime: use lime juice and zest for the lemon for a different citrus taste. Lime will give the salad a tangy delicious taste.

Conclusion

This Fresh Summer Fruit Salad is a tasty and refreshing meal perfect for hot summer days. As summer is very soon, now we are in May, you can make this salad easily, Packed with a variety of juicy fruits and topped with a delicious, healthy dressing, this salad is not only tasty but also full of vitamins and nutrients.

You can have your salad with different fruits to keep things interesting and find your favorite combination. The simple preparation and beautiful presentation make this salad a great addition to any meal. Enjoy the fresh, juicy flavors and share this delicious recipe with friends and family.