This Fresh Fruit Salad Recipe comes together with just five ingredients in a matter of minutes. Simple, refreshing, and sweet, it’s the perfect side dish, appetizer, or snack!
Nothing says summer like a fresh fruit salad. Truly, no picnic or barbecue is complete without it nestled on the table alongside a bowl of easy coleslaw, veggie pasta salad, and a pitcher of strawberry lemonade!
However, we don’t love traditional summer fruit salads slathered in fruit salad dressing. So, we simplify things and just combine fresh fruit! With five ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s quick and easy and so failproof even the kids can help make it. Plus, it’s free from unnecessary sugars or additives for a sweet treat you can feel good about – even if you eat the whole bowl.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Below is an overview of the ingredient list and instructions for this simple fruit salad recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Watermelon – Use seedless watermelon to make cutting and eating easy.
- Cantaloupe – Feel free to substitute honeydew, if preferred.
- Grapes – We like green grapes, but red grapes also work. Make sure they’re seedless!
- Blueberries – These add a pop of color and lots of nutrients.
- Pineapple – Use drained, canned pineapple. Or, cut fresh pineapple into chunks.
Tip: Save extras to make crinkle cut fruit fries, too!
How to Make an Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prepare the melon. Remove the watermelon and cantaloupe rinds. Then, cut the fruit into cubes, and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine the ingredients. Add the pineapple chunks, grapes, and blueberries. Gently stir to combine and distribute the ingredients. Now, your easy fruit salad is ready to serve!
Tip: We love to use mini cookie cutters to cut the fruit into fun shapes! It makes it extra festive for parties.
Flavor Variations
- We use fresh summer fruit, but free to mix and match any fruit you have on hand and like best! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mandarin oranges, kiwi, banana – they all taste great.
- Add in chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
- Fold in mini marshmallows for a hint of sweetness, and enjoy this recipe as a dessert.
- Drizzle a sweet orange juice glaze, lime dressing, or maple syrup on top for a more traditional recipe.
Common Questions
Can I make fruit salad ahead of time?
This recipe is best enjoyed right away while the fruit is still fresh. However, if you want to prepare in advance, you can prep all the fruit, and store them in separate airtight containers. Then, when you’re ready to eat, all you have to do is combine the ingredients, and enjoy!
When should I serve fruit salad?
There’s never a bad time to serve this recipe! It’s perfect for brunches, baby showers, bridal showers, backyard barbecues, and weeknight dinners.
What to put on fruit salad to keep it from turning brown?
Toss your fruit with lemon juice or lime juice before combining the ingredients. This will prevent oxidation, which turns fresh fruit brown.
Can I use frozen fruit for fruit salad?
We your fruit with lemon juice or lime juice before combining the ingredients. This will prevent oxidation, which turns fresh fruit brown.
How should I store leftover fresh fruit salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Did you enjoy this 5 Ingredient Fresh Fruit Salad recipe? We’d love it if you left a rating and review to let us know, and don’t forget to tag us in your recreations on Instagram!
5 Ingredient Fresh Fruit Salad Recipe
Make this 5-ingredient fresh fruit salad with nutritious summer fruit in a matter of minutes for a lightened-up version of everyone’s favorite side dish!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dessert, Salad, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 20 people
Calories 75 kcal
- 6 cups watermelon, peeled (1/2 watermelon)
- 4 cups cantaloupe, peeled
- 4 cups green grapes, washed
- 2 cups blueberries, washed
- 2 20 oz cans pineapple chunks (drained) or 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
-
Remove watermelon and cantaloupe rinds. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Add to a large bowl.
6 cups watermelon, peeled (1/2 watermelon), 4 cups cantaloupe, peeled
-
Add in pineapple chunks, grapes, and blueberries. Gently stir until all the fruit is distributed evenly. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator.
4 cups green grapes, washed, 2 cups blueberries, washed, 2 20 oz cans pineapple chunks (drained) or 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks
-
(Optional) Use mini cookie cutters to create cute shapes from the melon to place on top of the finished salad!
Ingredient Tips – Feel free to substitute other fruits in this salad. It is a very customizable recipe.
Storage Tips – This recipe is best enjoyed right away while the fruit is still fresh. However, if you want to prepare in advance, you can prep all the fruit, and store them in separate airtight containers. Then, when you’re ready to eat, combine the ingredients, and enjoy!
Serving: 1servingCalories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16g
Sammi Ricke is a talented cook with a knack for coming up with creative new ways to healthify recipes without sacrificing any of the flavor. Sammi has built a beautiful life with her high school sweetheart and enjoys her primary role as a stay-at-home mom to their two children. If Sammi’s not in her kitchen, she’s probably exploring a new hiking trail, enjoying coffee with a friend, or binge-watching the latest “Food Network” show on Netflix. Sammi’s full Bio.
