There’s something absolutely magical about a bowl of Red Fruit Salad: it’s juicy, sweet, and kissed with fresh herbs for a refreshingly bold finish. This is the kind of vibrant, summery dish that instantly brightens up your table—whether you’re hosting brunch, a backyard party, or just want to treat yourself to a little luxury on a Tuesday afternoon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Freshness: Every bite of this Red Fruit Salad is packed with juicy, ripe fruit and a pop of fresh herbs.
- Ridiculously Simple: Just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep deliver a high-impact, crowd-pleasing dish.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for brunch, picnics, barbecues—or a light dessert!
- Naturally Sweet (with a Twist!): The strawberry jam and lime juice give the salad a delightful, tangy glaze that brings everything together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Red Fruit Salad is in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor, color, and contrast. The combination of sweet fruits, zesty citrus, and fresh herbs creates a harmony that tastes like pure summer sunshine in a bowl!
- Strawberry jam or preserves: Acts as a quick glaze, boosting fruit flavor and bringing gentle sweetness to the party.
- Fresh lime juice: Adds a welcome tartness that keeps every bite bright and lifts the fruit flavors.
- Fresh mint: Sliced thin, this herb infuses the entire salad with a cool, refreshing aroma.
- Fresh basil: Unusual for fruit salads, basil lends an aromatic, slightly peppery bite that really wows.
- Watermelon: Juicy, crisp, and sweet—this is the hydrating backbone of our salad.
- Strawberries: These red jewels bring beautiful color and classic berry goodness (just be sure to hull and quarter them for perfect texture).
- Sweet cherries: When in season, cherries add deep color and luscious tart-sweet flavor; pit and halve for easier eating.
- Raspberries: Delicate and just a little tart, they round out the fruit medley and practically melt on your tongue.
Variations
This Red Fruit Salad is your canvas—feel free to riff depending on what’s ripe, what you love, or what’s in your fridge. Swapping fruits or adjusting herbs is a snap and lets you make the salad uniquely your own.
- Go Tropical: Add cubes of ripe mango, pineapple, or even dragon fruit for a surprising juicy twist.
- Add Citrus Zing: Swap lime for lemon, or add a sprinkle of orange zest for a little extra brightness.
- Make it Boozy (Adults Only): Splash in a tablespoon of Chambord, Grand Marnier, or a berry liqueur for a grown-up treat.
- Switch Up the Herbs: Try tarragon or lemon balm if you’re feeling adventurous—each herb gives the salad a totally different spin.
- Go Nutty: A sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or pistachios adds irresistible crunch and protein.
How to Make Red Fruit Salad
Step 1: Make the Herb-Lime Dressing
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—this recipe creates a generously sized salad! Add the strawberry jam or preserves, freshly squeezed lime juice, and your thinly sliced mint and basil. Whisk everything together until it forms a wonderfully aromatic, lightly syrupy dressing. This is where the magic begins, infusing each piece of fruit with flavor.
Step 2: Toss with Watermelon, Strawberries, and Cherries
To your bowl of herby dressing, add the cubed watermelon, quartered strawberries, and halved, pitted sweet cherries. Gently toss everything together with a big spoon or rubber spatula until the fruit is evenly coated and glistening with the dressing. Take care not to squash the fruit—you want big, beautiful bites!
Step 3: Fold in the Raspberries
Now for the most delicate touch—gently sprinkle in the raspberries last, and softly fold them into the salad. These berries bruise easily, so a light hand will keep them whole and gorgeous in your finished dish. Their tartness adds that final flourish.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Pop the finished Red Fruit Salad in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Chilling not only cools everything down (perfect on a hot day!), but also gives all those flavors time to meld in the most delicious way possible. Serve cold and savor every juicy, herby bite!
Pro Tips for Making Red Fruit Salad
- Gentle Mixing Matters: Always add raspberries last and fold with a light touch to avoid breaking them apart—the salad looks even more appealing and stays juicy, not mushy.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the mint and basil infuse every bite.
- Choose Super-Ripe Fruit: The sweeter and juicier the fruit, the better the flavors will pop—look for ripe, fragrant strawberries and cherries for best results.
- Jam Upgrade: Go for a high-quality or homemade strawberry jam if you can—its concentrated flavor really makes a difference in the salad’s glaze.
How to Serve Red Fruit Salad
Garnishes
For the prettiest presentation, scatter a few extra sliced mint or basil leaves on top of your Red Fruit Salad just before serving. If you want a photogenic pop, edible flowers like nasturtiums or a handful of pomegranate seeds are just lovely. A small drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar is also welcome for extra sparkle.
Side Dishes
This salad is so versatile that it effortlessly transitions from breakfast to dessert. Pair it with fluffy ricotta pancakes or Greek yogurt for a brunch feast, or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish at your next cookout. It also shines solo as a not-too-sweet ending to a summer meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Red Fruit Salad into individual goblets or parfait glasses for an elegant touch—or layer it with cream and granola for a berry trifle. For a fun picnic twist, pack the salad in mason jars for grab-and-go bursts of color. Even a rustic bowl with a big wooden spoon is irresistible when you see all those bright, juicy reds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Red Fruit Salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain the fruit’s texture and prevent it from soaking up any fridge odors. The flavors may become even more pronounced overnight.
Freezing
Because of their high water content, most fresh fruits in this salad don’t freeze well (they turn mushy when thawed). If you have excess, freeze it in ice cube trays for use in smoothies or sparkling drinks—the flavor is amazing even if the texture isn’t.
Reheating
No reheating needed—this Red Fruit Salad is served and enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. If your salad has been chilling for a while, give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the juices and freshen things up.
FAQs
-
Can I make Red Fruit Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Red Fruit Salad can be made a few hours in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors become even brighter as the fruit mingles with the herbal, citrusy dressing.
-
What if I don’t have fresh basil or mint?
If you’re missing either herb, don’t worry—just double up on the one you have, or substitute with another soft herb like lemon balm or tarragon for a different (but equally delicious) twist.
-
Can I use frozen fruit in this recipe?
For best texture, I highly recommend sticking with fresh fruit, but if you need to use frozen berries in a pinch, thaw and drain them thoroughly first—they’ll be softer and possibly a bit juicier, but the salad will still taste great.
-
Is Red Fruit Salad healthy?
Definitely! It’s loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from an array of fresh fruits. The addition of strawberry jam and herbs offers a flavor boost without adding heavy sugars or artificial ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Let yourself fall in love with the cheerful simplicity of Red Fruit Salad—it’s the kind of recipe that brings pure joy, whether you share it at a sunny gathering or savor a bowl all to yourself. Give it a try, make it your own, and watch those vibrant flavors light up your day!
Print
Red Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Red Fruit Salad is bursting with the flavors of summer. A vibrant mix of watermelon, strawberries, cherries, and raspberries tossed in a sweet strawberry-lime dressing with fresh mint and basil.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 small/medium lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, thinly sliced
For the Salad:
- 1 1/2 pounds watermelon, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered (halved if small)
- 1 pound sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 8 ounces raspberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry jam, lime juice, mint, and basil. Whisk well.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the watermelon, strawberries, and cherries to the bowl. Toss to combine.
- Finish the Salad: Gently mix in the raspberries.
- Chill: Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. For specific dietary needs, consult a certified nutritionist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
