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refreshing fruit salad

Classic Fruit Salad Recipe

This Classic Fruit Salad is a colourful, refreshing mix of juicy apples, bananas, strawberries, grapes, pineapple, kiwi, oranges and blueberries, lightly coated in a bright citrus-honey dressing. Easy to prepare and naturally delicious, it is perfect for breakfast, brunch, parties or a light dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, brunch, Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine Continental
Servings 6 People
Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
  • 1 Chopping Board
  • 1 Large Mixing Spoon or Silicone Spatula
  • 1 Citrus Juicer –
  • 1 Small Bowl or Jug
  • 1 Serving Bowl -

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium apples
  • 2 medium bananas
  • 200 g fresh strawberries
  • 200 g seedless grapes
  • 200 g fresh pineapple
  • 2 kiwi fruits
  • 2 medium oranges
  • 100 g blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint - finely chopped
  • Tiny pinch of salt - optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Wash and Prepare the Fruit

  • Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly under cool running water.
  • Drain and pat the fruit dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  • Hull the strawberries and quarter them.
  • Remove the grapes from their stems and halve any particularly large grapes.
  • Peel the kiwi and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  • Peel the oranges and separate them into segments.
  • Peel the pineapple, remove the tough core and cut the flesh into chunks.

Step 2: Cut the Apples and Bananas

  • Core the apples and cut them into bite-sized cubes or thin wedges.
  • Slice the bananas shortly before assembling the salad.
  • Avoid cutting the bananas too early because prolonged exposure to air can cause them to soften and discolour.

Step 3: Prepare the Citrus Dressing

  • Pour the fresh lime or lemon juice into a small bowl.
  • Add the honey and whisk until thoroughly combined.
  • If using chopped mint, stir half of it into the dressing.
  • Taste the mixture and adjust the honey or citrus juice according to the sweetness of the fruit.

Step 4: Combine the Firmer Fruits

  • Place the apples, grapes, pineapple, kiwi and blueberries in a large mixing bowl.
  • Pour over approximately half of the citrus dressing.
  • Use a large spoon or silicone spatula to gently fold everything together.
  • Avoid vigorous stirring because delicate fruit can bruise and release too much juice.

Step 5: Add the Softer Fruits

  • Add the strawberries, orange segments and sliced bananas.
  • Pour over the remaining dressing.
  • Gently fold from the bottom of the bowl upwards until the fruit is lightly coated.
  • Do not overmix.

Step 6: Check the Flavour

  • Taste a small spoonful of the fruit salad.
  • Add a little more lime or lemon juice if you want extra brightness.
  • Add a small amount of honey if the fruit is not naturally sweet enough.
  • Gently fold once more to distribute any additional dressing.

Step 7: Chill the Salad

  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Classic Fruit Salad for approximately 20–30 minutes.
  • This short resting period allows the citrus dressing to mingle with the fruit.
  • Avoid leaving the salad at room temperature for extended periods, particularly in hot weather.

Step 8: Prepare the Garnish

  • Wash and gently dry the remaining fresh mint leaves.
  • Pick the leaves from the stems.
  • Tear larger leaves gently if necessary.
  • Keep the garnish refrigerated until you are ready to serve.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

  • Remove the chilled Classic Fruit Salad from the refrigerator just before serving.
  • Scatter the fresh mint over the top.
  • Give the salad one gentle fold if necessary.
  • Transfer it to a beautiful serving bowl.
  • Serve chilled and enjoy immediately for the best freshness, texture and flavour.

Notes

  • πŸ“ Use Fresh Fruit: Choose ripe, firm, colourful fruit for the best flavour, texture and natural sweetness in your Classic Fruit Salad.
  • πŸ”ͺ Cut Evenly: Cut the fruit into similar bite-sized pieces so every serving has a balanced combination of flavours and textures.
  • πŸ’§ Dry The Fruit Well: After washing, thoroughly drain and gently pat the fruit dry to prevent excess water from diluting the citrus dressing.
  • πŸ‹ Balance The Dressing: Taste the citrus and honey dressing before adding it to the fruit and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your preference.
  • 🍌 Add Bananas Last: Slice and add the bananas shortly before serving to help prevent them from becoming too soft or discoloured.
  • πŸ₯£ Fold Gently: Use a large spoon or silicone spatula to gently fold the fruit together so delicate strawberries, bananas and orange segments remain intact.
  • ❄️ Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the Classic Fruit Salad for about 20–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to blend and the salad to become refreshingly cool.
  • 🌿 Add Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint just before serving for a vibrant appearance and refreshing herbal flavour.
  • 🍍 Make It Your Own: Swap or add seasonal fruits such as mango, watermelon, papaya or raspberries to create your favourite combination.
  • 🍽️ Best Served Chilled: Serve the Classic Fruit Salad cold for breakfast, brunch, parties, picnics or as a light and refreshing dessert.
  • πŸ“¦ Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within about 24 hours for the best flavour, colour and texture.
Keyword Classic Fruit Salad