Easy Fruit Salad

Quick and easy fruit salad is a delightful dish that perfectly combines fresh flavors, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a holiday, or simply looking for a refreshing snack, this Easy Fruit Salad fits the bill. With its vibrant colors and delicious dressing made from vanilla pudding, it’s sure to impress your family and friends while being effortless to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare, making it a quick option for busy days.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and mandarin oranges creates a refreshing explosion of taste.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect as a side dish at gatherings or as a healthy dessert option for breakfast or brunch.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or add nuts for extra crunch.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet and fruity flavor appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes preparing your Easy Fruit Salad even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for enough space to combine all your ingredients without spilling.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for easily slicing fruits like strawberries and pineapple.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of pudding mix and extracts.

Ingredients

For the Fruit

• 1 pound strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• 11 ounces blueberries
• 3 cups red grapes
• 1 whole pineapple (sliced)
• 15 ounces mandarin oranges (1 can)

For the Dressing

• 2 Tablespoons instant vanilla pudding powder (not prepared)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Easy Fruit Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

In a large bowl, combine all the fruit. Gently stir to mix everything together without bruising the berries.

Step 2: Add the Dressing

Sprinkle the pudding mixture over the fruit. Pour in the vanilla and almond extract. Stir gently again until the dressing coats all the fruit evenly.

Step 3: Refrigerate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. This allows the juices from the fruit to meld with the pudding mix, creating a delicious glaze.

Enjoy this Easy Fruit Salad as a refreshing side dish or dessert at your next gathering!

How to Serve Easy Fruit Salad

Serving Easy Fruit Salad is a delightful way to elevate any meal or occasion. This colorful dish not only looks appealing but also tastes refreshing, making it a perfect addition to various gatherings.

As a Side Dish

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light and healthy complement.
• Pair with barbecue dishes for a refreshing contrast to smoky flavors.

At Breakfast

• Top your yogurt with Easy Fruit Salad for a nutritious morning treat.
• Use as a filling in crepes for an easy and delicious breakfast option.

For Special Occasions

• Present in a large bowl at brunches, picnics, or holiday gatherings for a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves to add an elegant touch.

In Dessert Cups

• Layer Easy Fruit Salad in clear cups with whipped cream for a beautiful dessert.
• Add granola between layers for extra texture and crunch.

How to Perfect Easy Fruit Salad

To make the best Easy Fruit Salad, consider these tips. They will enhance the flavor and presentation of this delightful dish.

• Choose ripe fruit: Select fruits that are at their peak ripeness for the best taste and texture.
• Mix different colors: Combine various colored fruits to create an eye-catching display that invites people to dig in.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least two hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Add nuts or seeds: Sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds on top just before serving for added crunch and nutrition.
• Experiment with extracts: Try using different extracts like coconut or lemon for unique flavor variations.
• Adjust sweetness: If desired, drizzle with honey or agave syrup to tweak sweetness according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Fruit Salad

Easy Fruit Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some tasty options you can serve alongside it.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs complement the fresh fruit flavors beautifully.
2. Vegetable Platter: A colorful mix of raw veggies served with hummus makes for a crunchy contrast.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a savory balance that pairs nicely with fruit salad.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a comforting element that works well during summer barbecues.
5. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with Italian dressing can provide hearty satisfaction next to the light fruit salad.
6. Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses paired with crackers offers diverse flavors that enhance your meal experience.
7. Deviled Eggs: These classic appetizers add richness and protein, making them ideal alongside fruity freshness.
8. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned simply bring warmth and heartiness to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an easy fruit salad is simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Overripe Fruit: Overripe fruit can make your salad mushy. Always choose fresh, firm fruits for the best texture.
• Skipping the Dressing: The dressing adds flavor and helps the fruit stay fresh longer. Don’t skip the vanilla pudding and extracts!
• Not Refrigerating Long Enough: Allowing the salad to chill for at least two hours lets the flavors meld. Don’t rush this step; overnight is even better for taste.
• Overmixing: Gently stir the ingredients to keep the fruit intact. Overmixing can lead to a mushy salad.
• Ignoring Seasonal Fruits: While this recipe uses specific fruits, feel free to incorporate seasonal options for variety and freshness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to keep it refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness.

Freezing Easy Fruit Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the fruit.
• If necessary, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for up to a month.

Reheating Easy Fruit Salad

• Oven: Not recommended as this dish is served cold.
• Microwave: For best results, do not microwave. This salad tastes best chilled.
• Stovetop: Not suitable; serve fresh or chilled directly from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fruits work best in Easy Fruit Salad?

You can use any fruits you like! Berries, melons, and citrus all work well with this easy fruit salad recipe.

How long does Easy Fruit Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, easy fruit salad will last about three days before it starts losing its freshness.

Can I customize my Easy Fruit Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, marshmallows, or different dressings based on your personal preference.

Is this Easy Fruit Salad healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients from fresh fruits while being low in calories.

What can I serve with Easy Fruit Salad?

This fruit salad pairs well with breakfast items or as a side dish at picnics and barbecues.

Final Thoughts

This easy fruit salad recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, it’s perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite fruits and enjoy a delightful dish that everyone will love!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Easy Fruit Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Quick and easy fruit salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the best of summer’s bounty. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a festive gathering, a casual barbecue, or simply a healthy snack—this fruit salad dazzles with its medley of strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple, all harmonized with a delicious vanilla pudding dressing. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare, taking just 25 minutes. With customizable ingredients and kid-friendly flavors, this Easy Fruit Salad is sure to become a favorite at your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• 11 ounces blueberries
• 3 cups red grapes
• 1 whole pineapple (sliced)
• 15 ounces mandarin oranges (1 can)
• 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared fruit.
2. Sprinkle the vanilla pudding powder over the fruit, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Gently stir until all fruit is coated with the dressing.
3. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg