38 Fantastic Fruit Salad Recipes for a Colorful and Healthy Treat (2024)

You might think fruit salads are simple to make, and of course you are correct, but what is more difficult is finding a recipe that is a bit different from others, something a little more special. Anyone can cut up some fruit and throw it into a bowl, but it takes a properly good recipe to have people asking what’s in the salad and going back for seconds.

I very often make fruit salads in the warmer months, for light dessert options after BBQs or merely to have something in the refrigerator for my family to snack on. I don’t tend to put much thought into them and, while this is part of the beauty of a fruit salad, I do think I could‘up my game’ a little.

I have found a fair few fruit salad recipes which look not only delicious but also like something out of the ordinary. More than one of these will undoubtedly be gracing my table sooner rather than later, and I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with them too!

Fantastic Fruit Recipes that’s a bit… Different

1. Mimosa Fruit Salad

What better way to spice up a ladies brunch than by making a big bowl of this Mimosa Fruit Salad. As well as being packed full of delicious fruits, this adults-only fruit salad is doused with a splash of Prosecco.

You could use any fruits you wanted in this recipe, as in any fruit salad, but because of the added liquid, you would be better sticking to juicier ones. Banana, for example, wouldn’t work as well. There is a perfect mix of berries and other fruits in this recipe, making it bright and colorful as well as adding multiple different textures.

2. Fruit Salad with Honey and Lime

I like it when honey is used to sweeten recipes as opposed to straight sugar. Not only is this better for you health-wise, but it gives a far more interesting and complex flavor. It was the honey element which drew me to thisFruit Salad with Honey and Lime.

By combining the sweet honey with a hint of citrusy lime to create a sort of dressing, you add another level of flavor to the fruit salad. It would be sensationally fresh, a perfect accompaniment to a beautiful summer’s day.

3. Citrus and Pomegranate Salad with Chili-Honey Dressing

ThisCitrus and Pomegranate Salad with Chili-Honey Dressing sounds like something you would see on a menu in a restaurant and immediately order. I love making dishes which hold that kind of stature, as it makes me feel like I am far better in the kitchen than I am.

There are both sweet and savory flavors and ingredients going into this fruit salad, which ensures it will be profoundly different to any you’ve made before. The oranges and ruby grapefruits are sweet and juicy, while the red onion and black pepper are somewhat unexpected additions. That dressing will no doubt tie it all together, with sweet honey but also hot red chili, and make it an unforgettable dish.

4. Orange-Vanilla Glazed Fruit Salad

I would be tempted to try out this recipe with the inside of a vanilla pod as opposed to vanilla extract, as I tend to prefer the more natural flavor it brings to a recipe.

Usually opting for the most straightforward fruit salads possible, I have never experimented with making glazes or sauces to serve along with them, so I’d love to give this a go. The glaze in thisOrange-Vanilla Glazed Fruit Salad looks like it would add not only a little sweetness but also another element of flavor. Both orange and vanilla go well with all fruits so that you could add in others beyond those suggested in this recipe. Bear in mind however that certain fruits will last longer and better when refrigerated than others.

5. Strawberry Pineapple Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

I’ve never seen anything quite like this before, but I have fallen in love with the idea. This would be perfect for sharing with friends on a summer evening, and if you were hosting a biggerparty, you could easily make multiple batches based on how simple they are.

Strawberries and pineapples are two of my favorite fruits, and also a match made in heaven. Something which I think could be a charming addition to thisStrawberry Pineapple Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips, is passionfruit. Scoop out the inside of one or two passion fruits and toss together with the strawberry and pineapple to add yet another tropical twist. The idea of serving this fruit salsa along with cinnamon tortilla chips is genius and makes eating fruit fun.

6. Tipsy Red and Yellow Watermelon Salad

Melon is an epic fruit in many ways. It has its own unique but not too strong flavor, it’s sweet but not too sweet, and it’s juicy but not to the extent where it creates a mess. It’s no wonder that it is much loved by many, and if you thought you were a fan of melon by itself then you’ve got to try thisTipsy Red and Yellow Watermelon Salad.

I can imagine this being delicious on its own of course, but also generously poured over cold sorbet. You could play around with different flavored liqueurs if you wanted to, as I feel that watermelon would take anything pretty well. The mint leaves will add a hint of freshness to balance out the boozy element.

7. Strawberry Cheesecake Fruit Salad

Cheesecake of any kind is one of my favorite treats, and seeing it transformed into a fruit salad style dessert has me intrigued.

ThisStrawberry Cheesecake Fruit Salad is, of course, not the healthiest of fruit salad recipes, but there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself every now and again. The cheesecake aspect of the recipe is a regular vanilla flavor, which I love as it means any fruits will pair well with it. The graham cracker topping adds a much-needed crunch, bringing a new texture element to the otherwise soft and creamy dessert.

8. Cucumber, Basil, and Watermelon Salad

With thisCucumber, Basil and Watermelon Salad, comes another balancing act of sweet and savory flavors. This salad is full of Thai inspired flavors, with a dressing made of soy sauce, lime, and ginger, as well as a dusting of crushed peanuts on top. Although the dish itself is far from a traditional pad thai, these flavors are giving me similar vibes.

The addition of mango in this salad will bring an element of sweetness, along with the watermelon. There’s subtle heat from the pepper, and the bright colors are to die for.

9. Mojito Fruit Salad

Don’t worry, this Mojito Fruit Salad is, in fact, nonalcoholic, so it’s suitable for the whole family. That said, you could easily throw in a splash of rum if it takes your fancy.

Mojitos are one of my favorite co*cktails, simply because of how insanely refreshing and uplifting they are. Both lime and fresh mint add a beautiful fresh flavor to fruit salads when used separately, so I can’t even begin to imagine how delicious it would be when they’re added together. This recipe uses fresh berries as well as watermelon, which is always an excellent addition to a fruit salad as it absorbs all those yummy flavors and juices.

10. Creamy Grape Salad

I have never come across a Creamy Grape Salad, but in my hunt for the ultimate fruit salad recipes, I came across many different versions of it. It’s about time I hop on the bandwagon with this one I reckon.

Something I love about this recipe is that it doesn’t sound too sweet at all. Instead, it looks like it would be a wonderfully light dessert option. That golden brown sugar and pecan topping will be the perfect added crunch, and the recipe even suggests a couple of ways in which you could personalize the salad, like with candy bars or greek yogurt.

11. Very Berry Fruit Salad

You can’t go wrong with an all-berry fruit salad in my opinion. We grow hundreds of strawberries and raspberries in the garden each summer, so I am pretty much always perfectly equipped to whip up a Very Berry Fruit Salad.

I tend to sprinkle a little icing sugar over the fruit salad, but I like this recipe’s idea of using a lime and honey drizzle far better. Something I love about berry based fruit salads is that I find, for a few days anyway, they get better as time goes on. The juices of the different berries mix to create new flavors, so I advise that you make this a night before you plan to eat it and prepare to be amazed.

12. Winter Fruit Salad

I must admit I always struggle with fruit salads in winter far more than I do in summer. It’s more challenging to make them exciting when you are working with fewer fruits, which are often less sweet than you might prefer.

I have never been a big fan of bananas in fruit salads, I feel their flavor can be somewhat overpowering, and their texture does not bode well amongst other, more juicy fruits. This Winter Fruit Salad doesn’t use them when most others do, so it’s already a winner for me. The pomegranate is a lovely addition and one I often forget about; it makes the salad look bejeweled.

13. Marshmallow Fruit Salad

Here’s another fruit salad idea I had never heard of before. This Marshmallow Fruit Salad isn’t one for the overly health conscious, but I can imagine it would be delicious, even maybe with a scoop of ice cream.

A couple of the fruits in this fruit salad are canned, which is convenient if you’re in a rush or don’t have access to certain fruits at certain times of the year, but I reckon it would work just as well if not better with all fresh fruit. The mini marshmallows would add an interesting texture to the fruit salad, as well as their heavenly flavor, and the sour cream will prevent it from bordering on overly sweet.

14. Creamy Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Fruit Salad

To me, there aren’t many flavor combinations more comforting than apple and cinnamon. It makes me think of piping hot, freshly baked apple pies, and fond family memories.

ThisCreamy Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Fruit Salad is enough to evoke those feelings still, while being something fresh and different. I would never have thought to put dried cranberries into a fruit salad, but I might do so more often from now on, as I can imagine they would add a burst of tart sweetness. From crunch walnuts to chewy cranberries to crisp apple, this fruit salad will be a texture adventure.

15. Red White and Blue Fruit Salad

Jicama, the ingredient which makes the ‘white’ of thisRed White and Blue Fruit Salad, is not something I have ever heard of before. You never know until you try, however, and it certainly does the job of completing the artistic side of this fruit salad.

Another somewhat unexpected ingredient which accompanies the more traditional blueberries and watermelon, is feta cheese. When I first saw this on the list of ingredients, I wasn’t sure what to think, but the more I thought about it I realized that it would add just the right amount of saltiness without being overpowering. There’s also a hint of chili powder in this recipe, meaning there will be the slightest background heat coming through.

16. Berry Quinoa Salad

This recipe takes a traditional berry fruit salad and turns it into a substantial and healthy snack, or light meal, by adding quinoa. I can imagine this making the most delicious breakfast, especially in the warmer months when you can sit outside under the morning sun to enjoy it. A couple of spoonfuls of this fruit salad would also taste great atop a bowl of yogurt.

This Berry Quinoa Salad is again full of various textures, with the crunchy roasted almonds contrasting with the soft, juicy berries. It comes along with a zesty citrus honey dressing, including all the citrus fruits you could ever dream of as well as fresh mint and basil.

17. Summer Berry Watermelon Fruit Salad

This Watermelon Berry Fruit Salad is the perfect side dish to serve at the end of summer when the berries and melons are at their best. I love the combo of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries in this salad. It’s colorful, healthy and oh so delicious!

I love to serve this fruit salad at a backyard barbecue, but it’s also a fun way to add some summertime flair to a weeknight dinner. You’re going to love it, I promise!

18. Sunshine Fruit Salad

True to its name, this delightfully bright Sunshine Fruit Salad is all the best colors of orange and yellow. And the combination of pineapple, orange, and banana is one of my favorites. I think you’ll agree after just one bite.

It’s best to serve this salad as soon as it’s done, so the bananas don’t get brown. This one is perfect for a weekend lunch on the patio!

19. Tropical Fruit Salad

Nothing is better than fruit salad tossed with a scoop of Greek yogurt. It makes the perfect breakfast, and it’s fast enough to enjoy any morning of the week. Talk about a nutritious way to start your day!

This Tropical Fruit Salad makes excellent use of ripe melons and squeezing a bit of lime juice over the mixture takes it to a whole new level. You’re going to crave this all the time!

20. Creamy Vanilla Fruit Salad

You are not going to believe how wonderful the dressing is on this Creamy Vanilla Fruit Salad! There’s something about vanilla that pairs so perfectly with fruit, and I think the choices in this recipe are outstanding.

Of course, you can always mix and match what fruit you toss in based on what you have on hand. I love the blackberries in this one, but raspberries taste just as wonderful. I like to toss in melon when I have some. There’s really no fruit that doesn’t work in this salad.

21. Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad

I love to serve fruit salad for dessert, and this Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Fruit Salad is one of my favorite choices. It’s decadent and dreamy, but still pretty healthy. And it tastes just like cheesecake! What more could you ask for from a dessert?

This recipe is a yummy choice if you need to serve something gluten-free. Since you’re leaving off the crust, you have something safe to eat without giving up a favorite cheesecake dessert. Perfect!

22. Orange Honey Rainbow Fruit Salad

Orange juice is the ideal thing to use to dress this Rainbow Fruit Salad. Why? Because it’s healthy, but orange pairs so well with other fruits. Each bite is a flavor-packed explosion in your mouth. And all those berries make this a tasty summer salad.

Everyone raves when I show up at a barbecue or potluck with this salad in my hands. I’ve given out the recipe so many times, I’ve stopped counting. Yes, it’s really that good!

23. Honey Lime Quinoa Fruit Salad

I was amazed at how good quinoa tastes in a fruit salad. It adds a pleasant nuttiness and crunch, and that really brings out the flavors in the berries. And it’s so easy to make!

Quinoa is considered a superfood because it’s so dang healthy. And that’s reason enough to try this Honey Lime Quinoa Fruit Salad, with its delightful mixture of fruits and tangy dressing. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

24. Pistachio Fruit Fluff Salad

If you love pistachios, you are going to love this Fluffy Fruit Salad. It’s packed with bananas and pineapple, each bite coated with pistachio pudding and topped with maraschino cherries. It is a classic fruit salad from past generations, and you can bet it will bring back memories for lots of people.

Although you get the goodness of fruit in this recipe, keep in mind that it’s more of a treat with its heaped portion of whipped cream and miniature marshmallows. All I can say is it’s hard to stick to one serving. It’s so good!

25. Easy Winter Fruit Salad

The promise of ‘being easy’ is what drew me to this Winter Fruit Salad, but the taste is what makes me prepare it again and again. The combination of oranges, pears, and kiwis mixed with bananas and mint take some of the gloom out of the long winter.

You can also toss in some apples if the mood strikes. They’re always in season, and the red ones will add a nice burst of color to the bowl. I love to cheer my kids up in the cold months by putting this in their lunchboxes.

26. Mandarin PomegranateSpinach Salad

Just because it’s a fruit salad doesn’t mean you can’t also add vegetables. The mandarin oranges and pomegranate seeds in this salad pair wonderfully with the spinach and turn this into a full meal in one bowl.

I love this Mandarin and Pomegranate Spinach Salad even more because of the creamy poppyseed dressing and the crunchy nuts. Oh, and the avocado makes it ultra dreamy. You want some, don’t you?

27. Berry Caprese Salad

You might wonder if cheese and balsamic dressing really taste good with berries, but I’m here to tell you that they do. The cheese adds a mildness that is perfectly offset by the balsamic vinegar, and both bring out the texture and taste of the berries.

I like to serve this Berry Caprese Salad when I’m having a party and want to impress my guests. But I also love to whip up a batch and pack it in for lunch.

28. Summer Fruit Salad

Not only does this delightful Summer Fruit Salad have melon and peaches in it, but it’s also ripe with tomatoes, prosciutto, and burrata cheese. I love to serve this surprising salad as a light dinner. The balsamic drizzle brings even more flavor to the table.

You might wonder if pepper and basil taste good with fruit and I was a bit skeptical myself. But I guarantee this combo will quickly become one of your favorites.

29. Mexican Fruit Salad

If you’ve never had fruit sprinkled with chili powder, you are seriously missing out. This is a popular recipe south of the border and for a good reason. The bite in the chili powder offsets the sweetness of the fruit in a really tasty way. If you’re a fan of sweet and savory, you’ll love this.

Another great thing to adore about this Mexican Fruit Salad is the lime juice that’s drizzled over the top. It adds that little bit of tanginess that you crave. Yum!

30. Lemonade Fruit Salad

I love lemonade, and I love fruit so imagine my delight when I ran across this recipe. It’s so easy to put together, and you get so much great taste from the lemonade concentrate. It’s the perfect topping for bananas, grapes, berries, and melon.

I also love this Lemonade Fruit Salad because it keeps for a day or two so I can nibble it on anytime the mood strikes. Take this in your lunch and be the envy of the entire break room.

31. Moscato Fruit Salad

This salad needs a quick disclaimer – it really does have wine in it so don’t serve it to the kids. I love this Moscato Fruit Salad for several reasons, but one being that I don’t have to share it with the little ones tops the list. Oh, and it’s also sweet and tangy.

If you like sangria, this is the fruit salad for you. It’s similar in taste, but has more satisfaction and is ideal for an adults-only backyard party. Make lots – it’s going to go fast!

32. Crown Ruby Fruit Salad

Don’t you love the red color of this Crown Ruby Fruit Salad? It’s got strawberries, watermelon, and raspberries. In other words – all your favorite red fruits.

The flavors work so well together, and this salad is easy to toss together. And of course, the mint and lime take it to a whole new level. I love it, and I think you will too!

33. Fresh Grapefruit Salad

I think it’s a real shame that grapefruits don’t get more attention. They’re tart and delicious and make an unusual ingredient in a fruit salad. They taste especially great with fresh blackberries.

Top this Fresh Grapefruit Salad with some yogurt, and you have a breakfast you’ll want to get out of bed for. It’s just that good!

34. Pina Colada Fruit Salad

It doesn’t have to be happy hour to enjoy the yumminess of a pina colada. Just a touch of pina colada mix gives it such a great taste and it doesn’t have any alcohol. That means you can eat this for breakfast or lunch if you want.

My favorite way to serve this Pina Colada Fruit Salad is with barbecue pork sandwiches and baked beans. The fruit adds a pleasant sweetness to the meal. You can also serve it with a spoonful of whipped cream for dessert.

35. Watermelon Feta Salad

This is another tasty salad that makes great use of vegetables and fruit in one delicious salad. And I cannot get enough of the crunchy nuts in there too. The onion adds just the right dose of spice.

Another great thing to enjoy about this Watermelon Feta Salad is the slight saltiness from the cheese, which brings things to a whole new level. You’re not going to want to share this with anyone.

36. Cucumber Melon Fruit Salad

There’s just something about the combination of cucumber and melon that is so good! This salad also has green onions which give it an unexpected, but delightful spice and crunch. The white vinegar, ginger and lime juice in the sauce is so good!

I like to serve this Cucumber Melon Fruit Salad with grilled chicken or pork chops, but it’s also great as a light lunch too. It’s best to use mini cucumbers, but regular ones work just as well.

37. Grilled Stone Fruit Salad

Stone fruit has a really great sweetness that is enhanced by cooking it. When it’s cooked, it also has a sweet and savory thing going on that makes it perfect for salad.

If you’ve never had pine nuts on a salad, now is the time to try it because their mild taste and soft crunch are an ideal match with the sweet, soft fruit in this Grilled Stone Fruit Salad.

38. Mango Avocado Salad with Blueberries

Here’s why I love this Mango Blueberry Salad so much – the creamy avocado is perfect with the tart blueberries. And the mango adds a tasty sweetness that you won’t find anywhere else. If you are trying to impress someone, this salad will do the trick.

It is a perfect choice for summertime parties and works best with fresh fruit. The lime adds some zing, and you’ll be the star of the show at any party.

Conclusion

I can already tell that my summer willbe packed with fruit salads, and none of them will be as dull as those I have put together in previous years. Now that I have been awakened to the world of fruit salad glazings and dressings, there is no going back.

I am particularly drawn to the idea of the Mojito Fruit Salad, not only because my favorite co*cktail inspires it, but because of all that fresh mint in it. The Orange Vanilla Glazed Fruit Salad also looks particularly delicious and of course incredibly simple to make.