Everybody needs a killer Fruit Salad, and this one is my favorite! The Very Best Fruit Salad is not just any fruit mix; it’s a vibrant medley that shines at BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, this salad is designed to impress. The unique glaze elevates the flavors, making it not only refreshing but also a delightful centerpiece for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can whip this up in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of fruits paired with the sweet-tart glaze creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish for BBQs or as a light dessert; it fits any gathering beautifully.
- Healthy Option: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from fresh fruits, it’s nutritious and guilt-free.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out fruits based on your preference or seasonal availability.
Tools and Preparation
To make The Very Best Fruit Salad, having the right tools will make your prep easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large serving bowl
- Microplane grater
- Serrated knife
- Peeler or paring knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large serving bowl: A beautiful bowl enhances presentation and provides ample space for mixing ingredients.
- Microplane grater: This tool makes zesting lemons effortless, ensuring maximum flavor in your glaze.
- Serrated knife: Ideal for cutting soft fruits like grapes and strawberries without squishing them.
- Peeler or paring knife: Essential for easily removing the skin from kiwis and mangos.

Ingredients
For the Glaze
- 1/3 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Fruit Salad
- 1 pineapple (chopped smaller than usual)
- 2 cups purple grapes (halved)
- 2 cups green grapes (halved)
- 1 pound strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- 5 kiwi (peeled and quartered)
- 2 large mangos (or 4 small mangos), chopped
- 10 ounces blueberries
- 6 ounces raspberries (optional)
- 2 (11-ounce) cans mandarin oranges (drained)
- fresh mint (to garnish, optional)
How to Make The Very Best Fruit Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
In a large pretty serving bowl, add the glaze ingredients:
1. Combine 1/3 cup apricot preserves, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
2. Use a microplane grater to zest your lemon. Stir all the ingredients together until smooth.
Step 2: Chop the Fruits
Start chopping the fruit in order:
1. Chop the pineapple into smaller pieces than usual and add it to the bowl.
2. Halve about 2 cups each of purple grapes and green grapes using a serrated knife; add them to the bowl.
3. Hull 1 pound of strawberries, slice them into quarters, and add them next.
Step 3: Prep Kiwis and Mangos
- Chop off both ends of each kiwi. Using a peeler or paring knife, remove the skin. Slice in half, then into quarters; add to the salad.
- For mangos, place upright on a cutting board; slice down close to the pit on either side. Score each half without cutting through the peel, then scoop out with a spoon. Add to the bowl.
Step 4: Add Berries and Oranges
- Gently stir in 10 ounces of blueberries and 6 ounces of raspberries if using.
- Open 2 cans of mandarin oranges, drain completely, and add them to the mix.
Step 5: Serve
Gently stir everything together before serving immediately. Garnish with fresh mint if desired! Remember that fruit salad tastes best when fresh; store leftovers covered in the fridge for quick snacking later!
How to Serve The Very Best Fruit Salad
The Very Best Fruit Salad is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this fruit salad will impress everyone. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your presentation pop.
Individual Bowls
- Offer each guest a personal bowl of fruit salad. This not only looks appealing but also allows for easy serving and portion control.
Skewers
- Create fruit skewers by threading pieces of the salad onto wooden sticks. These are perfect for outdoor events and make for fun finger food!
Parfaits
- Layer the fruit salad in clear glasses with yogurt or whipped topping. This adds a creamy texture and makes an attractive dessert option.
Garnished Platters
- Serve the fruit salad on a large platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves. This adds color and freshness to the presentation.
Breakfast Topping
- Use the fruit salad as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. It’s a delicious way to start the day with extra flavor and nutrition.
How to Perfect The Very Best Fruit Salad
To ensure you achieve The Very Best Fruit Salad, follow these simple tips for optimal taste and texture.
- Choose ripe fruits – Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best flavor. Overripe or underripe fruits can affect the overall taste of your salad.
- Evenly chop pieces – Cut all fruits into similar sizes for consistency. This not only improves presentation but also makes it easier to eat.
- Add acidic elements – Incorporate citrus juice to enhance flavors and keep fruits from browning quickly. Lemon or lime juice works wonderfully.
- Serve chilled – Keep the fruit salad in the fridge before serving. A cold temperature enhances freshness and flavor.
- Limit prep time – Prepare your fruit salad close to serving time to maintain its freshness. If needed, you can prepare some ingredients in advance but mix them right before serving.
- Experiment with textures – Combine crunchy fruits like apples with softer ones like berries for varied textures that make each bite interesting.
Best Side Dishes for The Very Best Fruit Salad
Pairing The Very Best Fruit Salad with complementary side dishes will elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Chicken – Marinated grilled chicken complements the sweetness of the fruit salad while adding protein to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with herbs provides a nutty flavor that balances out the sweet notes of the fruit.
- Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses offers savory contrasts that make each bite exciting when enjoyed alongside the fruit.
- Vegetable Crudités – Fresh cut vegetables with hummus create a crunchy contrast and are perfect for dipping.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and black beans add heartiness without overpowering the fruit flavors.
- Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad tossed with olive oil and herbs pairs well, providing more substance to your meal.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Juicy grilled shrimp adds a touch of elegance and complements the fruity notes beautifully.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes offer earthy sweetness that harmonizes nicely with tropical flavors in the fruit salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a fruit salad might seem straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to avoid to ensure you create The Very Best Fruit Salad.
- Bold Flavor Combinations: Choosing fruits that clash can ruin your salad. Stick to complementary flavors like sweet strawberries with tart kiwi for balance.
- Bold Cut Sizes: Cutting fruits in inconsistent sizes leads to uneven textures. Aim for similar sizes to ensure every bite is delightful.
- Bold Over-Mixing: Stirring too vigorously can mush the fruit. Gently fold the ingredients together to maintain their shape and freshness.
- Bold Neglecting Freshness: Using overripe fruit can spoil the salad quickly. Always select ripe yet firm fruits for longer-lasting freshness.
- Bold Skipping the Glaze: A glaze enhances flavor and keeps fruits from browning. Don’t skip this step; it’s key for the best taste!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the fruit salad covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Freezing The Very Best Fruit Salad
- Freezing is not recommended, as it alters the texture of most fruits.
- If necessary, freeze individual fruits like berries separately before combining them later.
Reheating The Very Best Fruit Salad
- Oven: Not applicable; fruit salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it will change the texture and flavor negatively.
- Stovetop: Not recommended; serving fresh is ideal for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making The Very Best Fruit Salad.
What are the best fruits for The Very Best Fruit Salad?
The best fruits include a mix of sweet and tart varieties like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and mango for balance and flavor.
How do I keep my fruit salad fresh?
To keep your fruit salad fresh, store it in an airtight container and consume within two days. Add a glaze to help preserve freshness.
Can I customize The Very Best Fruit Salad?
Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite seasonal fruits or add nuts for extra crunch. Experiment with flavors!
Is there a way to make The Very Best Fruit Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze and chop fruits a few hours ahead. Combine everything just before serving to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
The Very Best Fruit Salad is not only refreshing but also highly versatile! You can adjust it according to your favorite fruits or seasonal options. Try this recipe at your next gathering, and watch it disappear quickly as everyone enjoys its vibrant flavors!
The Very Best Fruit Salad
The Very Best Fruit Salad is a refreshing and vibrant medley that makes for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering. With its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also a nutritious option packed with vitamins and antioxidants. The unique glaze enhances the flavors of fresh fruits, creating a delightful explosion of taste in every bite. Whether served as a side dish at BBQs, a light dessert, or a breakfast topping, this fruit salad is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 pineapple, chopped
- 2 cups purple grapes, halved
- 2 cups green grapes, halved
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 5 kiwi, peeled and quartered
- 2 large mangos, chopped
- 10 ounces blueberries
- 6 ounces raspberries (optional)
- 2 cans mandarin oranges, drained
- Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, mix together the apricot preserves, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add chopped pineapple to the bowl.
- Halve purple and green grapes and add them to the mixture.
- Hull strawberries and slice into quarters; then add them to the salad.
- Peel kiwis and chop into quarters before adding them.
- Prepare mangos by slicing close to the pit and scooping out the flesh; add this to the bowl.
- Gently stir in blueberries and raspberries if desired.
- Drain mandarin oranges and fold them into the mixture.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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