Berry Fruit Salad Recipe

The summer heat is here and here to stay. And just so we are all on the same page, the last thing I want to do is stand over a hot stove. I am guessing you are feeling the same? Summer, for me, is all about slowing down, spending more time outside, and making a recipe that's going to cool me off. A bonus if it takes me very little time to make.

That's exactly why I will be making this mixed berry salad all summer long!

It's the recipe I throw together when we're having family and friends over for a cookout, when I need a last-minute side dish, or when I come home from the farmers market with way more berries than I intended to buy (Oops!). You know what is going to make you feel great though? That this bowl will come back empty every time. Yup. It's that good.

What makes this berry fruit salad so good?

Doesn't it make you sad when you see a weak fruit salad? They are almost always filled with an underripe melon, slightly browned apple chunks, and maybe, if you are lucky, a few lonely grapes rolling around at the bottom that everyone has been busy picking out. Thank goodness for us all, this berry salad is the complete opposite.

Instead of loading the bowl with a dozen different fruits, I let ripe, juicy berries do all their natural born work. Every bite is sweet, fresh, and bursting with flavor.

I also find myself making this salad recipe with berries constantly because the prep work is almost nonexistent. No peeling, no pitting, and no wrestling with a giant melon. Which is a big win in this summer heat! I'd say a max of 5 minutes of work is what you will be looking at for this simple recipe.

One of my favorite ways to make it is after a trip to the farmer's market. Every summer I tell myself "ok. I'm only buying one basket of berries", and every summer I somehow come home with four. Funny how that happens. BUT. This quick and easy recipe has become my go-to solution for turning that berry haul into something everyone gets excited about.

*Want more recipes like this? Check out these below:

• Summer Corn Salad
• Fruit Smoothie Bowl + Topping Ideas
• Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
• Sweet Potato Casserole

How to make berry fruit salad?

1. Cleaning the fruit and Bowl Assembly:

• In a large bowl, toss together 2 cups of strawberries (hulled and sliced or quartered), 1 cup of blueberries, 1 cup of raspberries, 1 cup of blackberries, 2 kiwis (peeled and diced), 1 cup of seedless grapes, and 2 mandarin oranges.

2. Making the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 2 teaspoons of orange zest, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and a pinch of salt.

3. The Finishing Touch:

• Drizzle the citrus dressing over the berries and fruit mixture, and give a gentle toss until evenly coated. Serve Immediately.

Expert Tips

While a mixed berry fruit salad is wildly easy to throw together, a few professional, back-pocket kitchen secrets will take you from "good" to "great" and quite possibly to "why didn't you bring the berry salad?!" at your next get together.

• Never skip the drying phase! If you toss wet berries together, the residual water will dilute the natural sugars, water down your dressing, and cause the fruit to deteriorate much faster. I always make sure to wash my berries ahead of time, then place them in a perforated container or colander lined with a clean paper towel inside my fridge. This allows air to circulate around them, keeping them incredibly crisp and perfectly dry.
• Timing is absolutely everything. Dress your salad with the citrus juice and sweetener only when you're ready to serve it. If you dress it hours in advance, it will cause your berries to soften and lose that gorgeous, plump texture.
• Be exceptionally gentle when tossing your berry salad. Raspberries and blackberries are fragile and break apart if you stir them too aggressively. A broken raspberry will bleed its color across the entire bowl, turning your pristine salad into a purple-toned blur. Try using a wide, flat spatula to fold the ingredients together with a light hand.
• With there being no heavy creams or complex cooking, the quality of your ingredients is of the utmost importance here. Choose ripe fruits that are completely intact, firm to the touch, and free of blemishes or bruises. If a berry looks sad in the container, leave it out. No one wants a sad summer berry salad!

Salad Variation

One of my favorite things about this summer berry salad is how easy it is to customize depending on the occasion.

For a fresh and unexpected twist, try adding a handful of finely sliced mint or sweet basil just before serving. The herbs add a little garden-fresh moment to your salad and makes it feel a little more elevated for the occasion.

If you're looking for a light lunch, serve the berries over a bed of peppery arugula, baby spinach, tender kale, or crisp romaine and finish everything with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. Talk about refreshing and healthy!

If you enjoy sweet-and-savory combinations, a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or feta adds a tangy contrast. While grilled halloumi creates an even heartier option for summer gatherings.

If you need some crunch, try scattering toasted walnuts, pistachios, sliced almonds, or candied pecans over the top.

Serving Ideas

One of the best things about this berry salad is how incredibly versatile it is. Of course, it’s absolutely delicious served all on its own as a chilled, refreshing snack on a warm day, but it can also elevate just about every meal.

I personally like to spoon it over thick Greek yogurt, creamy overnight oats, or layered breakfast parfaits for an easy morning upgrade, or serve it alongside pancakes, waffles, and French toast for a bright burst of freshness.

The sweet, juicy berries also balance rich savory dishes beautifully, making this salad a perfect summer companion to grilled or air-fried chicken, salmon, turkey, or chicken sandwiches, or hearty pasta salads.

Did someone say dessert? Try serving the berry salad over vanilla ice cream, layering it into puddings and trifles, folding it into freshly whipped cream and strawberry sauce, or piling it onto cheesecake or mousse for a simple yet stunning finish.

Storing the leftovers, freezing and make ahead

Store: I am unsure how you could have leftovers. However, if you do... store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. As the berries sit, they will naturally soften and release their juices, creating a sweet, colorful syrup that is every bit as delicious, even though the texture becomes softer over time.

Freeze: If the fruit becomes too soft for salad, don't toss it out. Instead, freeze portions in small freezer-safe bags or containers and use them later as a ready-to-go base for smoothies, protein shakes, or blended drinks.

Make Ahead: If you're preparing for a gathering, this salad is easy to make ahead. Wash, dry, and slice the strawberries a day in advance, then store all the berries together in a paper towel-lined container in the refrigerator. Keep the citrus juice and sweetener mixed separately in a small jar. Right before serving, simply combine everything in a large bowl, toss gently, and you'll have a fresh, vibrant salad that tastes like it was made moments before your guests arrive.

If you made this simple and delicious Berry Salad, please be sure to rate and review it below! I always love hearing from you and take your suggestions into account.

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