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    Home » Sides » Salads » Healthy Summer Salads with Fruit

    Healthy Summer Salads with Fruit

    Published: Jun 2, 2022 by HWC Magazine · 69 Comments

    Healthy summer salads with fruits displaying 5 different recipes.

    Looking for a refreshing and healthy way to cool off on a hot summer’s day? Try these quick and easy Healthy Summer Salads with Fruit - Perfect idea for a picnic, BBQ, brunch, or shower. Serve these fruity salads alongside our Green Chicken Kababs,  Bacon Wrapped Sausage Stuffed Pork Tenderloin or our many other Summer Grilling and Chilling Recipes for a perfect summer dinner plan.

    Not only are these fruity salads packed with nutrients, but they are refined sugar free - delicious clean eats. We’ve included helpful hacks on how to keep fruit fresher longer, a "Fruit Flavor Pairing Chart" and numerous fresh fruit salads recipes for all your summer gatherings.

    Healthy summer salads with fruits displaying 5 different recipes.
    Jump to:
    • What’s to Love
    • Grow Together – Stay Together
    • The Basics!
    • How to make a Fruit Salad Taste Better?
    • Why does Fruit Turn Brown?
    • How do you keep fruit from browning in a salad?
    • What to Serve With?
    • Try these Recipes
    • Tomato = Vegetable or Fruit?
    • Dressings and Vinaigrettes
    • Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
    • More Delicious Salads

    What’s to Love

    If you’ve been craving a bright and colorful fruit salad with a homemade zippy dressing, we have just what you’ve been looking for. Don’t worry! Theses healthy salads do NOT contain mayonnaise, ambrosia marshmallows, or whipped topping, (or any of those weird creamy questionable things) so they are less likely to spoil at a picnic.

    Many of these salads can be made in advance allowing you extra time to fire up the grill and entertain your guests. Elegant fruit cocktails are always a crowd pleaser at a potluck and add a splash of color to your dining table. Let’s explore what fruit salad options might be best for your menu plan.

    Grow Together – Stay Together

    Did you know that things that grow together are delicious in a recipe together? It’s nature’s delicious and easy way of helping us with menu planning. That’s convenient, right?

    If you walked through a farmer’s market right now, you’d find items that have been grown locally. These items may differ from state to state or country to country, but the concept remains the same.

    What grows together – stays together!

    Here is a very simple example… In mid-August, you might be able to find freshest tomatoes and basil in the Midwest.  Caprese Salad on a Stick is extra delicious because the ingredients are in peak season and pair wonderfully together.

    The Basics!

    • There are no set rules for what can or can’t go in a fruit salad. However, paying attention to what grows together – stays together is an easy way to decide what to include.
    • Choose the base for your healthy summer salad (leafy greens, grains, main fruits, or other vegetables).
    • Add in your favorite seasonal fruits
    • Select fresh herbs and spices
    • Drizzle with your favorite light and bright sweet fruit salad dressing
    • Try adding in fun textures like nuts, seeds, crispy tortillas, etc.
    • Add in grilled protein of choice like grilled chicken, Marinated Grilled Flank Steaks, Grilled Halloumi Cheese, etc.
    • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

    How to make a Fruit Salad Taste Better?

    1. For a healthy fruit salad recipe, try these seasonal fruit, vegetable, spice, and herb combinations for a pop of flavor.
    Fruit Flavor Chart infographic showing the best herbs, spices and flavors to pair with fruit.

    If you wish to use this handy Fruit Salad Pairing Chart on your website, just copy and paste the HTML code below. Please give credit to Healthy World Cuisine and link to our website. Thanks!

    Share this Image On Your Site

    • Drizzle on a zippy dressing or vinaigrette with orange, lemon, or other citrus fruits. The sweet and sour balance is key.
    • Add some texture like toasted nuts, seeds, crunch tortilla strips and crispy lettuces.

    Why does Fruit Turn Brown?

    Excuse us while we get a little food science nerdy for a moment…

    Do you remember this from science class?  All fruits have enzymes that are release when they are cut and exposed to air.  These enzymes start to break down the fruit.  This process is known as oxidation or enzymatic browning.

    Polyphenol Oxidase (enzyme) +O2 (oxygen) = Melanin (brown color /pigment)

    I bet you wondering if it is safe to eat that apple you just cut up because it is starting to brown? Right?  Of course, you can but it is not very aesthetically pleasing. Is it?

    How do you keep fruit from browning in a salad?

    Try these easy hacks!

    1. Chopped apples and pears will last longer if you place them in “salted water” overnight. This is a cheap method we learned whilst living in Japan making bento boxes. Just drain and rinse the apples or pears before putting them in a salad or a packed lunch box.
    2. Toss your fruit in a citrus juice like lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, or pomelo. The acid in citrus juice inactivates the enzyme, polyphenol oxidase, when it is exposed to air.
    3. Along those same lines, tossing cut fruit with acidic fruits like oranges, grapefruits or pineapples can also help prevent browning.
    4. Soak your fruit like apples and pear in a bath of 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 cup of water for just a minute or two before adding it to your summer salads.

    What to Serve With?

    Are you looking for some healthy dinner meal plan ideas? These healthy summer salads with fruits can be served as a main or as a side dish. Try these ideas!

    Pork is always more delicious with something a little sweet on the side. Don’t you think? Thai Pork Basil Skewers are delicious with our zesty Prik Nam Pla Dipping sauce and a side of our Thai Shrimp Mango Salad.

    Chicken gets a whole new flavorful profile with our Peking Style Beer Butt Chicken and Layered high Sesame Asian Salad.

    Fish that tastes like steak always gets a thumbs up with our family. Grilled Swordfish with Crab Salsa is delicious with a fresh garden salad with a Lemon White Balsamic Vinaigrette.

    Beef - Grilled Flank Steak with Thai Style Chimichurri complements the naturally sweet, tangy, sour and spicy Grilled Watermelon Salad.

    Vegan options include a Super Easy Grilled Asian Eggplant with a hearty Easy Summer Millet Salad because tomatoes are a fruit too.

    Try these Recipes

    Grilled Watermelon Salad (Thai Style)
    Have you ever grilled a watermelon? If not, you have no idea on what you are missing out on. This Grilled Watermelon Salad needs Just a quick moment on the grill to make the natural sweetness come to life.  When paired with fresh cucumbers and a sweet, spicy, savory Thai dressing it is one delicious healthy bite.
    Get this recipe
    Plate of deliciously grilled watermelon and cucumbers tossed in a Thai dressing on a white plate with a red and white polka dot napkin.
    Quinoa Fruit Salad
    Our quinoa fruit salad is fun summer fruit and grain salad. It’s packed with protein and has a delicious honey lime dressing. Whether you are looking for a side for breakfast, brunch or dinner, this salad is sure to please.
    Get this recipe
    Quinoa fruit salad in a wooden bowl garnished in mint with a wooden spoon.
    Summer Salad with Strawberry Rose Dressing
    Summer Rose Salad is light, bright, and filled with all our favorite summer fruits. Toss it with a little strawberry rose dressing for an aromatic and dreamy bite of heaven.
    Get this recipe
    Summer Salad with Strawberry Rose Dressing / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Tutti Fruitti Kale Salad & Citrus Honey Dressing
    How adorable are these Tutti Fruitti Kale Salad served with a Citrus Honey Dressing in pineapple halves? This pineapple fruit salad makes the perfect tablescape and you are going to love the zippy citrus dressing.
    Get this recipe
    Tutti Fruitti Kale Salad and Citrus Honey Dressing in a ½ pineapple with wooden spoons and fruit around on a wooden board.
    Spicy Shrimp Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
    Thai Shrimp Mango Salad is also referred to in Thai language as Yam Mamuang Goong Sod. Made with green mangoes, shrimp, herbs, and an aromatic dressing.  You can serve it upas a light main dish in a bowl or as fun lettuce wraps or as a side to any of our Thai Cuisine Recipes.
    Dried Cranberry Glazed Pecan Holiday Salad
    OMG! Glazed Pecans… Have you ever tried them? Top your Dried Cranberry Glazed Pecan Holiday Salad with a few and watch this green salad with fruits disappear like magic.
    Get this recipe
    Grilled Shrimp Nectarine Summer Salad
    Our Grilled Shrimp Nectarine Summer Salad is a complete meal. Serve with a few slices of our Whole Wheat Herb Focaccia Bread and watch it disappear.
    Get this recipe
    Thai Pomelo Crab Salad Avocados
    Thai Pomelo Crab Salad Avocados are the cutest idea to serve at a shower or brunch. You can make this citrus salad in advance and is just as delicious substituted with grapefruits and oranges. Scoop on top of avocado halves right before serving.
    Get this recipe

    Tomato = Vegetable or Fruit?

    You are correct! Tomatoes are both a fruit and vegetable. I know, confusing, right?

    From the botanical classification, tomatoes are fruits because it has seeds that grows from the ovary of a flowering plant.

    On the other hand, from the culinary classification tomatoes are vegetables because of their flavor profile and the edible part of the plant is usually eaten as part of a meal.

    Give these chopped fruit salads with tomatoes a try at your next barbeque.

    Gluten-Free Balsamic Panzanella Salad
    Bursting with sweet vine ripened tomatoes, this Gluten Free Balsamic Panzanella Salad with garden spinach a great addition to a summer meal.
    Get this recipe
    Caprese Salad on a Stick
    Basil and Tomatoes grow together and pair well together in Caprese Salad on a Stick. Salad is always more fun served on a skewer.
    Get this recipe
    Caprese Salad on a stick drizzled with balsamic glaze.
    Heirloom Tomato Cucumber Salad
    Garden veggies are the freshest served as a simple Heirloom Tomato Cucumber Salad. Quick, easy and all the vegetables are in season at the same time.
    Get this recipe
    Heirloom Tomato Cucumber Salad / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Easy Summer Millet Salad
    Say yes to gluten free ancient grains! This Easy Summer Millet Salad is sweet from the heirloom tomatoes and savory from the MiddleEastern lemon parsley za’atar dressing. Give it a try today.
    Get this recipe

    Dressings and Vinaigrettes

    What’s a salad without a fruity salad dressing? Right? It’s Just a boring fruit cocktail or cut up fruit. Make your summer salads with fruits come alive with these bright and zippy dressings.

    Framboise Osmanthus Rose Vinaigrette
    Green salads with fruit are enhanced with our Framboise Osmanthus Rose Vinaigrette. In season raspberries are steeped with a honey flower tea vinegar. The result is a delicious floral but sweet way to enjoy your healthy salads.
    Get this recipe
    Lemon White Balsamic Vinaigrette
    Our lemon white balsamic vinaigrette is a multi-purpose salad dressing.  Delicious on both savory and sweet fruit salads or as a marinade.
    Get this recipe
    Pouring lemon white balsamic vinaigrette over a tossed garden salad.

    Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

    How to prevent a fruit salad from getting soggy?

    The best way to keep a fruit salad crisp is to keep it stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container with a lid. Choose whole fruits like blueberries and grapes. Pineapple also lasts a long time in the refrigerator without getting soggy. Melons, like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, tend to get soggy quicker than other fruits. Bananas should only be cut right before serving summer salads with fruit.

    How long will fruit salad last in the refrigerator?

    Fruit salads are best enjoyed in the first 24 hours prepared. However, if stored properly, they can last 3 to 5 days.

    More Delicious Salads

    • Soba Noodle Salad with Yuzu Dressing with soft boiled eggs, radishes, peas and everything spring.
      Soba Noodle Salad with Yuzu Dressing
    • Sesame Burdock Root Salad / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
      Sesame Burdock Root Salad
    • Best Vegan Warm Swiss Chard Lentil Salad / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
      Best Vegan Warm Swiss Chard Lentil Salad
    • Vietnamese Shrimp Vermicelli Salad / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
      Vietnamese Shrimp Vermicelli Salad

    Did You Like Our Recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and/or a review in the comments section below. Your feedback is always appreciated! Follow us for more delicious recipes on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for our email list for more free recipes.

    More Salads

    • Plate of deliciously grilled watermelon and cucumbers tossed in a Thai dressing on a white plate with a red and white polka dot napkin.
      Grilled Watermelon Salad (Thai Style + Video)
    • Healthy chicken lettuce wrap topped with fresh vegetables, herbs, roasted peanuts of a wooden plate with prik nam pla sauce next to it.
      Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Thai Style
    • Quinoa Harvest Salad in a black bowl with apples and butternut squash in the background.
      Quinoa Harvest Salad
    • Two wooden bowls filled with autumn kale salad on a wooden board.
      Autumn Kale Salad

    About HWC Magazine

    Join our Healthy World Cuisine medical editors (trained in both Western and Eastern Medicine) and learn how to EAT your way around the WORLD from the comfort of your own kitchen. Grab free health tips, recipe ideas, meal plans and gain a better understand how eating choices can affect your health. Be the healthier and happier YOU!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. shenANNAgans says

      April 16, 2015 at 1:08 pm

      I'll take a bowl of each salad please. 🙂 They look so yummy, especially the red potato one. Mmmm.
      I just pulled my slow cooker out, its snapped cold here in Canberra. Sigh! Although, if I turn the heater up, reckon many of these would be delightful sides to accompany a hearty winter feed.
      Hope you are well lovely one, and that you have a beautiful weekend. xx

      Reply
    2. Mary Frances says

      April 15, 2015 at 11:41 pm

      What an incredible diverse and mouthwatering collection of salads! They all look delicious yet simple to prepare. If you're interested, check out the recipe for one of my favorite salads here: http://lovethesecretingredient.net/2015/03/15/blood-orange-avocado-and-baby-kale-salad/

      Reply
      • Healthy World Cuisine says

        April 16, 2015 at 8:43 am

        Completely delicious Mary. I can't wait to give your recipe a try. Loads of all of my favourite things; avocado, oranges and baby kale. I am swooning over your recipe.

        Reply
    3. jothetartqueen says

      April 14, 2015 at 12:21 pm

      Great selection of salads! love the list you put up! I've been craving a salad for a while now..

      Reply
      • Healthy World Cuisine says

        April 14, 2015 at 6:29 pm

        Thank Jo! It is skinny spring and I have been just craving salads and loads of veggies.

        Reply
    4. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

      April 13, 2015 at 3:42 pm

      I've seen most of these and I fell in love with each one. Now that it's getting more wintery every day, I don't crave salads as much but this is a post to save, for sure.

      Reply
    5. bakeplaysmile says

      April 12, 2015 at 12:22 pm

      Yum! These all look amazing (and just what I need after easter!!).

      Reply
    6. Lily Lau says

      April 12, 2015 at 12:11 am

      You were right, what awesome salads! I don't think I'll try meat again in quite a while... 😉

      Reply
    7. Christine | No Gojis No Glory says

      April 11, 2015 at 11:39 pm

      Oh man...slimming down a few more pounds. psshh...piece of cake with all these delicious looking salads. Great round-up Bobbi, and thanks for including one of mine! 🙂

      Reply
      • Healthy World Cuisine says

        April 12, 2015 at 9:48 am

        You are most welcome Christine! I love your salad and it is perfect for these upcoming events this spring...graduation parties, showers and fun gatherings.

        Reply
    8. Monica says

      April 12, 2015 at 5:34 am

      This is so timely, just as I'm thinking more about salads and all the seasonal produce we get to enjoy again. Great selection, thanks! : )

      Reply
    9. nancyc says

      April 11, 2015 at 9:38 am

      All of these salads look so good! Thanks for sharing this roundup and hope you had a wonderful Easter! 🙂

      Reply
      • Healthy World Cuisine says

        April 11, 2015 at 2:44 pm

        Thanks Nancy and a belated Happy Easter to you and yours!

        Reply
    10. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

      April 11, 2015 at 6:27 am

      Hi Bobbi! Thanks so much for including my Tsukemono recipe and your kind mention! As the weather is getting warmer, salad and vegetable dishes appear frequently on the table. Everyone's dishes are spectacular (good pick, Bobbi!). It'll be fun to try one at a time! Have a nice weekend!

      Reply
      • Healthy World Cuisine says

        April 11, 2015 at 2:45 pm

        You are most welcome Nami-san. Indeed it is time for a skinnier spring and looking at some lighter and healthier dishes.

        Reply
    11. Daniela says

      April 10, 2015 at 10:12 pm

      It's salad season and just by looking at these beauties, I feel already hungry.
      They all look amazing but I think my favorites is the Thai chicken salad in Wonton cups,
      so yummy.

      Reply
      • Healthy World Cuisine says

        April 11, 2015 at 2:46 pm

        Hello Daniela, I have made Nagi's Thai chicken wonton cups and they are gorgeous, they are a must try!

        Reply
    12. hotlyspiced says

      April 10, 2015 at 6:28 am

      What a great post. Such variety in these salads. I think I'd like to try the crunchy cabbage salad and your stir-fried romaine salad side by side! xx

      Reply
      • Healthy World Cuisine says

        April 11, 2015 at 2:55 pm

        Hi there Charlie! Thanks so much it was really fun doing this round up. I just had a sneak peak of your menu for Easter Sunday and oh my goodness your kids must just adore you. They will never want to leave home if you keep feeding them like that... LOL

        Reply
    13. GiGi Eats Celebrities says

      April 10, 2015 at 11:34 am

      I LOVE SALADS!!!! All types of combos.. YUM 🙂 Tonight - Tuna, Egg, Sauteed Onions & Sauteed Acorn Squash! 🙂

      Reply
      • Healthy World Cuisine says

        April 11, 2015 at 2:49 pm

        I do too and now that spring is here I am excited to get back on the light and healthier eating track. Tuna, Egg, Sauteed Onions & Sauteed Acorn Squash sounds amazing. Is this recipe on your website? will have to check it out.

        Reply
    14. mjskit says

      April 10, 2015 at 11:23 am

      Well, you certainly names this post correctly. What a great collection of salads!!!!

      Reply
      • Healthy World Cuisine says

        April 11, 2015 at 2:52 pm

        They are just gorgeous! Don't you just love how bright and beautiful these photos are!!! Don't you worry, if I do a chili pepper round up you will be the first person called. Actually, I have been seriously thinking about doing this so let me know if your interested.

        Reply
    15. bentodays says

      April 10, 2015 at 8:22 am

      Wow these look amazing! Would love to try out some of the salads here. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Healthy World Cuisine says

        April 11, 2015 at 2:53 pm

        Thanks Jean! I hope you do stop off and visit these awesome bloggers and their salads are just one of the very many gorgeous recipes on their website.

        Reply
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