Red Fruit Salad

This Red Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. With juicy watermelon, sweet strawberries, cherries, and raspberries combined with fresh basil and mint, this salad offers a burst of flavor. Ideal for summer cookouts, brunches, or even as a light dessert, it’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. The addition of strawberry jam and lime juice elevates the taste, making it a standout on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, you can whip up this salad in just 20 minutes.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fruits and herbs creates a delightful medley that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for various occasions, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations like the 4th of July.
• Healthy Option: Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this salad is a guilt-free treat that everyone will enjoy.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, it caters to diverse dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools. Having the proper equipment makes preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for adequately combining all your ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that your jam and lime juice blend seamlessly for a consistent flavor throughout the salad.

Ingredients

This Red Fruit Salad is loaded with refreshing watermelon, juicy strawberries, cherries, and raspberries tossed with fresh basil and mint, sweet jam, and lime juice. Serves 8 to 10 (depending).

For the Salad

• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 small/medium lime (juiced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (thinly sliced)
• 1½ pounds watermelon (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 pound strawberries (hulled and quartered (halved if small))
• 1 pound sweet cherries (pitted and halved)
• 8 ounces raspberries

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Red Fruit Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, add strawberry jam or preserves along with lime juice. Add the sliced basil and mint. Whisk until well combined.

Step 2: Add the Main Fruits

To the dressing mixture in your bowl, add in the prepped watermelon pieces, strawberries, and halved cherries. Toss everything together gently to ensure even coating.

Step 3: Incorporate Delicate Fruits

Carefully add the raspberries to your fruit mixture. Gently toss again to combine without mashing any of the softer fruits.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Once everything is mixed well, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

This Red Fruit Salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides an eye-catching centerpiece for your next meal! Enjoy!

How to Serve Red Fruit Salad

This delightful Red Fruit Salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a casual brunch, there are many ways to serve this refreshing dish.

As a Standalone Dish

• This salad can shine on its own as a light and healthy dessert.
• Serve it chilled in individual bowls for an elegant touch.

With Yogurt

• Pair the salad with Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• Drizzle honey over the yogurt for extra sweetness.

On Toast

• Spread some ricotta cheese on toasted bread and top with the fruit salad.
• This combination makes a delicious breakfast option.

At Picnics

• Pack the salad in portable containers for an easy picnic treat.
• It’s refreshing and hydrating—perfect on warm days!

How to Perfect Red Fruit Salad

To ensure your Red Fruit Salad is bursting with flavor and freshness, keep these tips in mind.

• Use ripe fruits: Select fruits that are at their peak ripeness for the best taste and texture.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavors.
• Add herbs wisely: Fresh basil and mint should be added just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and aroma.
• Balance sweetness: Adjust the amount of strawberry jam based on your preference for sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Red Fruit Salad

Red Fruit Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, making your meal complete. Here are some great options.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers
   These juicy skewers complement the sweet flavors of the fruit salad perfectly.
2. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a nutritious touch to your meal.
3. Pasta Salad
   A cold pasta salad with veggies provides a satisfying contrast to the fruit’s sweetness.
4. Caprese Skewers
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers offer a savory counterpoint.
5. Veggie Platter
   Serve assorted raw vegetables with hummus or dip for a crunchy addition.
6. Cheese Board
   A selection of cheeses can elevate your meal, providing rich flavors alongside the freshness of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Red Fruit Salad can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for to ensure it turns out perfectly.

• Using unripe fruit: Always select ripe fruits for your salad. Unripe fruits can be hard and lack flavor. Visit your local market to find the freshest produce.
• Overdressing the salad: It’s easy to go overboard with dressings. Stick to the recommended amounts of jam and lime juice. This will enhance the flavors without overpowering the fresh fruits.
• Skipping chilling time: Don’t forget to chill your salad before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the best taste.
• Neglecting herb preparation: Fresh herbs like basil and mint should be thinly sliced to release their flavors fully. Take your time with this step for a more aromatic salad.
• Ignoring serving size: Be mindful of portion sizes when serving. This recipe serves 8-10 people, so prepare accordingly if you have fewer guests.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• How long: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to keep fruits fresh and prevent them from browning.

Freezing Red Fruit Salad

• Freezing duration: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as fresh fruits lose texture and flavor upon thawing.
• Containers: If necessary, use freezer-safe containers, but consume within a month for best quality.

Reheating Red Fruit Salad

• Oven: Not recommended as it may wilt the fruits.
• Microwave: Avoid using a microwave; it alters texture.
• Stovetop: Serving cold is ideal; no reheating necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Red Fruit Salad?

You can add other red fruits like pomegranate seeds or even diced apples for added crunch. Adjust the herbs based on your preference too!

Can I make this Red Fruit Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to toss it again before serving.

Is this Red Fruit Salad suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains only plant-based ingredients.

What occasions are best for serving Red Fruit Salad?

This salad is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or holiday gatherings like the 4th of July. It’s refreshing and colorful!

Final Thoughts

This Red Fruit Salad is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various fruits or herbs based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or a summer cookout, it’s sure to impress your guests. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its bright flavors!

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Red Fruit Salad

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Red Fruit Salad is a colorful and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer with its medley of sweet fruits and fragrant herbs. This delightful salad features juicy watermelon, strawberries, cherries, and raspberries, all beautifully combined with fresh basil and mint. The addition of strawberry jam and lime juice enhances the flavors, making it a perfect choice for picnics, brunches, or as a light dessert. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, this vegan-friendly recipe is not only healthy but also visually stunning, ensuring it stands out at any gathering. Serve it chilled for an invigorating treat that everyone will love!

• Total Time: 19 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 small/medium lime (juiced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (thinly sliced)
• 1½ pounds watermelon (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 pound strawberries (hulled and quartered (halved if small))
• 1 pound sweet cherries (pitted and halved)
• 8 ounces raspberries
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam and the juice of 1 small lime. Add 1 tablespoon each of thinly sliced basil and mint; whisk until mixed.
2. Add 1½ pounds of bite-sized watermelon pieces, 1 pound of hulled and quartered strawberries, and 1 pound of halved cherries to the bowl. Gently toss to coat with the dressing.
3. Incorporate 8 ounces of raspberries carefully to avoid mashing them.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Use ripe fruits for optimal flavor. Chill the salad before serving to meld flavors. Customize by adding other fruits like pomegranate seeds or adjusting herbs based on preference.