This Red Fruit Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Loaded with sweet watermelon, juicy strawberries, cherries, and raspberries, it’s tossed with aromatic fresh basil and mint. The addition of strawberry jam and lime juice gives it a unique twist. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or looking for a healthy breakfast option, this salad will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful salad in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh fruits and herbs creates a deliciously refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: This Red Fruit Salad works great as a side dish, dessert, or even a healthy snack!
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for summer parties, picnics, or holiday celebrations like the 4th of July.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this salad is not only tasty but also a healthy choice.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Red Fruit Salad seamlessly, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment helps make the preparation enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space for mixing ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures that the dressing combines thoroughly for an even flavor throughout your salad.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface makes chopping fruits quick and safe.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife provides clean cuts for fruits, enhancing presentation.

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).

Fresh Fruits

• Watermelon: 1½ pounds (cut into bite-size pieces)
• Strawberries: 1 pound (hulled and quartered; halved if small)
• Sweet cherries: 1 pound (pitted and halved)
• Raspberries: 8 ounces

Dressing Ingredients

• Strawberry jam or preserves: 2 tablespoons
• Lime: 1 small/medium (juiced)
• Fresh mint: 1 tablespoon (thinly sliced)
• Fresh basil: 1 tablespoon (thinly sliced)

How to Make Red Fruit Salad

Creating your Red Fruit Salad is simple. Follow these easy steps to prepare a delicious dish that everyone will love.

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, add the following ingredients:
1. Strawberry jam or preserves
2. Lime juice
3. Sliced basil
4. Sliced mint

Whisk well to combine until smooth.

Step 2: Add Main Ingredients

To the dressing mixture in the bowl, add:
1. The prepared watermelon
2. The halved strawberries
3. The halved sweet cherries

Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well coated with the dressing.

Step 3: Incorporate Raspberries

Lastly, add in the raspberries. Using gentle motions, toss again to combine without crushing the delicate berries.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows flavors to meld beautifully!

Enjoy your vibrant Red Fruit Salad at your next gathering or as a delightful treat any day!

How to Serve Red Fruit Salad

Serving Red Fruit Salad is as enjoyable as making it. This vibrant dish not only looks stunning but also pairs well with various meals. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Breakfast Delight

• Serve alongside yogurt for a refreshing start to your day.
• Pair with granola for added crunch and texture.

Perfect for Picnics

• Pack in mason jars for easy transport, keeping the salad fresh and portable.
• Combine with sandwiches for a balanced picnic spread.

Ideal for BBQs

• Serve in a large bowl to share at cookouts.
• Complement grilled meats with this fruity side dish for a refreshing contrast.

With Desserts

• Drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a fruity topping.
• Use as a filling in crepes or pancakes for a sweet treat.

Refreshing Snack Option

• Enjoy on its own as a light snack during hot summer days.
• Pair with cheese platters for an elegant appetizer.

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How to Perfect Red Fruit Salad

Creating the perfect Red Fruit Salad requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to make your salad shine.

• Choose ripe fruits: Select fruits that are at their peak ripeness for the best flavor.
• Keep it chilled: Serve immediately after preparing or chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
• Add herbs just before serving: To maintain freshness, add basil and mint right before serving.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more jam or lime juice if needed.
• Variety of textures: Include fruits of different sizes and textures for an appealing presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Red Fruit Salad

Red Fruit Salad pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Here are some side options that complement its refreshing taste:

1. Grilled Chicken: A light, smoky flavor from grilled chicken balances the sweetness of the salad.
2. Quinoa Salad: This nutty dish adds protein and fiber, making your meal more filling.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides savory notes that contrast beautifully with the fruitiness.
4. Vegetable Skewers: Colorful grilled veggies add texture and flavor diversity to your meal.
5. Pasta Primavera: This light pasta dish complements the freshness of the fruit salad perfectly.
6. Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf offers a hearty base that pairs well with sweet salads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Red Fruit Salad can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish.

• Using Overripe Fruits: Overripe fruits can spoil the taste. Choose fresh, firm fruits for the best flavor.
• Not Chilling Enough: Serving the salad warm can make it less refreshing. Chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add depth to your Red Fruit Salad. Don’t skip the basil and mint to elevate the flavors.
• Ignoring Proportions: Too much of one fruit can overpower others. Stick to the recipe’s proportions for balance.
• Adding Ingredients Too Early: Combine delicate fruits like raspberries last to avoid squishing them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Red Fruit Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as fruits may become mushy upon thawing.
• If necessary, freeze individual fruit portions instead.

Reheating Red Fruit Salad

• Oven: Not applicable; this salad is served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid reheating in the microwave as it alters texture and flavor.
• Stovetop: Not recommended; this salad should remain chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Red Fruit Salad.

Can I use frozen fruits in Red Fruit Salad?

Frozen fruits are not ideal because they lose their texture once thawed. Fresh is best for this recipe.

What fruits work well with Red Fruit Salad?

You can use other red fruits like pomegranates or cranberries. Just ensure they complement the existing ones!

How do I make a vegan Red Fruit Salad?

This recipe is already vegan! Just ensure that any jam used is also vegan-friendly.

Can I prepare Red Fruit Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Red Fruit Salad is not only vibrant and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite fruits or adjusting the herbs according to taste. Try this refreshing treat at your next gathering!

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Red Fruit Salad

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 32 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 to 10 people 1x

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Description

This Red Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines sweet watermelon, juicy strawberries, cherries, and raspberries, all tossed with aromatic basil and mint. Enhanced by a touch of strawberry jam and zesty lime juice, this salad is perfect for any occasion—from summer cookouts to healthy breakfasts. Its combination of fresh fruits and herbs creates an irresistible taste that will impress your guests. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, this nutrient-rich salad serves as a delightful side dish or snack that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine strawberry jam, lime juice, sliced basil, and sliced mint. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add the prepared watermelon, halved strawberries, and halved cherries to the dressing mixture. Gently toss until well coated.
3. Carefully incorporate the raspberries using gentle motions to avoid crushing them.
4. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Dessert
• Method: N/A
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Choose ripe fruits for the best flavor. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for enhanced taste. Adjust sweetness by adding more jam or lime juice as needed.