Colorful, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious, this Peach Berry Fruit Salad is a burst of summer in a bowl! Packed with juicy peaches, ripe strawberries, and a medley of berries, this salad is as nutritious as it is vibrant. Whether you’re going the paleo or vegan route, it’s a versatile delight that quickly becomes a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Each bite brings a delightful mix of sweetness and tang, thanks to a perfect blend of fruits and zesty lime dressing.
- Simple and Quick: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or a quick snack.
- Healthy and Versatile: Enjoy this dish either paleo or vegan by simply choosing your preferred sweetener, accommodating various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peach Berry Fruit Salad is all about freshness and simplicity. Each ingredient plays a significant role in crafting this delightful dish’s vibrant look and taste, so opt for the best quality you can find.
- Peaches/Nectarines: These juicy fruits are the heart of the salad, providing a luscious sweetness.
- Strawberries: Their flavor is a classic pairing with peaches, and they add a beautiful red hue.
- Blackberries: These add a slightly tart contrast, perfect for depth of flavor.
- Blueberries: Small but mighty, they elevate the taste and antioxidant levels.
- Fresh Mint: Offers a refreshing and aromatic contrast to the sweetness.
- Fresh Lime Juice: A zesty touch that balances all the sweetness in the salad.
- Honey or Agave: Choose your sweetener based on dietary needs; both enhance the natural fruit flavors.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible, inviting you to tweak it to your liking. Here are a few creative ways to make the Peach Berry Fruit Salad your very own.
- Extra Crunch: Add a handful of nuts such as sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Tropical Twist: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for a little sunshine-inspired flair.
- Herbal Infusion: Switch up the mint with basil for an unexpected, delightful herbaceous note.
How to Make Peach Berry Fruit Salad
Step 1: Preparing the Fruits
Gently wash and dry all the fruits. Slice peaches and strawberries, ensuring uniform sizes for even mixing and presentation. Add blackberries and blueberries directly to your serving bowl for a pop of color and flavor.
Step 2: Crafting the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine fresh lime juice with honey or agave. Whisk until beautifully smooth. This citrusy mixture enhances the sweetness while providing a subtle tang that balances the dish impeccably.
Step 3: Assembling It All
Drizzle the vibrant dressing over your fruit medley. Add a sprinkle of fresh mint, then gently mix the salad, taking care not to crush the delicate fruits. Enjoy a moment to admire the colorful bounty before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Peach Berry Fruit Salad
- Ideal Ripeness: Go for perfectly ripe peaches and berries to ensure sweetness and avoid mushiness—look for a slight give when gently pressed.
- Chill Before Serving: For a crisp, refreshing experience, refrigerate the salad for 15 minutes before serving.
- Batch the Dressing: Make extra dressing and store it separately for a quick refresher if the salad is kept overnight.
- Delicate Mixing: When mixing your salad, use a spoon and a gentle folding motion to keep the fruit intact.
How to Serve Peach Berry Fruit Salad
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor with a garnish of whole mint leaves or edible flowers, giving the salad a stunningly fresh presentation perfect for any table.
Side Dishes
This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with grilled foods, refreshing light soups, or alongside a lovely quiche for a delightful brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the fruit in clear glasses for a stunning parfait-style dessert or serve in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a charming tropical twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Although best fresh, it remains delightful when slightly softened after marinating in its juices.
Freezing
This fruit salad isn’t ideally suited for freezing as the texture will change significantly. Enjoy fresh for maximum flavor and freshness.
Reheating
No reheating necessary! This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the delicious dressing.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen berries for this Peach Berry Fruit Salad?
Fresh berries are best for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery salad.
-
What can I substitute for mint if I don’t have it?
Basil or even cilantro can provide a unique and fresh herbal note as a substitute for mint in this salad.
-
Is it possible to make this salad sugar-free?
Absolutely! You can skip the honey or agave altogether, as the natural sweetness of the fruit should more than compensate.
-
How can I prolong the freshness of the fruits in the salad?
Store the salad in a cool, airtight container right after preparation and minimize air exposure by using parchment paper as a cover before sealing the lid.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Berry Fruit Salad is a celebration of summer’s bounty. Fun and simple to make, it invites creativity while promising flavors that will surely please. I encourage you to try it soon, letting nature’s finest take center stage at your table.
Print
Peach Berry Fruit Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 6 cups of fruit salad 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Peach Berry Fruit Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh peaches, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing with a hint of honey or agave, it’s completely vegan and paleo-friendly. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for a light snack, side dish, or dessert, and can be enjoyed immediately or stored for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 peaches or nectarines, sliced or diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 cups strawberries, halved or sliced
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 cup blueberries
Herbs and Juice
- 2 Tbsp. fresh mint, finely sliced or minced
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
Sweetener
- 1 tsp. honey or agave
Instructions
- Combine: Add the peaches, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the sliced fresh mint over the fruit.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey or agave until the mixture is smooth and the sweetener is dissolved.
- Dress the Fruit Salad: Drizzle the lime dressing over the mixed fruits. Gently toss everything together using a spoon or spatula, being careful not to crush the softer fruits like peaches.
- Serve & Store: Serve immediately for the freshest taste. Alternatively, cover and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the fruit is delicate and will soften the longer it sits.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches or nectarines for the best texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or agave if desired.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little extra mint or basil on top just before serving.
- Best enjoyed within 1-2 hours of preparation for peak freshness.
- This salad is naturally vegan and paleo-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
