Fresh Red Green Fruit Salad with Zesty Citrus Kick (Print Version)
Red Green Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing: A vibrant, refreshing mix. Easy to make, this zesty fruit dish is your new favorite healthy treat.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
02 -
2 cups green grapes, halved
03 -
3-4 ripe kiwi, peeled and sliced
04 -
2 cups honeydew melon, cubed
→ Citrus Dressing
05 -
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
07 -
1-2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
08 -
2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, wash all your beautiful fruit thoroughly. I always start with the strawberries, hulling them and slicing them in half or quarters, depending on their size. I find myself humming while doing this, it's a surprisingly meditative task. Then, halve those green grapes, peel and slice the kiwi, and cube the honeydew. This is where I usually make a small mess, with bits of fruit juice everywhere – a true sign of a good kitchen session, I think!
02 -
Grab a small bowl for this magical concoction. Squeeze your fresh orange and lime juice directly into it – honestly, the smell alone is invigorating! Drizzle in the honey, and give it a good whisk until it's all combined. Taste it! Does it need a little more sweetness, or a bit more tang? This is your moment to adjust. I once added too much honey and had to balance it with an extra squeeze of lime, it happens!
03 -
Now for the aromatic touch. Take your fresh mint leaves, stack them up, and roll them tightly into a cigar shape. Then, thinly slice across the roll to create those beautiful, fragrant ribbons. This is called a chiffonade, and it makes all the difference! The smell of fresh mint instantly brightens my kitchen, it’s just lovely. Make sure it's finely chopped, you want little bursts of flavor, not big leafy chunks in your fruit salad.
04 -
In your largest bowl (because a smaller one means guaranteed spillage, trust me, I've learned this the hard way), gently combine all your prepped strawberries, green grapes, kiwi, and honeydew melon. Pour that zesty citrus dressing evenly over the fruit. This is where you want to be gentle, almost like you’re cradling the fruit, to avoid bruising it.
05 -
Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh mint over the dressed fruit. Now, with a large spoon or spatula, very gently toss everything together. You want every piece of fruit to get a kiss of that dressing and a hint of mint. I love watching the colors swirl together, it’s so satisfying. Don't overmix, or your beautiful fruit might get a bit mushy.
06 -
Once everything is beautifully combined, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial; it allows the flavors to meld and the fruit to get wonderfully cold and refreshing. When it's time to serve, give it one last gentle stir. The vibrant colors of this Red Green Fruit Salad are just so inviting, I swear it practically glows!
# Notes:
01 -
Always use ripe, but firm, fruit. Mushy fruit makes for a sad salad, trust me, I’ve been there.
02 -
Don't dress the fruit salad too far in advance, especially if using softer fruits like kiwi, or it can get watery. About an hour before serving is my sweet spot.
03 -
Freshly squeezed citrus makes a *huge* difference. Bottled juice just lacks that vibrant punch.
04 -
Try adding a tiny pinch of sea salt to the dressing; it surprisingly enhances the fruit's natural sweetness!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
small whisk
03 -
cutting board
04 -
sharp knife
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 kcal
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Protein: 2g