This easy peach berry fruit salad is a colorful treat that’s sure to brighten your day! Juicy peaches team up with sweet berries for a refreshing and tasty dish.
It’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Sometimes I just eat it straight from the bowl—who can resist those delicious bites? 🍑🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are the star of this salad. If they’re out of season, use nectarines or canned peaches (in juice, not syrup). I love the combination of their sweet and slightly tangy flavors!
Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries for their sweet taste. Frozen berries can work in a pinch, but they may be mushy. If allergic, try apples or pears for a crisp alternative.
Blackberries & Blueberries: These berries add beautiful color and flavor. If you’re missing one, just double up on the other. Raspberries or cherries are also great substitutes.
Mint: Fresh mint adds a nice touch, but if you don’t have it, try basil for something different! Or simply skip it altogether; the fruit will still shine.
Lemon Juice: This keeps the fruit fresh and adds brightness. If lemon isn’t available, lime juice is a good stand-in.
Honey/Maple Syrup: These sweeteners are optional. You could also use agave syrup or even skip sweeteners if your fruit is sweet enough!
How Do I Keep My Fruit Salad Fresh?
Keeping your fruit salad fresh is all about water content and timely assembly. Here’s how you can do it:
- Wash and pat dry fruits before cutting to avoid excess moisture.
- Add lemon juice right after mixing to slow down browning and enhance flavors.
- Consider chilling the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
- If you’re preparing in advance, store the fruit salad in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this fruit salad whenever you like! Making it fresh is key to a delightful experience.
Easy Peach Berry Fruit Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fruits:
- 3 cups fresh peaches, sliced (about 3 medium peaches)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Optional Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons fresh mint, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fruit salad takes about 10 minutes for prep. If you let it chill for about 30 minutes before serving, the flavors really blend together nicely! So in total, you might spend around 40 minutes from start to finish, including chill time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fruit:
Start by washing all of your fruits thoroughly under cool running water. Once washed, gently pat them dry with a clean towel. This helps remove water that could make your salad soggy. Slice the peaches into wedges. Next, hull and halve the strawberries. You can leave the blackberries and blueberries whole—no slicing needed!
2. Combine the Fruits:
In a large mixing bowl, add in the sliced peaches, halved strawberries, whole blackberries, and blueberries. This colorful mixture will look so inviting!
3. Add Lemon Juice:
Drizzle the lemon juice over the mixed fruit. This not only prevents the peaches from browning but also adds a lovely zest to the fruit salad.
4. Sweeten It Up (If Desired):
If you like your fruit salad a little sweeter, drizzle in honey or maple syrup at this stage. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or large spoon so that all the fruits are evenly coated with the lemon juice and sweetener.
5. Garnish with Mint:
If you’re using fresh mint, sprinkle the finely chopped mint over the top of the salad. This adds a refreshing flavor and a pop of color! Toss lightly once more to mix.
6. Chill and Serve:
You can serve the salad right away if you like, or cover it and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps bring out the flavors and is extra refreshing on a warm day!
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Easy Peach Berry Fruit Salad as a snack, side dish, or even a light dessert! It’s colorful, fresh, and a hit with everyone!
FAQ for Easy Peach Berry Fruit Salad
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) or frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. If using canned, drain them well and if using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and drained to remove excess moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Fruit Salad?
Store any leftover fruit salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To keep it fresh, try to minimize the amount of time it’s left at room temperature. The mint will wilt, so if you’re storing it, consider adding mint fresh when serving!
Can I Customize This Salad with Other Fruits?
Absolutely! This salad is highly customizable. Feel free to add other fruits like bananas, grapes, or kiwi. Just keep in mind that some fruits, like bananas, brown quickly, so it’s best to add them just before serving.
Is This Salad Vegan?
Yes, this fruit salad is vegan! Just ensure that you use maple syrup if you want to sweeten it, as honey is not considered vegan.