Healthy Fruit Salad Recipe with No Added Sugar

This simple recipe for a Healthy Fruit Salad uses fresh seasonal fruits that highlight their natural sweetness. There is no need for any added sugar, whether served for breakfast, brunch, or even a summer dessert. 

Fresh fruit is a natural option when considering healthy breakfast foods.

Whether you are looking for healthy pancake toppings, incorporating it in a fruit muffin, creating the perfect fruit parfait or a simple garnish for waffles, crepes, scones or even oatmeal, nothing beats the natural goodness of fresh fruits.  

But, let me ask you something. Have you ever had fruit for dessert?

Or perhaps the question that begs to be asked is if fruit can even be considered a dessert?

Based on my experience as a dietitian and growing up Italian, the truth is that a fresh fruit salad makes a refreshing finish to any meal throughout the year. 

A winter fruit salad with pomegranates, pears and kiwis is especially appreciated after a holiday meal. 

This simple summer fruit salad I’m sharing with you today not only looks appetizing and refreshing, but it is delicious and makes a healthy dessert any time of the year. It is the perfect addition to any special occasion and makes a great contribution to potlucks and summer barbecues. 

The hardest part of making this easy dessert recipe is deciding which fruits to include.

You won’t believe how easy it is to make this healthy fruit bowl recipe. 

What fruits to use

No matter what combination of summer fruits you use when making a fruit bowl, it will always turn out great. Know that you can make substitutions based on the availability of fresh produce in your farmers’ market.

With that being said, here are the fresh fruits I used today:

• 2 oranges
• 2 cups strawberries (frozen strawberries are not recommended)
• 1 cup raspberries
• 2 cups blueberries
• 3 kiwis
• 2 medium peaches
• 3 apricots
• 2 ripe pears

How to make a fresh fruit salad recipe

Before we start cutting our fruit into bite-sized pieces, we need to wash our hands properly.

Then, we need to rinse all of the fruits under cold running water properly.

Then, set them on a clean tea towel and with another tea towel, gently pat dry.  

In a large mixing bowl, place 1 teaspoon of lemon zest along with the juice of half a lemon (1-2 tablespoons).

Then, cut all the fruit into small bite-sized pieces, except the blueberries and the raspberries. 

To segment the orange: Cut a thin section off the top and bottom. Place upright on cutting board. With a sharp knife, start at the top and follow the natural curve to remove the outer peel.   

Then, cut on either side of the skin to remove the segments of oranges. Hold the orange in your hand above the bowl to catch the orange juice drippings. 

Gently toss all the fruit together. 

If desired, add a sliced banana and gently combine right before serving.

Garnish your fresh fruit cocktail with mint leaves and serve. 

Tips

• Purchase fruit that is fresh and ripe for the best-tasting salad. 
• Remove the excess moisture from the washed fruit to prevent it from getting soft and mushy. 
• Cut the fruit uniform in size.  
• When segmenting the orange, hold it over the bowl to collect all of the juices.
• This fruit salad is best the day it is made. 
• If possible, purchase organic fruits. 
• For a totally different taste experience, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze. 

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover fruit salad is a wholesome and high-fiber addition to a breakfast smoothie. It can also be cooked and transformed into a simple and quick fruit sauce or an easy fruit compote. It’s also great with a dollop of whipped ricotta!

Can I make an alcoholic version?

Yes. To make an alcoholic version of fresh fruit salad, add a couple of tablespoons of your choice of alcohol. 

Healthy fruit recipes

Take advantage of fresh, seasonal and local fruits to make a slightly different fruit salad recipe every time you make it. Grapes, mango and pineapple, make a great tropical summer salad. For a winter fruit recipe use oranges, pomegranates, and kiwis. 

Recipe inspiration

Growing up Italian meant that there were always various fresh seasonal fruits served both as an appetizer and dessert. 

Always a great start to any holiday meal was my mom’s classic combination of fennel and citrus fruit in this orange salad. 

My Italian upbringing, where I was taught that fruits make great desserts, included macerated strawberries, baked apples, and stuffed peaches.

Although you might think that serving fruit for dessert is kind of boring, nothing could be further from the truth. As kids, we eagerly awaited my mom’s Italian fruit cup, also known as macedonia.

Although we rarely had overly sweet desserts, my mom always added a little sweetener to this quick no-bake summer dessert.

As a dietitian, I suggest tasting the fruit. Chances are that if the fruit is of high quality, it should be sweet. If not, add a tablespoon or so of honey; usually, that will bring out their natural sweetness.

I love combining fresh fruit with ricotta and crepes to create one of the best brunch recipes for Mother’s Day and Easter. 

Enjoy!

THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

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Ciao for now,

Maria

★★★★★ If you have made this fresh fruit dessert recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

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